I hope this will be met with an open mind and the capacity for self-scrutiny.

D ear Filmmakers,

It is a thrill, what we do. Hypnotizing audiences to believe in a reality that we’ve created. With light, electricity, programming, flesh, and bone, we are able to sew together a series of moments that can only be found in our dreams.

There’s a magic to filmmaking.

We find ourselves having access to the infinite world of the internet and thankfully many of us have been given a chance that we wouldn’t have had otherwise. I am thankful every day that I am able to call myself a filmmaker. I’m scared sh*tless to admit it because I know that my skill is far inferior to thousands of other filmmakers who are more dedicated, more talented.

When joining the ranks of the film world, an amateur will burden themselves with many unnecessary philosophies and notions. They think that having the right camera is the first and foremost place to start. DSLRs, several years ago, were the game-changer that allowed amateur filmmakers to get a taste of the good stuff: “Pretty Filmmaking.”

I had a revelation several months back after watching countless YouTube videos that were amazing. Despite their beauty, they lacked an aspect of filmmaking that was a core belief of mine: a decent camera. These videos were using cheap, point-and-shoot or entry-level DSLRs that were pulling off incredible shots. It finally dawned on me that my pursuit of professional gear had to take a sober look at itself.

My Cinema Camera (Yes, cinema.)

The Gear Excuse

Filmmakers and creatives alike are loaded with excuses. “IF” becomes the favorite word in our vocabulary because it offloads the locus of control from ourselves to the Outside World.

“If I only had a high-end camera, then I could make a great movie.” “No one will want to watch this movie if it was shot on a crappy camera like this!”

Be Shameless

The only way to break this trend of Gear Envy is for us to be Shameless. We must be shameless in our pursuit of a good story and to be proud or disinterested about what camera we use. I’ve twisted myself up in circles and succumb to DOUBT time and time again because I truly believed that my talents would be limited to my equipment. Bullsh*t.

We must approach our Craft head on with a reckless abandon and we should place the camera choice low on the priority list.

Get out there and get shooting!

What do you think? Agree? Disagree? I would love to hear.

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