To establish the tone of this book and convey the essence of a balanced life, I generally avoid adopting a preachy tone when discussing life pursuits. However, the significance of this matter cannot be overstated in both your professional and personal growth. As you step into the remarkable journey of a filmmaking career, the most crucial undertaking is to grasp the terrain of your prospective clients. The goal isn’t to indiscriminately appeal to everyone, but rather to focus on those specific individuals who genuinely need and appreciate your distinctive “visual storytelling skills” to effectively communicate their messages. They are the ones who build your portfolio, their projects build your skill levels, develop your relationships, help you to identify your strengths and create the very foundation to which you build your platform on.

This endeavor doesn’t happen overnight, but is a meticulous path that is planned and plotted over time. As your skillsets grow, the quality of works gets better, the projects grow and so do the offers. Clients will be paying you for skills they either don’t possess or don’t have the time to do as-well-as-you could to do for them. This targeted approach not only makes your work more fulfilling but also more effective.

Outlined below are just a few of the essential steps for aspiring filmmakers and industry newcomers aiming to set out on that journey of creating a successful film business and becoming a movie-making hero.

As the Marvel® character Colossus from Deadpool© would say: Everyone thinks it’s a full-time job. Wake up a hero. Brush your teeth a hero. Go to work a hero. What the path actually looks like is building your career step by step until you can look back and see the monumental sum of your efforts. I hate to use pun but the path is Colossal. But like anything worthwhile in life, it’s never looking at the end of the line but focussing on the steps that eventually get you to your goal.

Tom Cruise – The Pinnacle of a life well lived

If you were to ask Tom Cruise, you know, that box-office phenomenon both as an actor and a producer with a prolific career spanning decades, if he had ever thought he would be sitting at the top of his incredible career today, it’s easy to picture him flashing that quintessential Hollywood grin, the one that lights up sets, stages, and any space he occupies, and humbly suggesting, “We haven’t reached the peak yet.” Therein lies the attitude that you need to have to go the distance with him. We haven’t reached the peak outlines the underlying message that it’s over when you say it’s over. Not until that point are you ever “Finished” trying to grow and learn and carve-out that path to where you want to be.

From the very start as a bit part actor in “Endless Love,” directed by Franco Zeffirelli, to his first major breakout role in “Risky Business,” directed by Paul Brickman, Tom Cruise has been at the heart of cinema that’s not just captivated audiences but has etched itself into the annals of film history. His journey has been marked by an array of diverse roles—from the intensity of “The Color of Money” and “Rain Man” to the profound narratives of “Born on the Fourth of July” and “A Few Good Men,” not to mention the gothic vampire erotica and allure of “Interview with the Vampire” or the exploration of true success in both life and career, as gracefully depicted in “Jerry Maguire.”

Breathe for a second, thought provocation can take a lot out of you. Tom Cruise has more than 43 films to his credit amongst other projects at various stages of planning and execution.  His ventures into the thought-provoking “Eyes Wide Shut,” “Vanilla Sky,” and “Minority Report,” the historic and cinematic breakthroughs in “The Last Samurai,” which centralizes on cultural exchange, personal redemption, and the clash between tradition and modernization, to the thrilling action of “Collateral” and “War of the Worlds,” the innovative storytelling of “Edge of Tomorrow” and “Oblivion,” showcase his versatility, dedication, and an unparalleled career. Oh, did I forget to mention that two of his franchises have hit well over the billion dollars mark? Standing on it own, Top Gun Maverick has raked in nearly 1.5 billion dollars and is in the top 5 highest grossing films ever made. Not bad for a bit-part actor who had a debut role in the 1981 American Romantic Drama Endless Love.

There are no shortcuts. Attempting to bypass the necessary, sometimes hard work not only undermines your skills but also risks portraying you as inexperienced to the industry or worse, being labeled a “BOZO by the late founder of Apple Computer, Steve Jobs who coined the title.”  Remember, dedication and time are your most valuable investments. If anything, Tom Cruise outlines the perfection of a career, even in the face of many projects that never saw the light of day, production company partnerships, takeovers that didn’t materialize. Whatever. His dedication and serious nature is always leading him into taking on the challenge for the sake of taking it on. Not to increase his account holdings, but to increase his collection of incredible experiences. That drive is what it means to reach the pinnacle of a life well lived. Commit to the process, and success will follow for those truly passionate about perfecting their craft. If you are too busy making excuses for why and how you can’t, you never will. 

Where to start

Some of the processes we will be developing together will help you take a more strategic approach to arriving at the goal line of your efforts, which hopefully will get you across your personal goal line.

• • Understanding your unique offering: It is the ‘How’, ‘Why’, and actionable processes to carve out your niche.
  • Developing a strategic approach: Master the art of targeting your audience with precision.
  • Cultivate your craft: Enhanced filmmaking skills through continuous learning and practice.
  • Building a network: Forge meaningful connections within the film industry. Start locally.
  • Marketing the vision: Learn how to effectively communicate your artistic vision to the world. Stay humble, simple.
  • Sustaining your passion: Strategies for maintaining drive and enthusiasm in the face of challenges.

Prepare yourself to take on the demons and self-doubts that will haunt you on your journey.

Tip of the day:  Don’t be an asshat. A little etiquette goes a long way.

In summary, not being an “asshat” means behaving in a way that is considerate to others and enhances the community or social setting you are part of.

Navigating the complexities of any professional environment, especially industries known for their competitive and high-stakes nature, requires both caution and discernment. It’s essential to be mindful of the fact that not everyone you encounter will have your best interests in mind. Unfortunately, some individuals or entities might exploit inexperience or insecurities for their own benefit, tarnishing the reputation of the industry in the process. This doesn’t mean that the sector is devoid of integrity, but it’s crucial to stay alert to the motives of those around you.

Recognizing the distinction between genuine support and opportunistic behavior is key. While competition is an inherent aspect of any industry, it’s important not to mistake competitors for mentors or supporters. They have their own objectives and may prioritize their success over yours, sometimes even to the detriment of your endeavors. Moreover, interpersonal relationships within professional settings can be complex. Good intentions don’t always equate to beneficial outcomes, especially if individuals bring their own issues and agendas into your professional journey. Emotional intelligence and the ability to discern genuine guidance from manipulation are invaluable skills in such contexts.

Maintaining a focus on your career goals amidst these challenges is vital. Be wary of distractions, negativity, or discouragement that could derail your progress. Recognize that while the journey is fraught with challenges, it’s also filled with opportunities for growth, learning, and meaningful connections.

In sum, while vigilance against potential scams and schemes is crucial, so is nurturing a positive, resilient mindset. Remember to stay kind, remain true to your path, and cultivate a network of support grounded in mutual respect and genuine encouragement. This balanced approach will not only help safeguard your career aspirations but also contribute to your overall well-being and success in the industry.

A final note on the topic: A scheme typically benefits its proposer at your expense, while a scam deceitfully promises value it fails to deliver. Distinguishing between these will spare you both heartache and precious time. Understand early on that time is your most invaluable asset. Misusing your time or emotional capital on futile pursuits are never rewarding and rarely fulfilling. They darken you and take away life’s most precious asset: Time. The emphasis on discernment in how we allocate our time underscores the importance of making conscious choices—about the people we trust, the projects we undertake, and the values we live by. This discernment allows us to avoid the pitfalls of being drawn into the darkness of unfulfilling endeavors and instead, focus on what truly enriches our lives.

In sum, understanding the true nature of schemes and scams, coupled with a deep appreciation for the value of time, empowers us to make decisions that protect our well-being, foster genuine growth, and ensure that we live our lives to the fullest. Remember, every moment spent is a moment you cannot get back, so choose wisely, aim for authenticity, and let your efforts over time reflect the light of your true desires and aspirations.