What Are Your Six Favorite Films?

Let's put each of the six films in context by creating a bit more specificity around the question. What is your favorite film in each of the following six categories:

• Cinematography - the most visually stunning film you've ever seen

• Performance - the acting performance(s) that still give you chills

• Story - the story that feels bulletproof in its thoughtfulness

• Score - the greatest musical complement you've ever heard

• Emotional Impact - the one that gets you right here (fist over the heart)

• Set Design - the film that immersed you in the world the story is set in

If one film hits on many levels, that's perfectly fine too. That just proves how great a film it is.

This question is important for filmmakers because it creates a bit of a blueprint for who you aspire to be as a filmmaker and the team that you aspire to be a part of. It also gives you a list of professionals whose careers you should study and whose paths you may choose to emulate. From these six films, you can identify your favorite:

• Cinematographers

• Directors

• Writers

• Actors (Lead and Supporting)

• Composers

• Set Designers

You can follow their lives and careers through a myriad of ways that will give you insight into how and why they do what they do. Using what you find will serve as a continuous source of education from those you most admire. We would encourage you to leave no stone unturned when researching what they have to offer. Here are a few places to start:

• Print interviews

• Podcast interviews

• Social media posts

• YouTube videos

• Bonus content at the end of films

• Books they've authored

• Courses they've taught

• Autobiographies/Biographies

As a first principle, we believe that continual education is the key to becoming a great filmmaker. Learning from those we admire is one of the best ways to bring about the best in our own art. We invite you to answer the question with your top six films, write down the names of each of the major contributors as outlined above, and begin your research into how they do what they do. You'll be amazed at how much you'll learn.

As always,

Be Better. Be Creative. Be Engaged.

If you're looking for someone to help you on your creative journey, feel free to reach out to us. We'd love to work with you!