Taking Inspiration From The Oscars

 

It was Oscar weekend and what a fun show it was. Weren't Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin hilarious?  I was so happy for the "Hurt Locker's" accolades.  I only wish "Moon" would have been acknowledged (zero nominations), especially actor Sam Rockwell.  Still good, though.

One of my favorite segments was the "Best Short Film" category. It left me so inspired. Before the nominees were announced, they had directors discuss the importance of the short film in their careers.

 

 

John Lasseter (won best animated short for "Tin Toy" 1988 and then went on to direct Oscar winning "Cars") said:

You know, the tools to make a film are so readily accessible. Cameras, your lap top. My advice to young film makers is, the tools never make a great film, it's what you do with the tools. Telling a great story. Entertaining the audience. That's what's going to win you an Academy award.

This is true with illustration. So often, we get caught up in getting the most expensive this or top of the line that. I know I have often thought,  if I could only afford _ _ _ _  then I would be a great illustrator. How naive. Yes, it's important to have the right tools but what you do with them is what will get you noticed.  It still boils down to the creativity you share. I mean, we hear this advice all the time don't we with our portfolio pieces? Your illustration's must tell a story. The viewer should be left wanting to know what happens next. That's what makes them dynamic and interesting. Not that one created it with the most current programs on a cintiq (which I want btw!). 

 

 

And then there was, Taylor Hackford (won best short film, " Live Action" 1978 then later directed Oscar winning "Ray") who shared:

When you're a young film maker, nobody believes you can make a feature film. The best way to convince them is to make a short. You've got to start somewhere.

Again, this resonated with me. When we're first starting out, we envision our picture book sitting on the wall of fame at Barnes & Noble. Am I right? But how do you get there? I am still a firm believe that every job is a stepping stone. That's not to say we should work with a self publisher who is going to take advantage of us. But I do think working on projects that excite us yet  don't necessarily pay well is a great way of getting experience and honing our "voice" in the industry.

Yes, you've got to start somewhere and you just never know where it will lead.

Anyway, it was a great show and now I have a list as long as my arm of films I want to see as well as inspiration to get better at what I do.

Comments

[Diandra (Dee) Mae]

Those are exactly the same lessons I got out of the show! :) One of the winning actors interviewed on Oprah's after-Oscar show said something like, "When they're starting out, too many young actors focus on winning an Oscar, when they should be focused on being the best actor they can be."

I'm definitely looking forward to paying my dues in our industry. I tell all the new illustrators in our chapter, "This isn't a sprint. You need to be prepared for a marathon."

Great post, Roz! :)

[Gina]

Excellent post Roz. I especially like being reminded about the stepping stones in our career.

[Lynn]

Great post! I have to keep that in mind when I'm feeling down.

p.s.I loved the little exchange between Alec and George Clooney - so funny!

[roz]

Oh good, I'm glad you got something out of it too!
Dee that is a great quote too! It's so true isn't it? Sometimes the focus is on the wrong thing.
Lynn, the George/Alec thing had me ROLLING. So clever. hahaha!
That and "damn" helen mirren. lol

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