Author Archives: thevsstudioblog

All that I possess and useIs like the fleeting vision of a dream.It fades into the realms of memory;And fading, will be seen no more.-8th-century Buddhist master Shantideva from “The Way of the Bodhisattva” We constantly search for certainty in an uncertain world. The American Buddhist nun, Pema Chodron, writes beautifully on this subject HERE. SevenContinue reading “Uncertainty And Suffering”

“First thing I rememberWas asking Papa, “Why?”For there were many things I didn’t knowAnd Daddy always smiledTook me by the handSaying, “Someday you’ll understand”Well, I’m here to tell you now each and every mother’s sonYou better learn it fast, you better learn it young‘Cause someday never comes.” -from the song Someday Never Comes by CredenceContinue reading “Someday Never Comes”

“Tarry a little, there is something else. This bond doth give thee here no jot of blood; The words expressly are ‘a pound of flesh.” -Shakespeare, The Merchant Of Venice To do anything great, anything worthwhile, something’s gotta give somewhere else in your life. It’s just a fact. You’ll have to sacrifice time, energy, money,Continue reading “Is It Worth It?”

Audible (American football) : a substitute offensive or defensive play called at the line of scrimmage Much like a quarterback who steps to the line of scrimmage and calls an audible based on the defense, there are times when you as a producer must do the same thing. No matter how much you prepare, somethingContinue reading “Call An Audible”

…You Make It Happen. This excellent Vanity Fair article describes in detail the making of RAGING BULL. At the center of it is Robert DeNiro’s desire, make that obsession, to bring Jake LaMotta’s life story to the big screen. It’s a miracle the film was made as Scorsese’s originally wasn’t interested. It was only DeNiro’sContinue reading “It Doesn’t Happen Unless…”

“They (the whole-hearted) were willing to let go of who they thought they should be in order to be who they were…They believed that what made them vulnerable, made them beautiful.” -Brene Brown One of the hardest challenges for any artist, for anyone trying to lead, make change, attempt something that might not work, isContinue reading “V is for Vulnerable”

“Make movies. Not meetings.” -Mark Duplass Less time consuming and critiquing other people’s work. More time making and critiquing your own work.

“Don’t take it personally” is great to remember when someone we trust gives us advice or feedback. It’s not about us. It’s about the work. Helping us get better. Go further. Make the change we want to make. We should be grateful that someone took time to notice, to care, and was brave enough toContinue reading “Take It Personally”

First level: As artists, we must tell the truth. Next level: Tell the truth in an interesting way.