Do you ever get jealous?

Sniper1154

Sniper1154

Well-known member
Kind of a tender subject, I know. The word itself, jealousy, has so much negative connotation that it's a type of personality poison. But, yes, I admit, I occasionally get jealous of other filmmaker's success - or, rather the resources they have to achieve their success.

I've been vigorously making films since 2005 - when it truly became a passion; however my biggest hurdle is (aside from the obvious lack of money) finding people who will volunteer their time for nothing in the sweltering Georgia heat or frigid(ish) winters. Back when I was in high school it was surprisingly easy, but now it seems like even more of a struggle.

Last year I started a local filmmaking group in hopes of gaining more access to what I needed (people!), but it turned out to be a wash when the direction of the group went completely opposite of where I was hoping. I made some great contacts, however it really wasn't what I felt like I needed.

This past weekend I was able to work on a film that was smaller scale with a very dedicated crew that was exactly what I'd been looking for. Great mindset of the group, great creative direction, the whole nine yards. Naturally, these folks are moving to L.A. in a week's time.

So, that being said - do you ever get jealous? I don't want to overstate my jealousy - I don't sit in a room and stew over other folks' success; I just occasionally seem to find myself with a creative explosion and no real outlet to channel that energy because I'm short on help. I also find that my standards for myself are fairly high, and it tends to impede the process when I am less-than enthusiastic in working with dilettantes

A lot of this, I know, is attitude. Putting myself out there is something I really need to focus on doing, though I think jealousy in some sense is a healthy trait - it does push me to try and find what I'm looking for.

Sorry for the pseudo rant - I guess I'm kind of looking to see what advice others may have since for as long as I can remember DVXuser has been a great source for advice.
 
My way of getting jealous is to beat up on myself for not being where I want to be. Also, whenever those feelings come, I realize there are many people in the world way worse off than me so I really can't complain too much. I eat three times a day. I own a house. I have a wife and kid who love me and a job I do on my own time. If I'm never going to be Steven Spielberg, or even Kevin Smith, there are worse fates. But I'll keep trying to succeed. That's the best I can do.
 
Batutta said:
My way of getting jealous is to beat up on myself for not being where I want to be. Also, whenever those feelings come, I realize there are many people in the world way worse off than me so I really can't complain too much. I eat three times a day. I own a house. I have a wife and kid who love me and a job I do on my own time. If I'm never going to be Steven Spielberg, or even Kevin Smith, there are worse fates. But I'll keep trying to succeed. That's the best I can do.
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That's a great way to look at it and a kind of philosophy I've adopted recently. It's a good way of keeping grounded and rational - like you said there are millions (billions?) who are way worse than I am
 
Batutta said:
My way of getting jealous is to beat up on myself for not being where I want to be. Also, whenever those feelings come, I realize there are many people in the world way worse off than me so I really can't complain too much. I eat three times a day. I own a house. I have a wife and kid who love me and a job I do on my own time. If I'm never going to be Steven Spielberg, or even Kevin Smith, there are worse fates. But I'll keep trying to succeed. That's the best I can do.
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Man what film is your pic from its been bugging me for ages as I recognize that guy.
 
Money is the golden ticket to becoming a director. Whether it's your own money or an investor's money. You need to be out in the world pitching yourself and your projects all the time. You won't succeed in the film business if you aren't a businessman. Sad but true.
 
I get jealous of people who can get the resources but don't produce anything of quality with it. People like Tommy Wiseau, who can get $6 million together for a film but can't write, direct, or act to save his life. People like anyone who directs for ScyFy or the Asylum, who actually dump a servicable amount into their movies but deliberately make crap. People like Roger Corman, who used to make occasionally excellent exploitation films on a budget, but now just make CGI-laden junk that will never be looked back on in a few years. I get jealous of people with the resources and without the talent.
 
There are alot of people successful in the film business that I believe don't deserve to be there. Directors having millions of dollars thrown at them, but there's nothing you can do about that. You just have to do the best you can with what you've got. I have a friend in Houston that has a similar situation. He can never find people to help him with his films or to be in his films. If all else fails, use yourself. Write and shoot stories about one person or if you have a friend, two people. If nothing else you'll be getting practice. Also, keep networking and I'm sure you'll find other like-minded people. And remember this, whatever you lack in money, make it up in creativity. Technology of recent has been the great equalizer. There's almost nothing an indie filmmaker can't do that a Hollywood film can.
 
Not jealous, but inspired. I think jealousy springs from insecurity, but if you can use what someone else is doing as a motivator it can be an effective way to help light a fire under your own ass.
 
insecurity is interesting. even the people who've had success commonly say they often feel like a fraud and fear that one day others will realize they're just not worthy of their success. all i can say is keep at it, make innovative use of the resources available to you and "close the gap" between what you visualize yourself doing and what what you're capable of doing.

i've posted this video before but it appropriate to this thread.

 
Be very afraid of jealous people that are comfortable with the username Sniper.

BTW, I'm a terrible filmmaker.
 
milksac said:
Be very afraid of jealous people that are comfortable with the username Sniper.

BTW, I'm a terrible filmmaker.
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LOL! I remember this was the first handle I had when I registered for a football message board and I thought it was awesome because I was like 13. Old habits die hard
 
I think everyone feels it to an extent, I wouldn't so much call it jealous as much as envious. To me jealousy is driven more by anger, with envy, you can still be happy for the person, but feel as if you would like to be in their shoes. something like that.

It can be frustrating finding people as passionate or as dedicated as yourself, but dont let that hold you up, Go out and shoot, I shoot everyday, whether it being my kids, or the sunset. As long as your fine tuning and practicing as much as you can, you will in time benefit from it. My advice is to take your camera everywhere, You will be suprised how many people you meet shooting places. Or you could always move up my way and work with me and a few other dvxusers I shoot with. Were always working on several projects at any given time.
 
for me, only of people who are my age or younger. I'm jealous of some opportunities others get. Just put me in coach, put me in. But then I have to self reflect and remind myself just how good I have it.
 
I know a couple jealous people... and a couple others who think everybody is jealous of them. Both types are oblivious to their own reality. In my own experience, jealous people never admit they're jealous. They're usually insulted at the implication that they could be, and quickly transfer the emotion to something else... as they wish nothing but ill-will to the people they're jealous of... and the people who think everybody is jealous of them? They use that to brush off any jack-ass move they make... if they're called out on it. I used to have to deal with both ends of this in the same day (neither of them is me, but people I know).

The last time I ever felt anything that could be misconstrued for jealousy was when my best friend from my childhood befriended the guy my girlfriend at the time was cheating with... and dropped me like a hot potato. I ran into him some years later, and he ended up with what seemed to be a pretty amazing girl... and I remember feeling jealous that night :)

This is close to 15 years ago now... and that was the last time I felt it.
 
I usually don't care too much about what other people are doing. I don't worry about their success or lack of it. Just do what you think is cool and, eventually, others will agree.
 
If you've got post nasal drip you may want to try a nettie pot... but if you've got insufferable jealousy you may want to try eddie's pot.
 
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