“Be inspired by people’s work, do not compare yourself to people’s work.” Fantastic advice!

I’ve heard a lot of this advice before, but sometimes you just need to hear it again from the right person at the right time. Thank you Danny for always being inspiring

You're an absolute gem to the filmmaker community here on KZfaq. Thanks for all the inspiration and great tips. You've taught me a great deal of the years.

i'm sure you have a list of youtube video ideas, but if you're ever runnin dry, i'm sure people would love these two: "How I Funded the Making of a REAL MOVIE" where you break down in a pie chart where all the money came from to make the movie (indiegogo, matti, sponsors, etc.) and any tips you have for finding sponsors/investors and another pie chart for how all the money was allocated between different departments/roles (G&E, HMU, Locations, etc.) there's a million videos on youtube about the creative aspects behind making a movie but barely any about logistics/finance/business of it. and the second video idea is: "How Movies are ACTUALLY made" where you go into how the production timeline was made and any lessons you learned or what you would've done differently with scheduling principal photography. thanks for everything you do Danny! you the GOAT!

I appreciated your last tip cuz met quite of few filmmakers recently at your private screening and everyone was so humble in talking about things they're working on, learning from others, and just make stuff. Much love bro 🔥

Hey Danny! Just wanted to say thank you for all your videos, and your generosity in sharing your film-making journey with us! You're a big reason why I finally started vlogging (finally finished the first one!) after putting it off for so long. Making stuff feels a lot more possible now after watching your stuff if that makes any sense at all lmao. I appreciate you very very much!

Loved this video and the advice in it! Thanks Danny!

Thanks so much for this video dude. It’s literally exactly what I needed right now. Been feeling stuck and low but seeing someone who inspires me like yourself say that your still figuring it out really helps. Keep up the good work man!

You forgot one tip: get yourself an employee of the month whos extremely soft, extremely cute, and extremely comfy

Great advice for new filmmakers and essential reminder of the fundamentals for established filmmakers. Beautiful to see someone in your position, who teaches others, admit that they are still a student of life.

I just finished my first feature film with my local company and I cant tell you enough how much your work has inspired me over the last few years. I've learnt so much from you brother. Much love from Samoa!

Duuude! This part when you talk about taking the picture in your head and making a video with it. It’s exactly how I feel all the time! Even if I know I’m getting better with each video I make, I always get this feeling. Good to know I’m not alone. Keep up your good work!!! 💪🏻

Amen to all of it. Cant wait to see your film. Congratulations on finishing. Amazing, courageous accomplishment.

Thank you Danny for being a part of this whole thing! Love your Videos and learned so many things from you, so that I become a fulltime filmmaker :)

Thanks Danny, really needed this!❤

Amazing tips thank you so much for the video. Please keep doing what your doing it’s so inspiring 🙌🏼🙌🏼

Don’t usually comment on videos; however, really appreciated this one. Not just filmmaking tips but life tips. The last one the best. Danny-your humility is a breath of fresh air!! Thank you!

Love all of this! Thanks for the positive inspiration to create. So many great practical points for filmmakers and creatives in general.

Thanks so much for this video... I really needed to hear these things ❤

I've seen lots of advice videos but this really captured what I've been learning recently. I'm in my third year of film school at Penn State and heading out to L.A in a few months with an internship. I've been learning this slowly over the past year but this was a great reminder of those lessons. At minute 11:00 I thought you had them all but then you hit on kindness. Kindness is such an underappreciated soft skill. We are forming groups for our year-long thesis film and people who are very critical and negative when on set dont get good groups, or any group. This is the best top 10 filmmaker lessons video. Another one will never have to be made.

I found your channel in 2020. Ever since then, it’s been so fun to hear your stories and get to know your insights. You’re the biggest inspiration ❤️❤️ Thank you so much for everything that you’re doing for the community and for providing so much value through your channel.

Perfect video to send to anyone when they ask for tips on getting started in film/videography. You’ve been preaching all of this for years danny and following these rules have got me to where I am now. Glad I got to meet you in Toronto and witness the pinnacle of what you preach be translated through ITIS on the big screen.

I find my biggest barrier has been finding talent. I’ve written a number of micro films, short films, spec ad pieces and its so tough to find talent for them. Granted, I’m not writing award winning screen plays… but it is so hard in my area to find people who are willing to give their time to the process. And, when you’re so new (especially to narrative filmmaking), you don’t have funds to pay people. So now you’re looking for people to act for free for someone who isn’t really going to help them “break out” (so to speak). Just frustrating but it has been worth the frustration so far…. Just hope it gets a bit easier to find them.

Great video Danny thanks for this bit of inspiration and knowledge!

"Done is so much better than perfect". That's literally what i need right now. Thank you Danny for always being inspiring. Much Looove

Whenever I get pre-shoot anxiety, I always watch a Danny Gervitz video, your confidence and relatability is so comforting

Im watching this rn 1am and i stood up to start writing and u gave me motivation to do smth rn, u r a blessing to youtube community man.

Wasn't feeling inspired to create for the last few days and then you posted this. Absolutely agree and solid advice about filmmaking. Thanks for doing this and being kind enough to share your journey. U inspire me in many ways and always grateful to learn from you.

thank you for your videos. It's inspiring and sets the right state of mind.

As someone who started in this industry by osmosis from being a prowrestler from Philly and doing video production in high school I sympathize with this video. After many years not doing it and Im about to dive back into TV production. I remember editing with 3 vcr's and a Panasonic VHS shoulder camera and two high-8 camcorders taking 8 hrs+ to make a 30 minute TV episode. Now everything is different.

Just what I needed to hear! Thanks for posting brother.

Thank you! You're such an inspiration to me. Keep Up the great work 🤍

Being kind is definitely something I'm learning - I realized even when you are being taken advantage of you still need to be polite in disagreement. I appreciate your videos Danny,; I'm on Year 3 of filmmaking - been subed to your channel for about 2 of them. You've been a HUGE inspiration and I learn a lot of things I would otherwise learn only after making a few calamitous mistakes.

This was right on time! Needed This!!!

This is fantastic advice. Really appreciating your work and the advice and instructional material. BRAVO 👏

11:58…. Needed this today Woke up today in cold sweats after a dream where I interviewed for a cinematographer job and was laughed out of the room because I didn’t know how to color grade in DaVinci or use a steady cam… After watching this I’m back at my desk editing the corporate video I shot last week. It’s not perfect, but it is better than the last video I created and that is what counts. Thank you for the weekly dose of inspiration Danny 💙 P.S. my buddy Wes saw your film and he said it was fantastic. Keep it up!

Just wanted to say thanks for being you big dawg! This video alone has given me a new outlook on how I want to approach filmmaking and one day go full-time. Don't ever stop being you big dawg!

Most times I don’t know what to say, and most times I say to much. In this moment, I just want to say thank you. You are an inspiration to all of us. This advice is golden! Thank you again.

This is the video, I've been waiting on. Thanks Danny!

I loved this! As a full-time professional singer who is moving his first steps into the filmmaking industry, I found your advice similar to what I would personally give to someone who wants to pursue a music career. Thanks Danny!

best video! loved it Danny❤

Highly appreciated, Danny. Thanks so much for all the great tips! Cheers and all the best for all your future projects

100% to BEING KIND!! These tips are so simple, but KEY to remember! Thx Danny, as always for inspiring me and so many others! :)

Such a spot on video. Actual real advice. Especially spec ads and kindness!

Thank you for throwing the light to guide us.

Thank you for all the tips! This really help so much more in me chasing my dreams!

This was very much needed, it was so life changing to meet you in Beverly last week at the private screening! After seeing how amazing your first feature was I’m now gonna get on my first feature script(if available I’ll send ya way when first draft is done👀). Can’t wait to see what else you’ll do love ya Danny, you’ve changed so many lives with you being you. So keep doin it💯❤️

Danny, you're the man! Great advice and attitude. Much appreciated brother!

I'm absolutely using your phrase "Done is always better than perfect" Genius.

Thanks for making this brother, I got a lot out of it! I'm 7 months into pursuing filmmaking full-time, getting a ton of work, making a ton of mistakes, having fun and figuring it out as I go!

It was so awesome to actually meet you in NYC for the screening! The movie was incredible, and so inspiring for me as well. Thank you for being a pioneer in this new age of filmmaking.🎥 Love you, Danny, and I’ll see you out on the field.

Love his advice of ''done is better than perfect'' and others as well .. His advice can be definitely be applied in any fields. I ve been doing music for a while and just been able to release one single+music video yet so far because of my perfectionism that stops me from moving forward. ''take it off your shoulders in order to enjoy what you are doing'' ... Great advice to keep in mind! thank you!!

Thanks for the video Danny! really helpful information!!

This is a really calming and nice video. Editing some sheet music in a pretty stressful way, but listening to this is helping out. Thanks!

Bro I've been making films for about 8 years now. Never really pushed myself. Trying to now. Still needed to hear this again. Thanks man!

Great advices, thank you man.

12:20 you mentioned "No one really knows what they're doing, just throw yourself into fire and make it work" that makes me feel better as I've been wondering if im doing alright recently in every project

This video touched my soul in a way that i cant describe, literally making today an unforgettable day to me. Im sure that in a few months or years i will comeback here in the comments to thank you one more time for inspiring me to do what i love for the rest of my life. Youre special. Best regards from Brazil

Such an inspiration Danny! Being kind is honestly the most important tip in this video!

I relate alot with your way of going about doing what you do with your camera...forever inspired.God bless the works of your hands Sir.

Golden Gems of knowledge. Thanks Danny 🙏

Danny Gevirtz, your message here hit me a lot. Filmmaking Is one of my dreams to do. I love the difficulty and I want to put my creativity that's in my head onto a film/video for others to enjoy. I also love being in front of the camera as well. Someday I'll work with you. Your amazing.

"Let go of perfection." The time is NOW, let's get it 🔥A lot of wisdom packed into this bad boy, thank you for sharing all of this man

Thanks for the advice Danny! 😀

This was such a good one Danny! Tons of practical advice in here. Great seeing you last week and watching your amazing movie. Been thinking about how amazing it was for the last few days! Thanks for sharing bro!

Thanks Danny! Biggest tip I’ve taken from watching your work is that you are genuinely “you” in all do. Thank you 🙏🏼

Done is better than perfect. Heard that so many times, even made a wallpaper. But the way you said it hits different. Thanks for reminding.

Golden advice Danny! Thank you for taking the time to share these with us

It's crazy how late I found this channel, I just couldn't stop watching your video for five hours. Really appreciate your content, and I will definitely apply your reminder and tips to my work. 🤞

All about backing yourself hey. Love it Danny.

Also, if you are watching this and are not a full time filmmaker and creator, you can still make awesome stuff in your spare time. It just might take a little longer. But work is work! I was of the belief that if I wasn’t doing filmmaking full-time, I wouldn’t be successful. My 9-to-5 funds my projects and the skill set of my regular job ads in my filmmaking. I’m currently shooting a documentary that really inspires me Andy is helping others and I can do outside of my regular job and raising two young boys. Something, even if its small, always beats nothing.

thanks for your all efforts giving to the community

Hey thanks for this video! It’s Great to listen to your tipps

Great video as always !

Super solid advice! I would say these tips can apply to so many other situations as well :) Keep inspiring!

Thank you Danny!

Thanks I love your very honest approach and your images are incredible. All of your advices are very handful and you threw some great peace of wisdom on it. Can wait to watch your upcoming feature film. Good luck for the post !

I agree! Corporate work is such a great way to hone your skills as a filmmaker. News is also good too.

Thanks for the nuggets Danny! 🙌🏼

I needed this, thank you! ♥

Thanks for being real 🙌 I definitely got some great tips from this. I definitely struggle to get content out because I’m wasting so much time trying to make it perfect.

Great tips! As an experienced filmmaker while I knew most of this, it's always great to hear that 'nobody knows what they're doing'. I feel like that should be more normalized, if I don't know what I'm doing on set, people can take it so out of context and start panicking--when really I just need a minute or two to gather my thoughts and ideas. I hope I can see your feature someday! I missed the NYC screening by a day, I was hanging out with Mark Bone at one of his screenings the day after, he and the audience that were there told me your film was excellent.

Honestly I find this advice still some of the best I've heard from most people. I have worked on features, shorts, music videos, docs, and I find that this advice still applies to me. About 7 years ago I bought the gh5s. I have literally been using that same camera for all the photo shoots and personal projects. It won't be the camera I use forever but it does its job. I think the big thing with new gear is people tend to think that new means better for them. But sometimes new could mean it is a photo first camera and for a videographer probably better to go with a different camera. Even the canon 5d still hold up nicely. I agree sound but also lighting go a long way in terms of quality. You can have a tiny little camcorder but if you have good lighting and sound, then the quality will show.

I appreciate these kind of videos!

REALLY appreciate this Danny 🤝 Lots of encouragement for new filmmakers!! 🫶

you're still one my key inspirations, thanks for the advice :)

This was by far the best filmmaking advice I've ever heard! Thank you!

Just finished my first year of working in filmmaking brother, and sometimes I forget you've been in the game for 8 years. I've always loved the work you create and you've inspired me to make multiple spec projects including a couple of short narrative films, a music video, and a few small commercials. They were great fun to make stuff with friends and I also learnt a ton. I will say though, it has yet to translate into much paid work. I've managed to get a decent amount of work on larger sets in G&E and camera departments, but as a DP, or 1 man band videographer, my opportunities have been a lot more scarce. It may be that living in Florida isn't the greatest for the industry, but I also attribute it to not knowing how to get the work in front of peoples faces. Outside of sharing it with my very small circle, any tips on how to get it in front of potential paying customers? A friend of mine actually mentioned Facebook Ads worked for him quite well although I've never even considered it. I've never been big into social media, literally created an IG just for my film stuff, and I don't have a LinkedIn, etc. Anyway, keep making awesome stuff brother, love you!

Such wisdom ... appreciate your sharing this Danny. #10 is crucial.

Brillant tips, always inspired by your filming and kindness!

Such a great insight because i just bought my FX3 yes in 2024 because this camera is like 3 years old but I want to make videos and shorts and learning everything i can about lighting and getting to know yourself and what you are capable of. I love the challanges. My FX3 will be here by wednesday and honestly seeing what it can do with some dedication and time i will be using it for years to come and im sure i will love it.

Wow LOVE the one about not knowing what you’re doing 😂 was telling my husband how we are literally ‘faking it til we make it’ and learning as we go. But at least the work gets done and people are still happy with the result thankfully 🤩

That was a great video, giving simple advice and delivered honestly. Really love the sentiment about staying humble and just being nice to people. Goes a long way in everything. The one nugget I got which I have known for a while and havn't gotten good at is SOUND. I choose my music really carefully but sound bites are so powerful. Thanks for that advice. It is so true.

Love your first point especially, Someone told me years ago "showcase the kind of work you wish to get hired to make." so I made same thing as you.."fake comercials" and videos that showed what I could potentially do. Great video.

Excellent advice!

Hey Danny, I don’t know if you’ll see this comment, but I just wanted to say thank you. This video inspired me to stop over complicating things and to just go out and shoot. I did that this past week and I posted the video over on tik tok and the response on it has been more than I have ever received. I say that because I was always so hard on my self but when I was able to just let my mind run free and not be afraid of the mess ups and everything technical, I was able to create a beautiful video. Thanks for all you do for the filmmaking community Danny.

Awesome advice Danny

So much good stuff here. Gotta love a good ole Interview + Broll style shoot

Thank you for the advice. As a new filmmaker/photographer this advice has been helping me lots. I started off going to local busniess offering my services for free. All I ask for is credit. They usually tell their friends and now I am getting booked up. We all have to start somewhere. Those “small jobs” matter and can get you to where you want to be. Note: I emailed you about the luts I purchased from you some time ago but can’t find them but haven’t heard anything back yet. How can we get this resolved? Thanks and man you are my inspiration!

As someone who is new to the youtube space and really the cinematography space, this video was inspiring. Sometimes we get so excited about gear and shoots that we forget to focus on the little things. You dont start as a cashier, with the mindset that your next role is the CEO. You have to continue working your way up.