This is how the filmmaker and creator Dan Covert built his creative career.
"Nothing's going to happen on its own," says Dan. "The ideal way to get your name known is to make goods. Even if it's offering many products to help get your friends to be involved in the process of making and keep you engaged as a filmmaker."
This philosophy has lead Dan to his current career which has led him to be awarded acclaim at AFI, SXSW, and clearly the selections of staff. " has shaped our careers,"" says Dan. "That may sound a little absurd, but it's true. There was never an audience for such things. We bought cameras, and learned to make items."
After the release of the feature film debut " Geoff McFetridge: The Life of an Artist," which was awarded an Audience Award at this year's SXSW and provided us with opportunities to talk about the process of creating with Dan about his creative process. Dan talks about the process that he employs to make his films in addition to the most unique north star-related projects. Have a look at a few of the highlights from the discussion in the video above. Be sure to catch the whole interview.
The first time you were employed as a graphic designer. Where did you go from there to feature filmmaker?
Dan Dan: Dan and I founded the company in the year 1996. It was initially graphic design-related business. At the end of the day the company was transformed into a motion graphics company, then an production company. It was a long and tedious process. The past was when we created shorts and many of them were picked by our staff to wear .
We've just begun experimenting in order to determine the style of our business as well as our roles as directors. The time was right to reach 40, and I thought "I'm likely to be making films in the coming years." But then I thought "Maybe I'll not make any films until I'm ready to get started." Therefore, I began searching for stories I wanted to tell and found the film.
16 years is a long time to develop the goods needed in this field. What can you do for the next 16 years to ensure that you continue creating?
Dan Dan: It's very pleasing to be able to write this. It was a while time ago when I didn't think, "Oh, there's going be this major event where changes my life and I'm going to the Oscars." I don't want to consider this issue. It's a matter of "Am am I happy with my life this morning? Are I enjoying travelling with my family?"
Once you've created something, it's released to the world. You can't be sure of how people will react to it. It's as if you ask "Did I accomplish my greatest task in the creation of the most effective product I was able to create? Have I got time for the people I respect and admire? Do we strive to be honest and authentic?" I'm a fiery-hot person. I run a business. I am a commercial director. I've been working on this feature length film for quite some duration. I've had a lot of success in my work. It's all about taking a tiny step at a time and doing things I like while declaring "We'll adhere to the instructions."
It's not something I'm particularly concerned regarding things like the " where they go' part because that can lead to death. In the end, at the end of the day no anyone cares whether you're famous, successful or not? These aren't things that will be remembered after you've passed away.
Which is your own North Star?
Dan Dan: We're continuously striving to make this better. It's all about storytelling. Craft and visual art. The terminology isn't clear. definition, however they carry significance. Similar to the question "Can you write a story?" Many times, people come with an idea that is not finished which is why we as storytellers, have to make the story.
The artistic and commercial can be seen as being in a way opposite however, they do not exist at the top of their game. The emphasis is on emotion and its expression through breathtaking cinematography. Everyone has their own voice. I am drawn to the their story and character.
What do you need to do to create a brand that won't affect the vision you've set for your business?
Dan At first, I thought that it was something along the lines of "Oh I'm being employed to complete the work that they require." Then I realised "No I'm hired simply to help them and I'm totally aware of the tasks I'm doing." It was a huge change to understand what the demands of their workers and their style of communication was. This is still a huge issue, but as I'm increasing importance of my role as an executive, I've realized that the business is counting on me to speak in an individual voice to understand the complexities and say "What is required of you to be doing is in the following manner."
Are there brands you'd like to work with?
Dan The reason I'm doing this is because I'm not very attentive to that type of matter. It's all about "Is this a rewarding or a challenging job?" Certain boring projects I've completed turned into the most enjoyable work. The video I made is a result of the type historian of Syracuse The result is of the Staff Pick video that we made. The guy was living in a basement, and came across this font. Pentagram turned it into the official logo for Syracuse University. The man is truly amazing. I would love to meet other people who have similar qualities to his.
Everyone would like to work for Nike and any other great company. Sure, it's enjoyable. But, I also love finding interesting tales that are fresh and unique, as well as it is a privilege to share the stories to the world.
I've never been able to be a director. This was an enormous validation to myself as a writer that I got 300,000 people over the course of two days of watching the film that we penned. This was an expression of "Oh I'm so grateful." Are you aware of what I'm discussing? The film was not produced as a short film. The film was developed for the client's project. We edited it a bit, following that I showed it to the audience.
Dress Code is in use since a while. What is it about the dress code that keeps you on stage?
Dan Dan is the place where all the creators can be discovered, as well as where you can view our work. The majority of our work is connected to short film. Self-funding is the concept, by which we release small balloons to test and then let other artists see the balloons. The results are usually unexpected. Ad agencies might contact you to say like "Hey we noticed this. Do you have the ability to do a commercial to us?" This is like a one-to-one. If we're working using this approach it is likely that people will take note, so our work receives a boost and offers the opportunity to earn.
Where can you go to find your inspiration?
Dan Dan: I find my biggest inspiration for my work is the art of. There's a reason I do not watch a lot of the films I see these days. It's been quite difficult for me and I'm then enticed to replicate what I like, which is the reason I search at things that are out from the normal and search for documentaries for feature films and even research frames as visualization strategies.
What's the most useful piece of advice that you've had?
Dan Dan, a character by Steve Martin where he says, "Be so good that you won't have anyone ignoring your." My experience is that I've really enjoyed the idea. The same is true for the majority of people seeking quick and efficient ways to build something before they're certain it's finished. For me, it's much essential to spend effort into laying the foundation of your work. You'll then be secure knowing that other people can see what you've built.
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