From a rainy November day. Thursday, November 21st Hey Filmmaker, In both filmmaking and life, meaningful relationships aren’t built by playing it safe. Whether it’s forging a creative partnership, directing a complex scene, or committing to a deeply personal connection, risk is the glue that holds relationships together. The willingness to be vulnerable, to invest without guarantees, and to face uncertainty head-on is what builds trust, deepens bonds, and makes both films and relationships extraordinary. As filmmakers, our entire craft is rooted in risk. We risk our time, our resources, and often our emotional well-being for projects we believe in. But this isn’t just about the film—it’s about the people who make the journey worthwhile. Without risk, there’s no trust, and without trust, there’s no collaboration. In this post, we’ll explore why risk-taking is the foundation of relationships in filmmaking and life, and how embracing it can lead to better films and deeper connections. Risk as the Foundation of Relationships: Lessons for Filmmakers and Beyond THE MODERN FILMMAKER This Issue: Why Taking Risks is the Key to Building Relationships in Filmmaking and Life… Last Issue: How to Attract Investors, Talent, and Distributors: Use a Film Finance Plan… On Sale Now: The Modern Filmmaker’s On Set Filmmaking Dictionary. So There I Was… (Story) So there I was, sitting across from a producer I desperately wanted to work with. I’d spent weeks refining my pitch for a film I was sure could be the next indie darling. I had rehearsed every detail—budget, cast ideas, and the emotional core of the story. But as I started my pitch, I could see his interest waning. He wasn’t connecting. My polished delivery wasn’t enough. In a moment of desperation, I scrapped my script. I dropped the rehearsed lines and told him the truth: this film wasn’t just a project—it was personal. I shared a story from my life that inspired the script. I talked about the risks I’d taken to get to this point—quitting my job, maxing out credit cards, and pouring my heart into a story I believed needed to be told. By the end, I wasn’t sure if I had blown it or struck a chord. Then the producer leaned forward and said, “That’s what I needed to hear. Let’s make this film.” That meeting taught me a powerful lesson: taking risks—being vulnerable—is what builds trust. It’s the foundation for every meaningful collaboration in filmmaking and life. Why Risk is Essential for Relationships in Filmmaking Risk Builds Trust In filmmaking, trust is everything. When you take a creative risk—whether it’s pitching a bold idea or sharing a personal story—you show vulnerability. This vulnerability is what connects people. Trust isn’t built by playing it safe; it’s built when you show others that you’re willing to step into the unknown. Steven Spielberg’s decision to hire a relatively unknown composer, John Williams, for Jaws was a huge risk. Spielberg trusted Williams’ vision, and the result was one of the most iconic film scores of all time. That creative trust grew into a lifelong collaboration. Risk Inspires Collaboration When you take risks, you invite others to do the same. Filmmaking is a deeply collaborative art form, and the best partnerships are built on mutual risk-taking. Directors trust actors to embody their characters. Cinematographers take chances with lighting and composition. When everyone on set feels safe to take risks, creativity flourishes. On the set of Mad Max: Fury Road, director George Miller encouraged the crew to embrace unconventional techniques, like filming wild stunts with minimal CGI. This shared willingness to push boundaries created a visually groundbreaking film. Risk Creates Emotional Investment Taking risks shows that you care. Whether you’re sharing a personal story in a pitch meeting or fighting to protect your creative vision, your willingness to p