When I was a kid, there was no collaboration; it's you with a camera bossing your friends around. But as an adult, filmmaking is all about appreciating the talents of the people you surround yourself with and knowing you could never have made any of these films by yourself.
You are who you surround yourself with. I know that's such a cliche quote, but it's true.
First, make yourself a reputation for being a creative genius. Second, surround yourself with partners who are better than you are. Third, leave them to go get on with it.
It's OK to not have all the answers, and in fact, the more extraordinary people you are able to surround yourself with, the better you will become.
Prominence is cool, but when the delusion kicks in it can be a drag. Especially if you choose to surround yourself with friends and not acolytes.
Surround yourself with only people who are going to lift you higher.
Get the screens out of your room and surround yourself with books.
When you're the best, you only want to surround yourself with the best.
