20 Tips From Martin Scorsese

Martin Scorsese is an American film director, producer, screenwriter, and actor. He is considered one of the most significant and influential filmmakers of our time, having directed some of the most iconic films in American cinema history. Scorsese was born in New York City in 1942 and grew up in the city's Little Italy neighborhood. He began making short films while studying at NYU's Tisch School of the Arts and went on to direct his first feature film, "Who's That Knocking at My Door," in 1967. Since then, he has directed numerous critically acclaimed and award-winning films, including "Taxi Driver," "Raging Bull," "Goodfellas," "The Departed," and "The Irishman." Scorsese's films often explore themes of violence, crime, and morality, and his style is known for its use of long takes, dynamic camera movement, and complex editing. He is a passionate advocate for preserving film history and has been instrumental in restoring and preserving many classic films.

1. Use film to express emotions you find hard to talk about.

2. In cinema, we’re working with subtleties.

3. Always push your boundaries further.

4. Two images placed together will always create a specific sensation or “phantom image” in the viewer’s mind. Be deliberate about what kind of images you’re placing next to each other.

5. Find the humanity in your anti-heroes.

6. Learn visual literacy.

7. Promote yourself shamelessly.

8. Make your own industry.

9. Write your screenplay in a way that the reader will always have an emotional connection to the protagonist.

10. Write what you know.

11. Limitations can be good for creating.

12. You have to make sacrifices.

13. The story and character are what people will always come back for. The plot won’t be enough to hold up a film.

14. You can’t do it by yourself. Work with like-minded people who like to explore similar interests as you.

15. Write with music in mind.

16. Study other films.

17. Write empathetic characters.

18. Characters must reap what they sow.

19. Use the people around you when starting out.

20. Use projects to learn more about yourself and the important life questions.