Why Filmmakers Must Develop Their Own Unique Style in Today’s Industry
I’ll be honest, in the early years of my video work, it was tough. I did the generalist videographer thing. Back then, and still today I’m sure, there’s a lot of crowd that only wants to pay $150 bucks for a video, but wants the best video ever created on Planet Earth. And if you balk, they’ll just go to the next person with a camera who will shoot it for $150 bucks.
What’s the key to survival and prospering as a filmmaker? Developing a distinct style and a unique perspective is essential for filmmakers who want to make a lasting impact. Whether you are creating feature films, documentaries, or branded content, having your own take on storytelling helps you rise above the noise and connect with audiences on a deeper level.
For me, everything changed when I exclusively followed my lifelong passion for conservation and found my community for my filmmaking business.
Here’s a few things I’ve learned that were game-changers for my filmmaking career.
Authenticity and Niche
With streaming platforms, social media, and online video-sharing sites overflowing with content, audiences are constantly bombarded with films, shorts, and visual stories. This saturation makes it harder for filmmakers to get noticed. The solution? Authenticity. Niching down was huge too. A unique style is more than just visual aesthetics; it’s the way a filmmaker sees and interprets the world. When you bring your personal experiences, emotions, and vision to your work, it becomes something only you could create. Audiences crave authenticity, and they are more likely to engage with filmmakers who have a recognizable and genuine voice.
The Power of Perspective
No two people see the world the same way, and that’s what makes filmmaking such a powerful art form. Your perspective as a filmmaker shapes the stories you tell, the angles you choose, the way you light a scene, and how you edit your footage. Instead of trying to replicate someone else’s style or chase industry trends, lean into your own unique way of telling stories. I’m fortunate that my past career as an award-winning journalist has helped shape the way I film and tell stories in documentaries. By doing so, I’m able to create films with an as-it-happens feel that makes audiences feel like they’re standing shoulder to shoulder with wildlife biologists.
Building a Recognizable Brand
Clients and collaborators seek out filmmakers whose work has a clear identity and aligns with their own values and niche. When you develop a recognizable approach to cinematography, editing, or storytelling, people start associating that style with you. This is particularly important in today’s competitive landscape, where differentiation is key to career longevity.
How to Develop Your Unique Filmmaking Style
If you’re looking to refine your personal style, here are a few strategies to consider:
- Experiment and Explore – Try different genres, shooting techniques, and storytelling methods. Over time, you’ll discover what resonates with you and what feels most natural.
- Draw Inspiration from Outside Film – Look to other art forms, music, literature, and even nature for inspiration. Sometimes, the most unique styles come from blending different influences. Oh, and watch a lot of documentaries. Listen carefully to the narration and how visuals support the story.
- Stay True to Your Vision – While it’s tempting to follow trends, your work will be stronger if you stay authentic to your voice and perspective.
- Refine Your Storytelling Approach – Whether it’s through visuals, pacing, or thematic choices, find what makes your storytelling unique and lean into it. Personally, I think that pacing is one of most crucial aspects of filmmaking. Pacing is about keeping audiences anticipating what comes next. The more powerful that anticipation is throughout your films, the more memorable they will be. Why? Because you got your viewers feeling emotional reactions.
- Trust Your Instincts – If something feels right creatively, even if it’s unconventional, embrace it. The best filmmakers trust their instincts and take risks.
I hope this helps you to break free of the crowds. Just remember this: Our industry is changing fast. I watched a video the other day by filmmaker Luc Forsyth about the middle class of filmmaking is dying. I agree. But it’s not because of what you might think. It’s because the middle class of filmmaking is being flooded with generic filmmakers and the industry is starting to cannibalize itself because of shifting trends and demands.
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