Overcoming Lofty Ambitions: A Creative Philosophy for Practical Filmmaking

Why Stories Sometimes Remain Unfinished

Creative pursuits come in countless forms, some undertaken professionally, others for fun. In this article, I’ll focus on hobbyist creators who find joy in filmmaking.

At its core, creative work can often be divided into two categories:

1. Those that require logic and structure.
2. Those that do not.

Art forms like painting or pottery don’t demand logic; they thrive on imagination alone. Consequently, they can be declared “finished” at any stage, even if it feels incomplete.

However, storytelling mediums like film, novels, and manga necessitate logical consistency. If a story or scene doesn’t align logically, the whole work suffers. Though intricate and challenging, the satisfaction derived from finishing a coherent narrative is why we persevere.

Balancing Ambition with Reality

Unfinished projects often stem from setting goals beyond one’s capability, including the time available. Accepting the limitations of your skills and time is crucial. This is a lesson I’ve personally struggled with, as ambition often gets the better of me.

While it’s fine to dream big in hobbyist work, completion is essential for growth. Finishing projects boosts skills, provides invaluable experience, and strengthens confidence in your own abilities. Conversely, a habit of leaving things incomplete can erode self-esteem.

Thus, lofty ambition—or what the Japanese term “眼高手低” (gan kou shu tei), meaning “eyes high, hands low”—can be the enemy of both creativity and your overall mindset. Here’s how various dictionaries explain it:

• “The ability to critique without the skill to create” (Sanseido Dictionary).
• “High ideals but lacking execution” (Gakken Dictionary).
• “Sharp criticism without matching creativity” (Shogakukan Dictionary).

In the age of social media, where everyone can freely express opinions, we must be cautious of an inflated “critical eye” devoid of practical experience.

Capturing Key Scenes First

A practical approach to overcoming lofty ambitions is to aim for a realistically achievable outcome. Drawing from personal experience, I’ve learned that starting with the most exciting scenes—the ones you’re most eager to create—is crucial.

In filmmaking, for example, there’s always that one scene you’ve envisioned vividly—perhaps the climactic showdown with a monster in an ancient ruin. This is often the seed of the entire project.

The Pitfalls of Postponing Key Scenes

Creators often delay key scenes, thinking it’s more efficient to prepare while working on easier parts first. There’s also the hope that gaining experience during production will improve the quality of these critical moments.

Unfortunately, this method doesn’t align with the natural ebb and flow of creative motivation, which peaks early on.

By the time the climax rolls around, both creators and collaborators are often fatigued. The result? A simplified version of the original concept, falling short of its envisioned grandeur.

The Case for Early Energy Investment

The solution is simple: tackle key scenes early, while motivation and energy are high. Even if your technical skills aren’t perfect yet, a scene infused with enthusiasm will always outshine one created out of obligation.

Completing impactful scenes early on also serves as a morale booster. Showing collaborators the finished footage or creating a teaser trailer can reignite excitement and attract new allies.

Prioritizing Motivation-Driven Shooting

Once key scenes are complete, all that remains are connective shots, which don’t demand the same level of energy. These can be handled with a focus on functionality rather than flair.

Planning your shooting order with an understanding of motivational shifts can lead to more satisfying results for both you and your audience.