Every artist wants to grow and evolve. But outside of simply making new projects, there is really only one method that works:

Getting out of your comfort zone and embracing the unknown.

If you simply do the same thing every time – work in the same genre, use the same camera angles, tell the same stories – you never give yourself a chance to see what you are really capable of.

That’s why over the years I’ve treated every project I’ve ever made as a testing ground. Never wanting any two films to take the same path.

I’ve made some films with full crews, others with none. Used traditional scripts, and made projects with no script at all. Worked with lifelong cinematographers, and DP’d my own work.

The more you experiment the more you find your own way – and that’s what really matters for your artistry. 

In recent years I’ve discovered that I enjoy being my own cinematographer, something I had resisted doing for years. I also stopped using a shot list, as it didn’t give me the flexibility I was looking for on set.

These discoveries were only possible because I was willing to take a leap and try. And not be afraid of failure, knowing that even misfires would teach me something valuable. 

I’ve experimented on the macro and micro levels. Big crews vs. small. Lots of coverage vs. no coverage. Handheld vs. static. Widescreen vs square aspect. Color vs. black and white.

One thing I’ve never done though, is compose my own music.

Despite playing guitar since I was 10 years old, and composing cues for fun, I’ve never integrated that ability into my own film work.

At least, not until now…

One of the short films I’m directing next month is going to be very music heavy – almost wall to wall. It’s in a genre and tone that is right in my musical wheelhouse.

So in the spirit of always pushing my own personal boundaries, I’ve decided to take the leap and finally score something of my own.

I’m also going to collaborate with my longtime composer (Craig Saltz) on this, who has written music for most of my other films. It’s really exciting to dive in and see what we come up with.

Since this is so new to me, I will be documenting the process at length on my blog and social media in the coming weeks. So if you’re interested in following along, there is lots more to come soon.

And the entire project is going to be co-produced by Soundstripe (the main music library that I use on my own projects). So when the score is done, it will also be available to license through their platform for your own film or tv project.

I’ll report back with more soon, but if nothing else hopefully this is a good reminder to keep trying new things, and to never stop experimenting creatively.

For exclusive filmmaking articles every Sunday, sign up for my newsletter here!