California feels both very optimistic and somewhat desperate, as many people move to Los Angeles to become movie stars, but only a few succeed.

Many talented individuals fail to succeed because they lack the discipline to put in the extra effort needed to reach the next level.

After a disappointing experience trying to help a theater producer raise money, I understood that the people who wanted to bring projects to life often lacked the power to do so, relying instead on gatekeepers and investors.

Most founders fail to do enough outreach, leading them to incorrectly conclude that sales isn't working for them.

In the cutthroat art industry, only a few artists can make a living, and those who succeed have learned to market and promote themselves effectively.

Living outside of Hollywood allows you to think outside the box and stumble upon innovations that you wouldn't consider if you were in LA.

I find that many talented individuals often neglect to spend time thinking about what they should work on, which is a critical aspect of productivity.

I emphasize the importance of committing to a body of work, as it helps filmmakers navigate the pressures of success and creativity.

Many founders fail to leverage their personal networks effectively due to fear of rejection or not having a structured process.