In simple terms, this quote emphasizes that any filmmaker who manages to turn their personal vision into a film that actually gets made and released to an audience has achieved remarkable success. The statement acknowledges the significant hurdles filmmakers face from concept to completion, highlighting the importance of persistence and creative ambition.
Delving deeper, the quote underscores the idea that achieving basic goals in filmmaking is already a noteworthy accomplishment. It suggests that the process of creating a film from scratch, navigating through financial constraints, critical opinions, and countless other challenges, represents an immense feat in itself. The phrase "anything after that is gravy" implies that while completing a film is success enough, additional achievements like widespread acclaim or commercial success are bonuses rather than requirements for success. This perspective encourages filmmakers to celebrate their successes without feeling pressured to meet arbitrary standards set by others.
Paul Dinello is the author of this quote, and he comes from the world of comedy and sketch television. He co-founded the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre in New York City and Los Angeles with his long-time collaborator Amy Poehler. Known for his contributions to sketch comedy and improvisational theater, Dinello’s insight into filmmaking reflects a broader understanding of the arts and the value of artistic expression.
