​

When a caterpillar spins its cocoon, it’s not beautiful. It’s clumsy, awkward, a tangle of silk and effort.

When you plant a seed, the first shoots that push through the soil are fragile and pale, barely hinting at the tree to come.

When clay first hits the potter’s wheel, it’s just a lump, spinning wildly, unshaped and undefined.

When you’re lost in the forest, every tree looks the same, and the path ahead feels uncertain. Only when you climb to a clearing can you see where you’ve been.

Judgment requires distance and patience.

Creativity is messy. It’s hard to see the whole picture when you’re consumed by the process. It’s only after stepping away that the pieces begin to fit together.

So, when should you judge your work?

Not when the clay is wet. Not while the cocoon is still being spun. Wait. Let the project breathe. Then ask:

• Did I honor the spark that inspired this?

• What new discoveries did I make along the way?

• How does this serve the audience I created it for?

Start with gratitude. Even if the tree isn’t full-grown or the forest is still dark, there’s value in the journey.

And be kind. That lump of clay, that tiny sprout—they’re just starting out. With time and care, they’ll take shape. And so will your work.

I'm doing something a little different this week. I wrote two shorter emails earlier this week that you can read as a subscriber to my newsletter.
​
Here's a link to them:
​Host the Party, Don't Chase the Room
​​The Myth of "Discovered"​

I sometimes make social media posts that encapsulate the thoughts in these articles, but you'll notice that the version you have access to is a little more in depth. You will see that all the past issues of the newsletter are available to read as well.

Additionally, I will be switching the days for the newsletter's publication from Wednesday's to Friday's beginning in December. It will still be Filmmaker's Notebook, but I'd like to start including an observation from the "week that was" in the newsletter and decided that Friday would aid in this perspective. A chance to reflect on the week and plan for the week ahead.

Let me know if you have any questions, comments or observations on your own part.

Cheers,

Anthony (He/Him)

P.S. Love these emails? Buy me a coffee to say "thanks"!

P.P.S. If you enjoy the content and would like to support my work, you can help by contributing to The Quiet Canadians through From the Heart Productions:

👉 Support the Film Here​

Every contribution helps me create this film and continue to share free resources with filmmakers like you.

Ways to Work With Me

1. ​Monthly Coaching: To help you get unstuck in a script, your marketing plan or movie launch, etc.
2. ​Consultation Calls: Great for Pitch Deck reviews, script discussions, pep talks.
3. ​"Scratch to Screen": A guided 52 week email and live coaching course.
4. Budget and Scheduling: Telefilm is opening up applications for funding! If you want to apply, or pitch your script or film idea to producers and investors, you need a tailored budget and schedule. Reply to this email if you'd like this service.

Watch and Support My Previous Work

"13 Miles" a Telefilm grant recipient, is now available to watch!

"The Quiet Canadians", a feature movie about skilled Canadian operatives who are trained in the elimination of local and foreign targets, is in development. Click here for more information​

"Xing'er: Origins", a feature film about a family's fight for survival against a deadly sect of assassins, is in development. Click here to join the mailing list for updates.​

Pickled Rabbit Short Film - Sharon makes a desperate attempt to earn her dying mom's love. There's a cult, a foreign god... and maybe a monster transformation. We're entering our festival run for 2025. Click here to find out more.​

Unfrayed, A Western Short Film -A bloodied Mei stumbles into Betty's campfire and discovers not only sanctuary but also, an ally. We are in Post Production on this movie and hope to have it completed for 2025. Click here to find out more.​
​