Ending Soon! Save 33% on All Access

What Filmmakers Can Teach Entrepreneurs Your favorite filmmakers talk about the blood, sweat and tears of creating.

By Linda Lacina

17272dorsetave.tumblr.com

Making a film, like running a business, is a collaborative process. The greats have vision but also the smarts and the guts to get those around them to help improve it. In this new book, The Filmmaker Says: Quotes, Quips and Words of Wisdom (Princeton Architectural Press, 2013), writer Jamie Thompson Stern compiles thoughts from famous directors about inspiration, instinct and bringing a big idea into the world. We've pulled out our favorites in this slideshow.

The Filmmaker Says, Princeton Architectural Press

Julie Taymor

Julie Taymor on vision.

The Filmmaker Says, Princeton Architectural Press

James Ivory

What Filmmakers Can Teach Entrepreneurs
Image credit: fiaf.org

James Ivory on instinct.

The Filmmaker Says, Princeton Architectural Press

Orson Welles

What Filmmakers Can Teach Entrepreneurs
Image credit: thefilmchair.com

Orson Welles on the power of ignorance.

The Filmmaker Says, Princeton Architectural Press

Danny Boyle

What Filmmakers Can Teach Entrepreneurs
Image credit: forafewmoviesmore.com

Danny Boyle on the rush of discovery.

The Filmmaker Says, Princeton Architectural Press

Jane Campion

What Filmmakers Can Teach Entrepreneurs
Image credit: festival-cannes.com

Jane Campion on blazing your own trail.

The Filmmaker Says, Princeton Architectural Press

Jonathan Demme

What Filmmakers Can Teach Entrepreneurs
Image credit: releasedonkey.com

Jonathan Demm on learning by doing.

The Filmmaker Says, Princeton Architectural Press

Quentin Tarantino

What Filmmakers Can Teach Entrepreneurs
Image credit: Levon Biss

Quentin Tarantino on risk.

The Filmmaker Says, Princeton Architectural Press

Sam Mendes

What Filmmakers Can Teach Entrepreneurs
Image credit: filmschoolrejects.com

Sam Mendes on opportunity.

The Filmmaker Says, Princeton Architectural Press

Tony Scott

What Filmmakers Can Teach Entrepreneurs
Image credit: ALPHA

Tony Scott on imitation.

Linda Lacina

Entrepreneur Staff

Linda Lacina is the former managing editor at Entrepreneur.com. Her work has appeared in the Wall Street Journal, Smart Money, Dow Jones MarketWatch and Family Circle. Email her at llacina@entrepreneur.com. Follow her at @lindalacina on Twitter. 

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Business News

More People Are Exploring Entrepreneurship Because of This Unexpected Reason

More new business applications were filed in 2023 than in any other year so far.

Business News

TikTok Reportedly Laid Off a 'Large Percentage' of Employees as the App's Fate in the U.S. Remains Unclear

Laid-off TikTok employees were notified Wednesday night through Thursday morning.

Business Ideas

63 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2024

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2024.

Business News

Four Seasons Orlando Responds to Viral TikTok: 'There's Something Here For All Ages'

The video has amassed over 45.4 million views on TikTok.

Growing a Business

5 Strategies to Know As You Scale Your Business

Scaling a service-based company requires a comprehensive approach that goes beyond simply increasing revenue. It requires careful planning, strategic decision-making and a deep understanding of market dynamics.