A filmmaker always wanted to direct but struggled with low self-worth. Confidence developed through therapy combined with deliberate industry exposure: casting, being on sets near directors, working with actors in auditions, and providing performance support on lower-pressure productions. Candid admissions about insecurity resonated with audiences yet created fear of appearing weak and losing trust. A student’s earnest question about building confidence provoked an emotional response and underscored a lack of formal teaching on this topic. Practical, usable tools and methods from the making of Side Hustle are presented as urgently needed resources for aspiring directors.
A young woman asked, "Did you always want to direct or did casting work inspire you to direct?" My response was immediate: "I always knew I wanted to direct but my self-worth was in the gutter. So, I had to work on that most of all." She gave that answer some very enthusiastic snaps, as did others in the audience. I thought, oh yeah, a lot of people feel that
I paused before giving the most honest answer I could: therapy, putting myself on sets in roles where I'd be near the director, casting, working with people on performance through auditions, and performance support on sets where the pressure wasn't all on me. Basically, therapy and experience in the industry. After the class I cried. Her question was so earnest and practical and fucking sad. Why don't we teach about this?
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