Well, Nobody’s Perfect...

Why setbacks matter

Jun 18, 2025

Hey Indie Mafia types—

It was a busy week. I cringe as I’m about to say this, but I celebrated a birthday this week. I cringe because—although I’m social—I’m also private. Most years, I take myself to breakfast, write at a coffee shop, catch a matinee by myself, and visit my uncle’s grave like I’ve done for the last seven birthdays. He was more like a big brother than an uncle and left this rock far too young. Seven years older than me, he was one of the biggest influences in my life, introducing me to the music, films, and books that shaped who I am today.

I found myself thinking about how things don’t always go as planned and how, against all odds, those moments can become pivotal points for growth and creativity.

There’s a kind of beauty in the art of making mistakes.

There’s a Difference Between Knowing The Path And Walking The Path.

Creativity often comes with its fair share of chaos. There are times when everything seems to be moving along nicely, only to hit a wall and run out of steam. In those moments, frustration can set in, making it easy to feel unsure about how to stoke the creative engine.

When I step aside from my expectations of how things should be, something interesting happens: I become open to detours that allow me to explore new creative avenues. When I'm stuck on a writing project, I have a ritual of physically printing the script and placing it in an envelope for a week, a month, or even a year. This act puts the project on the back burner, allowing it to percolate in the background while I focus on other ideas. Often, when I eventually return to the project, I find unexpected clarity that reveals solutions I couldn’t see while I was forcing it.

For me, it’s a lot like a teeter-totter in my head. The left brain craves organization, while the right brain thrives on creativity. This push-pull between order and chaos creates a balance that fuels the creativity of most artists.

Setbacks aren’t just bumps in the road; they’re chances to create something new. When I hit obstacles, choosing to adapt instead of back away often leads to surprising discoveries. Embracing both order and chaos as part of the creative process helps me navigate the messiness with trust that it will lead to something great.

You Mustn’t Be Afraid to Dream a Little Bigger

One thing I’ve learned is that being open to new perspectives can change everything. There have been times when I felt like I completely missed the mark. On one project, I missed the coverage I wanted, and on another, I had the crew working too long. When I realized this, I felt like I let myself down. Sure, part of me could ignore it, but I’ve come to see these missed marks as opportunities to learn.

Sometimes I tackle issues head-on, but more often than not, I nibble around the edges and work my way inward. Learning (especially emotional learning) can be too damn slow for me. Instead of walking away, I dig deeper to uncover layers I didn’t initially see. What feels like a setback can turn into a tool that helps me carry these lessons forward into future work.

You don't have to be perfect to be amazing

Embracing imperfection helps build a growth mindset. There’s no such thing as perfect, and each bump is a chance for feedback. It’s a moment to ask questions and learn. In filmmaking, that means being open to working with my cast and crew, making adjustments that enhance the story.

Being open to feedback has also helped me grow as a creative. One tough collaboration really drove home the value of constructive criticism. At first, my ego got bruised because it got in the way, I hated the idea of others critiquing my work. Lots of fear about what others thought of my work, but when I let my collaborators in, I discovered new ways to strengthen my storytelling by using their fresh perspectives.

That fear of vulnerability? It has actually become a big asset. It’s those things I need to ask for help with that open the door to honest conversations, richer connections and deeper collaborations.

The Stuff That Dreams are Made of

Reflecting on setbacks is crucial for our growth as filmmakers. Instead of seeing mistakes as failures, we should view them as lessons that can inform our work. Give yourself the freedom to experiment without worrying about judgment, and be open about your challenges with your peers. You might find that sharing your struggles resonates more than showcasing only your successes. Ultimately, it's through these mistakes that we learn and evolve, pushing ourselves to think differently and improve our craft.

On My Radar

Weekly Update

What’s Caught My Eye

I first saw Robert Spera’s Film/TV Director’s Field Guide in my algorithm and assumed it was just another filmmaker self-help book, but I ended up buying it somewhat accidentally—I needed to spend $25 to get a pink bow tie delivered early for my son’s 8th-grade prom, so I added the book to my order. I’m glad I did.

The book is a collection of 70 on-set maxims, some common sense but laid out so it feels meditative. I’ve been reading one each morning and incorporating it into my meditation practice. Though mindfulness wasn’t the author’s intent, this book has become a helpful tool for cultivating it in my creative work.

Who’s Got My Ear

This week I’ve had earworms—but thankfully not the usual torturous kind (looking at you, Rick Astley). Normally, I get stuck with awful songs I wish I hadn’t heard, but lately my brain gave me a break with my favorite Kate Bush track, “Cloudbusting,” followed by Talking Heads’ “Crossed and Painless” and “The Great Curve.” I’ve really enjoyed the change of pace.

Do yourself a favor and listen to Kate Bush’s Hounds of Love and Talking Heads’ Remain in Light.

All Set

Last week, I was productive, meeting with potential collaborators, including a local cinematographer, brainstormed a few small projects, and celebrated both my birthday and Father’s Day on the same weekend—during which I also managed to watch a few films and enjoy my birthday pie: strawberry rhubarb.

Around The Bend

This week, I have a few days off and will attend my son’s 8th grade graduation ceremony , a several filmmaking-related meetings lined up as well as a workshop focused on film budgeting.

Wicked Creative, Kid

By nature, indie filmmakers wear many hats, but when I think “multi-hyphenate,” Diana Porter immediately comes to mind. She’s an actor, director, producer, writer, film festival founder, and comic book creator. I first saw Diana in Pete Yagmin’s Dark Roast and met her shortly after at a Boston Indie Mafia Hobnob.

It’s been inspiring to watch her grow into an incredible filmmaker and expand her creativity across mediums—including co-creating Toddlerpocalypse with my friend George O’Connor, co-founding the Access Film Festival, and starting her production company, Elazon Films, Always eager to connect with and support fellow filmmakers, Diana is a wonderful person and definitely someone worth following. FB | IG

Let’s Chat

I want to hear from you! what do you do when you run out of creative steam?

Drop a comment below or hit me up on social media! I can’t wait to see what you have to say.

Until next time, keep creating and connecting!