Why Taking Risks is the Key to Building Relationships in Filmmaking and Life.
Learn why risk-taking is the foundation of strong relationships in filmmaking and life, and how embracing uncertainty leads to greater connections and success.
From a rainy November day.
Thursday, November 21st
Hey Filmmaker,
In both filmmaking and life, meaningful relationships aren’t built by playing it safe.
Whether it’s forging a creative partnership, directing a complex scene, or committing to a deeply personal connection, risk is the glue that holds relationships together.
The willingness to be vulnerable, to invest without guarantees, and to face uncertainty head-on is what builds trust, deepens bonds, and makes both films and relationships extraordinary.
As filmmakers, our entire craft is rooted in risk.
We risk our time, our resources, and often our emotional well-being for projects we believe in.
But this isn’t just about the film—it’s about the people who make the journey worthwhile.
Without risk, there’s no trust, and without trust, there’s no collaboration.
In this post, we’ll explore why risk-taking is the foundation of relationships in filmmaking and life, and how embracing it can lead to better films and deeper connections.
Risk as the Foundation of Relationships: Lessons for Filmmakers and Beyond
THE MODERN FILMMAKER
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So There I Was… (Story)
So there I was, sitting across from a producer I desperately wanted to work with.
I’d spent weeks refining my pitch for a film I was sure could be the next indie darling.
I had rehearsed every detail—budget, cast ideas, and the emotional core of the story.
But as I started my pitch, I could see his interest waning.
He wasn’t connecting.
My polished delivery wasn’t enough.
In a moment of desperation, I scrapped my script.
I dropped the rehearsed lines and told him the truth: this film wasn’t just a project—it was personal.
I shared a story from my life that inspired the script.
I talked about the risks I’d taken to get to this point—quitting my job, maxing out credit cards, and pouring my heart into a story I believed needed to be told.
By the end, I wasn’t sure if I had blown it or struck a chord.
Then the producer leaned forward and said, “That’s what I needed to hear. Let’s make this film.”
That meeting taught me a powerful lesson: taking risks—being vulnerable—is what builds trust.
It’s the foundation for every meaningful collaboration in filmmaking and life.
Why Risk is Essential for Relationships in Filmmaking
Risk Builds Trust
In filmmaking, trust is everything.
When you take a creative risk—whether it’s pitching a bold idea or sharing a personal story—you show vulnerability.
This vulnerability is what connects people.
Trust isn’t built by playing it safe; it’s built when you show others that you’re willing to step into the unknown.
Steven Spielberg’s decision to hire a relatively unknown composer, John Williams, for Jaws was a huge risk.
Spielberg trusted Williams’ vision, and the result was one of the most iconic film scores of all time.
That creative trust grew into a lifelong collaboration.
Risk Inspires Collaboration
When you take risks, you invite others to do the same.
Filmmaking is a deeply collaborative art form, and the best partnerships are built on mutual risk-taking.
Directors trust actors to embody their characters.
Cinematographers take chances with lighting and composition.
When everyone on set feels safe to take risks, creativity flourishes.
On the set of Mad Max: Fury Road, director George Miller encouraged the crew to embrace unconventional techniques, like filming wild stunts with minimal CGI.
This shared willingness to push boundaries created a visually groundbreaking film.
Risk Creates Emotional Investment
Taking risks shows that you care.
Whether you’re sharing a personal story in a pitch meeting or fighting to protect your creative vision, your willingness to put yourself on the line tells others that you’re fully invested.
That passion is contagious, and it inspires others to believe in you and your project.
Greta Gerwig poured her own experiences into Lady Bird, taking the emotional risk of telling a deeply personal story.
Her vulnerability resonated with audiences and collaborators, earning the film critical acclaim and Oscar nominations.
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How Risk Applies to Personal Relationships in Filmmaking
Filmmaking is a business of relationships.
It’s not just about the work—it’s about the people.
The same principles of risk that strengthen personal relationships apply to filmmaking collaborations.
1. Taking the First Step
Reaching out to someone for help or collaboration is inherently risky.
There’s the fear of rejection or failure, but it’s the first step toward building a connection.
Most successful filmmaking partnerships started with one person taking a chance.
Quentin Tarantino’s partnership with Samuel L. Jackson began when Tarantino sent him the script for Pulp Fiction.
Tarantino took the risk of asking Jackson to embody a character written specifically for him—a bold move that paid off and solidified their creative bond.
2. Vulnerability Creates Authenticity
In filmmaking, you often rely on personal stories and emotions to create authentic connections.
Sharing your struggles and dreams with collaborators fosters trust and authenticity.
On the set of Good Will Hunting, Robin Williams and Matt Damon bonded over their shared vulnerability, creating an atmosphere of trust that allowed for one of the most moving performances in cinematic history.
3. Risking Failure for Connection
Not every relationship or collaboration will work out, but risking failure is part of the process.
Each rejection or misstep brings you closer to finding the people who share your vision and values.
Kathryn Bigelow faced rejection after rejection early in her career, but her willingness to take risks on unconventional projects eventually led her to become the first woman to win the Academy Award for Best Director with The Hurt Locker.
Risk in Filmmaking: Examples from Iconic Films
Titanic
James Cameron took monumental risks with Titanic. From its massive budget to building life-sized sets and using groundbreaking technology, Cameron bet everything on his vision. The relationships he built with his cast and crew were rooted in shared risk, and the result was a historic box office triumph.
The Blair Witch Project
The filmmakers behind The Blair Witch Project took a huge risk with their no-budget, found-footage approach. Their willingness to embrace the unconventional made the film a cultural phenomenon, grossing $248 million on a $60,000 budget.
The Social Network
Aaron Sorkin’s script for The Social Network was a risky move—it painted a complex, unflattering picture of Mark Zuckerberg while telling a deeply human story about ambition and betrayal. The film’s success came from the trust between Sorkin, director David Fincher, and the cast, all of whom embraced the risks to create something extraordinary.
How Filmmakers Can Embrace Risk to Build Stronger Relationships
Taking risks in filmmaking doesn’t mean being reckless.
It means being intentional about stepping out of your comfort zone to create deeper connections. Here’s how to embrace risk:
1. Be Honest and Vulnerable
Share your passion and personal connection to your project.
When pitching, let investors, collaborators, or talent see the real you—it’s what makes them trust and believe in you.
2. Trust Your Team
Take the leap of faith to trust others with your vision.
Whether it’s an actor’s interpretation of a character or a cinematographer’s creative choices, allowing others to take risks fosters collaboration and innovation.
3. Take Creative Risks
Don’t be afraid to push boundaries in your storytelling.
Audiences—and collaborators—respond to bold ideas that challenge the norm.
4. Embrace Rejection
Not every pitch or relationship will work out, but each rejection is a step closer to finding the right people.
Learn from failures and keep moving forward.
Why Risk Matters in Filmmaking and Relationships
To sum up, here’s why risk-taking is essential in both filmmaking and life:
Builds Trust: Vulnerability and risk create the foundation for authentic relationships.
Inspires Collaboration: Shared risks bring teams closer together and fuel creativity.
Fosters Emotional Connection: Passionate risk-taking shows investment and inspires others.
Leads to Growth: Failure and rejection are part of the journey to success.
Final Thoughts
Risk is the heartbeat of filmmaking and relationships.
Without it, there’s no trust, no collaboration, and no growth.
As a filmmaker, embracing risk—both personally and creatively—will not only make your films better but will also help you build meaningful connections with the people who make it all possible.
So take the leap.
Share your story.
Pitch the bold idea.
Let your actions and risks show the world who you are, and watch as the right people rally around you.
Until next time, filmmaker—keep risking, keep trusting, and keep creating.
Cheers,
Mike Rekola
P.S. Catch up on the rest from TheModernFilmmaker.co:
👉 Buy: The Modern Filmmaker’s On Set Filmmaking Dictionary, today.
👉 Some Filmmakers to Know: Jim Jarmusch & Claude Chabrol…
👉 Some Filmmaking Terms: Above-the-Line & Back to First Marks…
👉 Some Stories: So there I was… Writing a Screenplay that Sucked…
👉 Some Thoughts: Cover Your Ass… & Write a Finance Plan…
👉 Meet Me: Mike Rekola…