There's a belonging problem in Hollywood. Who dictates who belongs? The very body who dictates that looks all one way.
Ava DuvernayRead
I financed and made my own films from the start. My path has been autonomous and independent, so I don't have any horror stories about glass ceilings and expectations and tense studio meetings.
Interpretation
Ava Duvernay emphasizes the importance of independence in her filmmaking journey, avoiding traditional industry challenges.
In this quote, Ava Duvernay reflects on her autonomous approach to filmmaking, highlighting how her independence allowed her to avoid many of the struggles and constraints faced by others in the industry. Instead of relying on traditional studio systems, she chose to finance and produce her films herself, which has given her a unique perspective and freedom in her creative work.
In practice
Using this quote in a speech about entrepreneurship and creative independence.
There's a belonging problem in Hollywood. Who dictates who belongs? The very body who dictates that looks all one way.
I just don't think there's a lot of support for the woman's voice in cinema, and it becomes really difficult to raise that money and start again every time.
I didn't go to film school. I got my education on the set as a niche publicist in the film industry.
I think for female filmmakers a big issue is making their second and third films.
When we say there's a dearth of women directors, it's not that there's a lack of women who direct: it's a lack of opportunities and access for women to direct and be supported in that.
I intend to be making films until I'm an old lady. So, if God willing I get there, I need to create a paradigm for myself where I can make it regardless of whether or not they still like what I'm making.
That good is the enemy of great is not just a business problem. It is a human problem.
I want to remind you that success in life is based on hard slogging. There will be periods when discouragement is great and upsetting, and the antidote for this is calmness and fortitude and a modest yet firm belief in your competence. Be sure that your priorities are in order so that you can proceed in a logical manner, and be ever mindful that nothing will take the place of persistence.
Money is power, and you ought to be reasonably ambitious to have it.
I feel that my fans have cultivated my talent and they continue to nurture me.
Enormous self-belief, intuition, the ability to take a risk at a critical moment and go in for a very dangerous play with counter-chances for the opponent - it is precisely these qualities that distinguish great players.
Champagne! In victory, one deserves it; in defeat one needs it.
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