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.

Wavy Line
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. 

Editor's Pick

A Leader's Most Powerful Tool Is Executive Capital. Here's What It Is — and How to Earn It.
Lock
One Man's Casual Side Hustle Became an International Phenomenon — And It's on Track to See $15 Million in Revenue This Year
Lock
3 Reasons to Keep Posting on LinkedIn, Even If Nobody Is Engaging With You
Why a Strong Chief Financial Officer Is Crucial for Your Franchise — and What to Look for When Hiring One

Related Topics

Growing a Business

This Stock Screener is on Sale for Memorial Day

invest while mitigating risk with this top-rated stock screening app.

Starting a Business

5 Tips For Launching a Business While Keeping Your Day Job

Launching a business while holding down a 9-to-5 is no small feat. It's a common path for aspiring entrepreneurs, but it's not without its challenges.

Business Ideas

55 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2023

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2023.

Fundraising

Working Remote? These Are the Biggest Dos and Don'ts of Video Conferencing

As more and more businesses go remote, these are ways to be more effective and efficient on conference calls.

Growing a Business

The Best Way to Run a Business Meeting

All too often, meetings run longer than they should and fail to keep attendees engaged. Here's how to run a meeting the right way.