12 Insights from Stephen Snavely ~ Director

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Stephen Snavely (centre) directing on the set of Think Lovely Thoughts

Director Stephen Snavely and I talked in-depth about his life and career. Here are 12 insights that we have chosen from our conversation. No matter who you are, or what you do, you may well find these really helpful…

My hat’s off to anyone who stays at home with their children. I have a much greater appreciation for it now as a parent. And I am so grateful for all the time my mom spent with us. Really helped shape the men we are today.
Travelling abroad helped open my eyes to how big the world really is, how different people are, how many different ways of doing things there are; ultimately, helping me have a better understanding and acceptance of others and their ways of living. That was pivotal moment in my life.
Looking back, the story of my career has been the result of having a passion for something, not knowing how to do it, and finding a way to do it anyway. Anything that I’ve ever wanted to do, I’ve taught myself, or put myself in a situation to learn how to do it. There were some lucky breaks along the way, but you still have to have the talent to make it all work out when you get the chance.
I think it’s important, especially for young filmmakers, to understand that you have to pay your dues and put in your time. It doesn’t matter how talented you are, make sure you have the right priorities and perspective. Your time will come. You will get your opportunities.
I had no business taking this meeting because I didn’t know what I was doing, but you take the opportunities presented to you and say “Yes,” even when you might not be totally qualified.
I think relationship building is an extremely important part of this business – it helps to be a kind, genuine person.
… a catalyst for change in the mental health space. An opportunity to show people that you don’t have to be scared, embarrassed, or worried about what other people are going to think about you. We’re all going through something, but together, we can make a difference.
… there have been strides in recent years to de-stigmatise the topic of mental illness, there’s still a lot of work that needs to be done. I’m proud that we were able to tell a story like this, in a medium like film, that has an opportunity to inspire people, change hearts, change minds, and change perspectives.
Do it! Go for it! If you want to work on a film set, and you don’t know what you want to do, get on any set you can and find a way to do as many different jobs as possible. Learn what the different departments are, how they contribute to the storytelling process, because I think that’s when you get a full understanding of how important every single person is to making a film come to life.
You don’t have to go to school for this. If you want it bad enough, you’ll find a way.
I think it’s so important to have somebody like that in your corner, backing you up.
I’ve been very fortunate to have a great set of role models that early on established for me a set of values and morals and a general understanding of what it means to be a good person, a kind person. That’s something that has stuck with and carried me a long way.