EXPANDED HORIZONS
One of the most challenging things I've noticed for filmmakers is acknowledging the artistic world outside of their own. Here's a list of prominent non-film specific artistic organizations where you can see different kinds of shows that may even inspire you in unexpected ways.
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The Second City ChicagoYou can't think of Chicago without thinking of Second City. Though varying in quality depending on what show you see on what stage, a Second City show is always a good time and great place to discover new talent. I also recommend taking a class or two in improv or acting to get outside your bubble.
1616 N WELLS ST
CHICAGO, IL 60614 312.337.3992 |
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Links HallHaving done various video work at Links Hall, I can attest it is one of the best places to view artistic works that are challenging and unique. As a non-profit organization, Links features primarily dance and performance art centering on raw emotion and complex themes often lacking in low-level independent films. It's a good place to remind yourself of those aspects without the distractions of money or logistics that come with production.
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The Chicago TheatreA bit more mainstream a venue, The Chicago Theatre is another staple of the city that is worth checking out now and again. One of my favorite experiences living in Chicago was seeing Nick Offerman and Megan Mullally perform here. The Chicago Theatre gets performers at the top of their game.
175 N STATE ST
CHICAGO, IL 60601 |
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Chicago Symphony OrchestraPhysical performance isn't the only way to expand your horizons. As most filmmakers are visual in nature, a thorough appreciation of sound and music can greatly contribute to your filmmaking pallet. The Chicago Symphony Orchestra is some of the best around, featuring top-level performances all year round, including live accompaniment to some of your favorite films.
220 S MICHIGAN AVE
CHICAGO, IL 60604 |
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Steppenwolf TheatreSteppenwolf Theatre features some of the best stage plays I've seen performed in the city with some of the most skilled talent. Located in Lincoln Park, this space has a great bar attached to the theatre and has seen the talents of Gary Sinise, Laurie Metcalf and more grace its stage.
1650 N HALSTED ST
CHICAGO, IL 60614 |
Additional Expanded Horizons in Chicago
- iO Chicago
- A Red Orchid Theater
- The Vic
- Wrigley Summer Concerts
- Neofuturists
- Lillstreet Art Center
Final Thoughts
Part of the difficulty in finding your voice as a filmmaker is acknowledging how that voice is defined by those around you. People like Tarantino have created entire careers built on the foundation of other people's films. Film students in particular have trouble creating new work that goes beyond simple imitation of different filmmaker auteurs, such as Tarantino or Wes Anderson. Knowing and understanding your influences throughout film history is vitally important, but discovering and exploring alternative art forms, such as theatre, photography, and performance art, are equally important if not more so. Too many of us get hung up on the technical aspects of film technique and our only source of inspiration is from movies, many of which are already heavily influenced by generations before it. The result can then be a shallow derivative of a derivative of a derivative.
As Ira Glass said, most of us who get into creative work do so because we have good taste. Overcoming the gap from simply having good taste to actually creating your own substantive work, however, is extremely difficult. In addition to pushing through by making work that remains sub-par, expanding your horizons and tuning out the noise of the film world will eventually lead to your skills lining up with your taste. Filmmakers tend to live in a bubble and get hung up on comparing ourselves to others. The best thing you can do as a storyteller is to find your own experience and find influences outside of that bubble. Viewing raw and honest depictions of emotion and exploration through performance art, for example, is a great way to see a stripped down version of what many of us want to achieve on camera - but is void of monetary commercialism or complex logistics that plague our medium. Chicago, of all places, provides an amazing opportunity for discovery and art exploration -- if only you are willing to embrace it.
As Ira Glass said, most of us who get into creative work do so because we have good taste. Overcoming the gap from simply having good taste to actually creating your own substantive work, however, is extremely difficult. In addition to pushing through by making work that remains sub-par, expanding your horizons and tuning out the noise of the film world will eventually lead to your skills lining up with your taste. Filmmakers tend to live in a bubble and get hung up on comparing ourselves to others. The best thing you can do as a storyteller is to find your own experience and find influences outside of that bubble. Viewing raw and honest depictions of emotion and exploration through performance art, for example, is a great way to see a stripped down version of what many of us want to achieve on camera - but is void of monetary commercialism or complex logistics that plague our medium. Chicago, of all places, provides an amazing opportunity for discovery and art exploration -- if only you are willing to embrace it.