filmmaking is more than "cinematic" images 

You do you! create whatever the heck you want, however you want. But I like thinking about how I can get to the next level, and that's where this video came from.

"The cinematography is what we watch. The story is why we watch" Love it !

People lost focus of story and storytelling and too obsessed with looks, filters, camera gear, lighting, etc. None of it to service the story.

I love how you are making a point and are critizizing stuff but manage to be wholesome and respectful at the same time

This is probably the most authentic content I have seen on this platform in a long time.

I subbed as soon as you said “jealous rage” 😂. Ive been trying to understand my view on creating and why I despise terms like “cinematic” but you have explained it so well. Thanks for the video

I’m glad this kind of conversation is coming up more and more because I think we all fall guilty of creating to keep up with the algorithm but recently I watched high flying bird and then found out it was shot on an iPhone 8… reminding me once again, focus on telling a good story

I like that your advice comes from such an honest place it applies to so much more than just film making.

lol I literally tweeted earlier today that we gotta ban "cinematic" until we figure out what's going on and now this shows up in my RU-vid recs. Thank you creepy tracking algorithm.

Top notch RU-vid rec. So glad I found your channel.

5:40 is where the best line is. "I just wish I had a person in the photo". The ability to tell a coherent meaningful story is what separates us from the animals and the killer robots. I used to go out to parties to photograph all my friends (drunk), and make them line up for their mugshots - Aesthetics weren't a thing yet, and I've found that actually chatting with the people I take photos of and building that relationship with them has served me well into my professional adult life. Also a fan of Diane Arbus - whose stills tell amazing stories based on the subject. I found dabbling in street photography also produced the same problem of emptiness devoid of any sort of true meaning, but the photos I took of myself and my partner are a more genuine form of documentation that actually tells the private story of us through the years. Do I still take empty photos of props, IG-worthy shots of scenery? Yes, but just on my phone. I save my nice camera for family portraits or holiday snaps. Side notes - I got here through your 8 rules to not follow for filmmaking, which was great but this actually spoke to me. Love your mo graphics, and the little jittery film effects and subtle glows you put on there. Did you use a specific LUT for your B Roll - of the mouse in particular?

I started getting nervous about the frequency of the use of the word cinematic within my circle of creative friends, then I heard a couple Hollywood directors casually use the word in interviews when describing locations. So I’m like oh, even CN uses this word. I understand what you’re getting at if people don’t have a better word and I also understand the concept of trying to communicate ideas, but ALSO (preaching to myself here) if movies are what inspired many of us to pick up a camera, then naturally we will seek to emulate what we see on the silver screen. I used to trace and paint Van Goghs in a third grade art class. I still have the paintings and I don’t confuse them with the work of art that is the real Vincent Van Gogh’s Bedroom. Similarly, I read a story about an aspiring author who used to just type out The Great Gatsby over and over again to get the psychology of writing like Fitzgerald into his hands and mind. Point is: I think it’s totally bueno to spend a lot of time specifically composing cinematic images as a practice of the art. Also, I just found you today and I’m loving your channel.

Literally the most underrated channel on RU-vid especially in the camera niche. Wish we lived closer so we can collab

Thanks man. All these RU-vid content creator vids are starting to feel so dystopian like an episode from black mirror. You deviate way far from that so kudos on the authenticity.

This video is straight fire!!! Style over substance is such a large issue these days, this reminds me to always focus on the story I want to tell, rather than the aesthetic or allure of the visuals! Thank you for this!

So agree with you. Same feelings. They all missing meaning.

As an aspiring filmmaker, who's making 50 short films in an year, this video is gold . I'll remember it for long . THANKS VERY MUCH

Omg, I just think about why many people recommend about the gear to start a video instead of how to develope the story. Thank you for your thoughts.

It had to be said. Thank you for speaking (I assume) not only my mind but probably everyone coming from or longing for a more deeper connection with the work we do. Funny how the word content conveys anything but actual substance.

Wow I learned so much from this video!

Great video man! I clicked on this most curious about the bullshit I was about to hear, thinking to myself, “This guy must not understand that cinematic images are those that tell stories well” turns out I was wrong and this guy knew that, likely better than me. Great job and I think you are spot on with your analysis. A “cinematic” image that doesn’t actually tell a story but just imitates the look of cinema is like processed white bread. There’s nothing really there and it’s not really bread, it just appears to be bread.

My new favourite polemic! Thank you, Jesse.

Yes keep pushing us.

Love the introspection!

I just stumbled upon your channel. You are a breath of fresh air. I call those “cinematic” images on IG, eye candy. I deleted my IG account some time ago. What was missing for me was the conversation. Haven’t missed it.

I try to shoot pictures to try and put a vocabulary on my own colour and cinema(tic) pallette. I once wrote in my journal that films and cinema is about feeling an experience beyond ourselves, and not just about a story or pretty photography.

fantastic, this has really put into words something that's been troubling me recently, thank you.

Couldn’t agree more with this whole take 🙏🏼

Every object in the frame is a word. And this poetry should be deep and inspiring. While the internet is a great learning resource, museum is the greatest.

Thanks for putting this into words. I’m so so tired of (and to blame for) empty cinematic photos and have focussed on storytelling for the past years… and man does it feel good to work on things that last longer than a split second double tap. 🙏🏼

This is so much deeper than what most filmmaking channels normally talk about, thanks mate

That last clip was everything 😂... Wonderful video Jesse!

Bravo 👏🏼. I love this video and the general message of the stuff I’ve seen you do so far. Practical. No bullshit. My favorite flavors. Keep ‘em coming 💪🏼

Very cinematic video! Thanks for sharing

I’ve just discovered your channel and absolutely loving it! Thanks for the videos and thoughts

most people who say "cinematic" mean corporate. you'd see it in a commercial but not a movie

Merci, j'adore tes vidéos. Merci d'être si honnête et transparent.❤

There's power in a cinematic image. That's why it gets so many likes. It makes you feel something. I get jealous too BUT not I try to analyze the image and learn from it instead of comparing myself to other people

I have had the same feeling of a 'missed opportunity' when capturing a cool shot, but I’ve learned to stop beating myself up about it cause it really isn’t a missed opportunity it’s actually just an opportunity. When writing something it can be hard sometimes to put yourself in that scene, but if you’re actually standing in the location, you’ll have a much easier time figuring out the story. In those moments I’ve started taking a few pictures for reference, but then putting the camera away and taking out my notepad. Jot down a few notes about what I’m feeling standing there, in the environment. Also those shots can inspire others to come on the project, you can show them the script and a “vibe sample” composed of those pictures to give people an idea of what it might look like. Maybe when the film is done you can point to that instagram post and be like this was the inspiration for my new film and I had no idea at the time. Nothing is wasted in creativity. After all, a picture can convey 1,000 words; why not let those words become the first words of your script? Also I love your channel and your video diaries as I like to call them lol. Please keep them coming!

I love your videos!! Glad I found u here ❤

You took all the words out of my head. I hate to see it come out even from professional filmmakers. It is not even a thing! You are the channel I’m wanting be like

My goodness, thank you!

PREACH

So relevant to all of us! I find myself feeling this same jealousy occasionally and it really demotivates me to create. So glad that you brought this up.

I totally agree, we have assimilated the idea of good visuals as good story telling. All we have on instagram is an abundance of beautiful but meaningless “content”. If you’re a DP I understand but calling yourself a film maker because you make very cinematic instagram reels is a stretch.

Thank you.❤

Man I really appreciate your channel, I’m making coffee rn but I had to stop bc the first 3 minutes had me like “this is exactly what I’m feeling rn”.

The sweet, sweet memories of «Ferris Bueller’s Day Off» - such a good movie, one of my all time favourites :)

I really like your way of thinking. Have a lovely day :))

"Cinematic is a slur" I like this guy

OMG, this has been a topic that I've had spinning in my head... I'm so glad to find somebody that actually delivers information and is speaking facts on "cinematic", thats also my issue with all the "videography" content on social media

Youre the only youtuber that i have seen that gets it. Reeeaally gets it.

What a gem 💎 of an essay 🤌

what i needed to hear, thank you

Love this. Cinematic is nothing without the story

Glad to discover this channel. Breath of fresh air.

Another great video Jessie! Thank you for the valuable information from a new creator.

Man, I don't know how this showed up in my corner of the RU-vid algorithm but I'm sure glad it did.

It's not just you. I shot a short comedy film a while ago in a docu style. The director didn't want it to look 'too pretty,' he wanted it to look real, so that's how I shot it. That was right for the film, although I probably went a little too far sometimes. I'm proud of the film, but it is frustrating that it doesn't look amazing on my portfolio where it sits out of context. Roger Deakins is a great one to reference when talking about this, because its not just content creators and their audience who get sucked into the superficial. Its telling that Deakins never won an oscar for cinematography until Blade Runner 2049, which is probably the first film of his where making every shot look amazing was actually appropriate, so he did it. In contrast, the cinematography is Fargo is also brilliantly judged, yet doesn't get the same kind of attention because its so grounded.

Instagram defines "Cinematic" as a girl in the back seat of a car with a lot of fog, and a red to orange light illuminating her.

Mmm...butter. And that ending. *chef's kiss* Great thoughts. I think there's also something to be said for directing a scene vs. capturing a scene. I'm in the same boat. Have a few videos to finish, then props to make, then finally making a short.

"Just have...something" YES YES YES!!!!

Such an awesome perspective!! More videos on RU-vid need to provide this type of value- not just packed with info or entertainment but make me walk away a better version of myself, inspired to grow on my own “cinematic” journey

loved Coherence! appreciate you getting to the heart of what we actually all want but have somehow missed in all this content. Story.

oh man, 100%! that's why I get so frustrated by directors that boast their reels that just show off pretty images and cinematic shots... like man, that's a cinematographer's reel, that doesn't show me how well you can direct! but what's stopping you from shooting a movie?

Focus on the mood more than the visual to inspire a mood. Make the visual match the mood. That’s filming with purpose l.

Man... You speak with this nonchalant demeaner to this cheeky lighthearted music as if you're not punching a hole in my soul with your words. You're speaking my truth here and calling me out. Making things 'cinematic' allows me to hide the fact that what I have to say might not be as profound as it may look. It's harder to apply myself thinking deep thoughts than making a frame look good. But you're so right, without a motivation, the frames are empty. This is so much harder to grow in. And aligning what you're trying to say with the image is even harder. I'm likely being harder on myself than most because I have a high standard for myself but the core of every word rattles me at least a little. Well done good sir. Need to reflect.

Can relate more (or not) than you can imagine with feeling this existential angst at the WHY totally missing from work I see and then when I occasionally or eventually say "fuck it. I'm gonna go out and do what they do", get some random shots of some cliffs (live by the sea), it feels totally empty and feel awful and pointless editing or grading something that is basically 'created' (vomit) for the gram.

Dude ... Okay... So I'm going through a thing right now where I'm struggling to just go out and shoot something. When you said "are you? Are you shooting a movie Jesse?" That made me audibly gasp because my name is Jesse. You literally reached through the screen and grabbed me by the face.

Thank you very much for your refreshing honesty and the great quality throughout all of your video

New subscriber here because I like your thought process!

no thank you for reminding us which one is more important. the story or the gears!

Gracias hermano!

This incredibly poignant, but also really inspiring, and the kick in the butt I needed for my creative work, so thanks

All that planning takes you out of the moment, the moment is what you’re capturing if it looks cinematic so be it, it exists as is trying to place a person into the image makes it artificial, what was your goal to create a film or capture an image from your own unique perspective, your perspective alone is meaning enough for it to exist. By the way someone was in every last one of your foggy images, you, you’re the story why were you there what was going through your head at the time etc that’s mor interesting than throwing a person into the frame, we know why they are there because your wanted them to be.

I'll admit that sometimes I just take pretty pictures. Most of my pictures aren't even pretty. But there are only a few that I've taken where I feel like there's a story there. And, those are usually the ones I'm most proud of. Thank you for making this video.

5:34 soooooooooooo real man..

This video was so cinematic.

Just subscribed. 😊 thank you for the beautiful tips in filmmaking.. I'm on a learning process. 😊

i like the "butterless" images when i don't want to think about anything, it has its place, but i agree with you. great video Jesse, thanks for sharing

We lost Grand Narrative in pursuit of aesthetic wrapping. The reason the aesthetic of old stories are “nice” is because of the Idea, not the medium in which it was told through.

this is great advice! thanks for sharing your thoughts:)

This is a fantastic video ~ easy sub.

such a good video!

thank u

One thing I found interesting these days was that I posted some photos with no correlation to the term cinematographic, but something like film, nostalgic. And to my surprise, people in my Instagram circle really liked it. I also liked it, but I didn't think it would connect as much, because it simply was a photograph of a simple country house and a Fusca (common car in Brazil) in front haha. That's when I realized that this connection still exists, even though it's not up to current aesthetic standards. It comforted me a little to know that there is still a human relationship with creations, which makes people feel something. And that has always been my purpose in a way, to try to tell something with this carousel of images, rather than just a pretty image. I believe it is similar to what you said and feel. And I've been following each of your videos, practically the moment it's published, because I really feel this "depth", intentionality, in the work you do. I can feel and relate, rather than just see and find it beautiful.

"wish this pic had a person" is literally me showing a indoor cinematic pic I shot to my bro lol. btw fuuuuck I need to do so much shit.

amazing video

homie just spitting facts for 11:46 minutes

This video looks pretty cinematic.

A lot of the effort in my filmmaking lately has been in deprogramming myself. Unlearning the RU-vid "cinematography" crap, simplifying. Does the shot need to move? No. Does this need to cut away to something else? No. "I just wish I had a person in the photo" is exactly something I've thought! Especially shooting film when shots are $$$. You just don't want to waste the money on something that isn't art. When I make a pretty shot now I feel so silly, like it's almost embarrassing to call yourself an artist but also be like "ooh look how nice this picture is, isn't the light so pretty".

The story comes before images. There's a script in which later a Director and DP think of the images to bring the visual story to life. On the contrary, people gushing to create a movie often settle for “cinemat-ic” because it's most accessible and tangible due to affordable high-performing cameras that once were reserved for Hollywood. It's faster and sometimes easier to make something look good than to make a good story. There are no hacks to storytelling. You do the work of telling a good story. Jesse, I value your discerning of this “cinematic” phenomenon. Your breakdown was insightful and encouraging. I also agree that “cinematic images is the by product.” 👌

@jessesenko - Thanks so much for your perspective. It really resonates with me. You remind me of the philosophical perspectives of @RockWILK and his great story telling through photos and video. He tells it like it is, no fluff. Keep doing what you’re doing and I will keep returning to watch you. Michael

De-cinematic that is. Love it.

Wow, this is really hitting close to home for me. I'm going to challenge myself to shoot something with that balance-what is the story? And what I am trying to say,? But I can play with perspective, in service to that story. I still want creative visuals (whatever that may mean to others), but always in service for the greater purpose. BTW, loving all of your content. I'm so lucky I stumbled upon your channel just the other day. Thank you!

The frightening question I ask myself is - has the audience changed? How did we end up with "one has to abandon his creative him/herself to serve the algorithm and viewers."

I think you are absolutely in the right here. I mumble to myself at home when the only feedback I get from my photography is "cinematic". Where internally it feels like someone couldn't think of any compliment that fits in a sentence. Others will say "it looks like its from a movie" and my brain goes to "does it look like a movie you've already seen, or a movie you would want to see"

Outstanding. Thank you.

When showing images, I just want visually appealing with a question being asked," what is happening here". But, with moving images, I'm stuck on not distracting from the hopefully interesting story. Either way, it feels like a lifetime mission and not a short term goal.

The lack you see and feel in the photo. The absence of something meaningful. Maybe that's the story. The story of life, the story of time passing by. With or without us. Of places frozen in time even if nobody is here to enjoy it. Cold entropy. Lost memories. The taste of a silent moment as a representation of the transient nature of things. Sometimes, the absence is the meaning. Sometimes the story is nothing intellectual. It's a mood, a feeling. I still get what you say about the pretty for nothing idea, and the emptiness behind what "cinematic" say about content.