The Best Filmmaking Advice I've Heard in Years

Hi friends, This week, while I was in Los Angeles, I had the opportunity to sit down with Pascal Borno for a conversation that has stayed with me ever since. We talked about filmmaking, the entertainment industry, how stories move from an idea into a finished production, and what separates projects that are simply created from those that leave a lasting impact on audiences. After more than thirty years working across film production, financing, international sales, and distribution, Pascal has developed a unique understanding of what makes a story worth investing in. So I asked him one question that I had been thinking about for a while: if a young filmmaker came to him today looking for the most important advice he could give, what would it be? I expected an answer focused on the realities of the industry. I thought he might talk about building relationships, understanding financing, learning the craft, finding the right partners, or staying persistent through the challenges that come with creating films. Those are all important parts of the journey, especially in an industry where competition is intense and success requires both creativity and discipline. Instead, his answer was much simpler. He said it all begins with finding great stories. Stories that deserve to be told. Stories with meaning. Stories that make people laugh, make people cry, challenge their perspective, or create an emotional connection. Once you find that story, he said, you have to bring real passion into the process and give everything you have to making it come to life. That was the message. The simplicity of his answer is what made it so memorable. In a world where conversations often focus on technology, budgets, distribution, marketing, and the newest tools available to creators, Pascal brought everything back to the foundation: the story. A powerful story can connect with people regardless of its limitations because audiences respond to meaning first. A film does not become unforgettable because it has the biggest budget or the most impressive visuals. It becomes unforgettable because it makes people feel something. On the other hand, even the most polished production cannot hide a story that lacks purpose. That perspective carries even more weight when you understand Pascal's background and the experience behind his words. Pascal has spent roughly three decades working throughout the global film industry, gaining experience across production, financing, international sales, marketing, and distribution. He is the co-founder of Angel Oak Films, an international production and foreign sales company with offices in Los Angeles and Brussels, which he runs alongside CEO Alain Gillissen. Earlier in his career, he spent six years working with legendary producer Dino De Laurentiis before moving into senior roles at companies including Conquistador Entertainment and Corsan World Sales. Throughout his career, he has worked on internationally financed projects and helped b