He went from charging five cents per ticket to viewing parties for his homemade movies to becoming the most commercially successful director in Hollywood history. He has challenged the industry by tackling difficult subjects in his films, working hard to reach the top of his game and remaining there for over thirty years. How did this shy, socially awkward boy from Cincinnati become one of the biggest and most respected names in Hollywood today?
Courage: From the wind to his classmates to poor grades, Spielberg was self-admittedly afraid of everything as a child. By focusing on his strengths and putting his time towards something he excelled at, Spielberg was able to conquer his fears and prove both himself and his doubters wrong. But, Spielberg isn’t perfect. “I think every film I make that puts characters in jeopardy is me purging my own fears, sadly only to re-engage with them shortly after the release of the picture,” he says. “I'll never make enough films to purge them all.”
Control: There is no doubt in the mind of anyone who has worked with Spielberg that he likes things his way. He would always know before he even begun to shoot how he wanted things to go and rarely did he stray from that vision. But, he also understood that his colleagues required the independence to do what they needed to as well. By maintaining this delicate balance, he became one of the most esteemed directors in the industry.
Inspiration: Spielberg sought ideas for his films from everyone and everything around him. Despite living in his imagination and taking himself to far off worlds, he always sought inspiration from what was closest to his heart – his family. Even Spielberg’s interest in creating alien movies stemmed from a short story about UFOs that one of his sister’s wrote. However far he wandered, he never strayed far from his home.
Determination: For twenty years, Spielberg was considered an excellent director – when it came to science fiction and adventure. But, when it came to dealing with serious issues and emotional dramas, his name did not come to mind. Instead of sticking with what he knew he could do, Spielberg ventured into new territory, testing himself and his ability to break new ground.
Passion: “I’d rather direct than produce,” says Spielberg. “Any day. And twice on Sunday.” From the time he first touched a camera, Spielberg knew there was nothing else in this world that he wanted to do except make movies. It was his energy and zeal for his profession, as well as the topics he chose to cover, that drove his success – nothing was going to stop him from doing what he loved.
When Spielberg first got some his friends together to film his early WWII battles, many of the children’s mothers did not want them to be out in the desert all day instead of doing their homework. Today, Spielberg’s own mother looks back on this and laughs; “Now, I think they are very excited that they were doing a Steven Spielberg film.”
It would seem that this timid outsider from Ohio has gotten the best revenge against his childhood bullies. With his name almost automatically guaranteeing a project’s success, Spielberg continues to be one of the most sought after directors in the industry.
Directing His Own Success: How Spielberg Climbed to the Top
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