How to Enjoy Creating Again.

You wanna hear something ironic?

For the last 10 years, I’ve called myself a “content creator”…

… yet, a lot of the time, I’ve wanted to be anything BUT that.

It took me a while to understand why, but a few months ago, I finally figured it out.

It’s actually not that I don’t want to be a content creator.

It’s because I spend all day holding a huge cinema camera.

And not only that— I’m scripting, strategizing, studying the algorithm, and frankly just going insane trying to make good-looking, consistent content.

Sound familiar?

Truly, I want as much of the content creation process to be as effortless as possible.

Less setup, more creativity.

So while, yes, this is me sneakily announcing our newest crash course— Pocket Filmmaker— here are three practical tips to make creating content soooo much easier:

1. Forget the Gear— the best camera is already in your pocket.

We live in interesting times 😂 

Even just 5 years ago, the thought of your smartphone camera being even REMOTELY capable of shooting video like the big, $100K+ cinema cameras was just absurd.

I’ve spent a lot of time shooting on pretty much every camera ecosystem imaginable. RED, ARRI, Canon, Sony, Lumix, Nikon…

But I promise I’m not joking when I say this:

The iPhone is my favorite.

And not because it “performs” better than the rest of those cameras…

It’s because it is literally ALWAYS on me.

When I’m making memories with my kids, working at my desk, taking some time for myself…

I just didn’t know how to use it properly.

Funny enough, there’s like three settings that you need to know to get the most out of your iPhone’s camera — I’ll send you another email later this week with a step-by-step guide to show you which ones those are…

But really, my point here is to tell you to stop wasting your time on big, annoying gear that’ll make your videos marginally better for someone analyzing them at max resolution.

What’s the most convenient camera that’ll take you from “prep mode” to “creative mode” as quickly as possible? 📱👀

2. Stop strategizing so much.

Your instinct is so much better than you think.

Unfortunately, though, we’re constantly bombarded with “strategies” from “growth experts” that make us second-guess every little thing we do when it comes to making content.

My most favorite pieces of content (and ironically some of the best performing on social) were all created because I had an original idea that I didn’t want anyone else to influence.

Social media just feels like a never-ending game of “who can rip each other off the best?”.

Stop playing that game. Stop doubting your creativity.

At the end of the day, the only thing that matters is…

Number One— YOU like it.

and Number Two— It’s purposeful. It means something.

So don’t overthink it. Get your message out there.

Because content gets fun when you stop trying to be everyone else.

3. Find your “Content Home Base”

My whole goal with this newsletter is to help you shed some of the weight that’s been holding you back from being creative.

Every content creator that I’ve ever met (professional or not) either MAKES or IDEATES their content in a space that they’ve created.

Think MKBHD, RP Nickson, Peter Mckinnon…

Do you ever get all this inspiration to make something, but by the time you’ve gotten your camera, lighting, and location all set up— you don’t care anymore?

I used to spend an hour setting up every time I wanted to film a talking head for a video.

Depending on the video, it’s worth the effort, but most of my content is shot with the “fixed” camera and lighting setup I’ve made at my desk.

It’s also a setting where I’m comfortable and I plan out a lot of my content.

So what’s the most organic setting for you? Does it already exist? And if not, what would it take to create it?

On Wednesday, I’m sending my three-step guide to make the perfect talking head setup. Cuz why not.

Pocket Filmmaker was born from my need to film my kids professionally and cinematically— anytime, anywhere.

Now, I use my iPhone to film most of my content, and there’s no reason you shouldn’t be able to do the same. It’s cheaper, it’s lighter, and it’s infinitely more convenient.

So, on August 5th, we’re launching our Cinematic iPhone Crash Course…

And you get first dibs.

Actually, it’s a little more than just “dibs”… it’ll sell for $197, but during our early-bird launch week, you’ll get it for 80% off— that’s only 30 bucks 👀

And if you’re a Full Time Filmmaker Premium or Happy Creatiive Coaching student, it’s free.

I’ll send some more info over the next week before we open it up to you for enrollment, but I think you’ll like it— especially the 5 new iPhone LUTs I’ve included. 🎨

Keep creating— chat with you soon!

-Landon 👋🏼