Kevin Smith is just a guy who I think roots for everyone. And that kind of vibe is something we can always celebrate here.
He’s such an interesting writer and director, who has found who he is in Hollywood and makes movies and TV shows that reflect that entirely.
So when he’s giving encouragement, I tend to listen.
Drawing from his own journey of making Clerks, Smith reflects on how his lack of resources became his greatest strength. Without the money to create a space-opera like Star Wars, he turned his lens toward the world he actually knew: the mundane, profanity-laced reality of working in a convenience store.
His screenwriting voice mattered.
And from there, he was able to differentiate himself and show Hollywood why he deserves a shot.
Let’s dive in.
Your Voice Is Your Currency
We get a lot of emails every week from people asking us how they can break into Hollywood. And I truly have no idea anymore.
Hollywood is changing so much, but one thing that remains consistent is that Hollywood is looking for new voices who have something to say.
That’s what it was like for Kevin Smith, and what it’s like for you now.
Smith says that the film industry is built on the dreams of finding people who haven’t done “the thing that’s been done before.
Whether it’s the Wachowskis pitching The Matrix or another young artist with a specific POV, Hollywood is always looking for the person who can speak for the millions who don’t have a platform.
And that person could be you.
The more specific and honest you are about your own unique experience, the more you resemble and resonate with others.
Your job as an artist is to act as an “avatar” for the audience, saying the things they feel but haven’t heard said before.
Unlike youth or physical appearance, which Smith bluntly notes will eventually fade, your creative voice only grows more defined with age.
You get a sense of what you believe even more, and you get to share that morning belief with the world.
It is a renewable resource that becomes clearer and more potent the more you use it.
Your perspective is a billion-dollar asset that never runs out. As Smith puts it: “Your voice is your currency. Spend it like you’re a billionaire”.
Summing It All Up
This is a call to action for everyone out here worrying about not having enough money to make something great. It’s not about the budget, it’s about showcasing your voice and what you have to say. It’s about connecting with the world and showing Hollywood what you think can bring in audience members.
Let me know what you think in the comments.
