critical to the story, leave it out.
2. Recognize your strengths and weaknesses.
This is excellent advice. The way Hoffman explains it, not everybody is good at every little thing. Some people are good at writing, some at directing. If you can’t write, don’t try. Get somebody who is a good writer if your strength is in directing.
By putting together a team of experts, you end up with the best movie possible.
3. Don’t over criticize yourself.
This is a common mistake that many beginning film makers make. They nit pick about every little thing that they do. Hoffman says you need to just jump into the fire and do it. Go with your gut. Some things will work and some won’t. But don’t censor yourself during the process too much. Let the ideas just come and have confidence in what you’re doing.
4.