The Myth of the ‘Perfect Director’: Why I’m Not Your Typical Director

Let’s get one thing straight: I’m an obsessed creative mind. But that doesn’t mean I direct from a smoke-filled room, surrounded by vintage posters and endless espresso shots. I’m usually reworking scenes last minute, solving problems nobody anticipated, and hearing “Can we try one more version?” more times than I care to count.

The industry has built this ideal image of a "cool" director. You know the one: part tortured artist, part visionary, part lone genius who “just knows” when something’s right. The New Young Genius Mind, The Kid Who Shot That Celebrity Video like a music video. Honestly? These quickly judged narratives are outdated. It’s romantic, sure, but also a bit of a trap.

I’m not here to inflate my ego. I’m here to make work that resonates. Work that hits you in the gut, that lingers, something that feels more like a story than an "ad," but still does the job of an "ad"—without becoming a beautiful, visual music video. It should feel like something you’ve actually lived—not just watched. And that doesn’t come from chasing perfection or trends, or copying the visuals from European, Japanese, or American music videos. It comes from embracing rawness and authenticity.

What does that look like in practice? It means embracing chaos. Letting actors improvise. Shooting in natural light. Keeping a take that might not be “technically perfect,” or referenced to an image we found on Google, or a replica of a video we found on Vimeo—but has something real and emotional. Realness always wins over polish, hands down.

Working with me isn’t about barking orders from a director’s chair. It’s about collaboration. I listen. I push. I ask, “Why are we shooting that shot?” I question the obvious. I’m not here to show off; I’m here to create something that actually matters. If that’s the energy you’re looking for, I’m your guy. If you’re after the cool director who can paint a picture that already exists, well, there are plenty of directors with cooler chairs to sit in.

The "Cool" Director

It’s easy to get caught up in the idea of being the “perfect director.” The ones who demand 20 takes to get that “perfect moment.” Sure, there’s a time and place for precision—but perfection isn’t always the answer. It can cost time, energy, and the well-being of your cast and crew. Plus, it often wipes out those happy accidents—the kind of moments that make a film feel real and relatable.

Commercial directors like Ivan Zacharias and Matthijs van Heijningen Jr. have made their mark with work that isn’t about perfection—it’s about emotional connection. They’re not afraid to experiment with imperfection, to take risks that might not be “flawless,” but that deliver raw and powerful results. They trust their teams, encourage creativity, and don’t overthink the small details. It’s about the bigger picture.

The Collaborative Nature of Filmmaking

Filmmaking is about collaboration, not isolation. Directors work alongside writers, cinematographers, actors, editors, and a host of other professionals to bring a story to life. No one person can do it all. And that’s what makes the final product truly special.

Look at directors like Michel Gondry and Spike Jonze. They are known for their unique styles, but they also trust their teams and let the ideas flow. They understand that film is a team sport, and each team member brings something invaluable to the table.

Embracing Imperfection

Perfectionism can be paralyzing. If you’re scared of making mistakes, you’ll never take the creative risks that lead to innovation. Embracing imperfection, on the other hand, opens up new possibilities. It allows you to experiment with characters, themes, and visuals in ways that feel authentic and spontaneous.

Consider directors like David Fincher, who has a reputation for his meticulous approach, but even he knows that things don’t always go according to plan. That’s where the magic happens—when you embrace the unexpected and make it work.

The Myth’s Impact on Aspiring Filmmakers

The myth of the perfect director can be daunting for new filmmakers. They’re told that they need to have a perfect vision and flawless execution from the get-go. But the truth is, filmmaking is messy and unpredictable. It’s about problem-solving, working with a team, and rolling with the punches.

Even the best directors—like Ridley Scott and Guy Ritchie—understand that success comes from learning, adapting, and collaborating, not from being an infallible genius. Aspiring filmmakers should focus on finding their own voice, trusting their team, and embracing the process.

Redefining the Director’s Role

It’s time to throw out the outdated idea of the director as something that’s made up. Also, time to rethink that what’s "happening" now doesn’t mean it’s working. A more accurate view is that of the director as a facilitator—someone who guides the creative process, encourages collaboration, and remains open to the unexpected. And someone who is objective-driven and works relentlessly to achieve a result that will make a tremendous impact on your project and your brand.

Sure, if you want to take the film in a different direction, even after me explaining my approach and treatment to you—then, sure, I’ll follow your creative direction. After all, you’re the custodian of the brand. But I’ll also fight for what I believe is right. I’ll push back when I feel something’s off. Ultimately, I’ll apply my direction to enhance yours, but it’s no longer my vision. There can only be one direction to follow.

If you’re a creative director who knows the brand inside out and feels the film should go a certain way, no questions asked—no ego—I’ll do it. But it means you should take the ownership of the film. It’s on you.

I’m as cool as any director who doesn’t sweat the production details. But I’m also as human as any producer who deals with all the nitty-gritty and doesn’t like last-minute changes. So, if we’re getting into the 200th edit change after the product has already been graded and completed, I’ll definitely have a word with your client servicing team. I’ll highlight that this could have been addressed earlier. And no, there’s no sweet talk or ass-licking here. I’m all about the straight talk, but I can guarantee a product that’s as good as you want it to be.

The "Perfect Director"? It's a myth. Real filmmaking is messy, collaborative, and filled with unpredictable moments. By shedding this unrealistic ideal of perfection, we open the door to more inclusive, innovative, and authentic storytelling. And that’s the kind of work I want to create.