We were lucky to catch up with Chase Korzep recently and have shared our conversation below.
Chase, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.
Well, when I was a kid I found that I was naturally inclined for a lot of activities and I found that with some practice, I was able to improve on the things I wasn’t inclined for. I found that a lot of the things that I thought were cool or wanted to accomplish, I could just go out and do. I developed a sort of iron will and confidence came out of just trying at all and knowing that I can eventually improve. The self esteem came from love and support from my wife, my family, and from a list of accomplishments that I’m very proud of. Just get out and try.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I’ve found pretty early on in my life that storytelling was what I was the most passionate about. I started as a novelist, but one day something about my love for movies clicked and I realized that was my path. There’s nothing like this business. That’s equal parts exciting and terrifying. In 2023, I directed 4 short films, some of which are going to distribution, and developed a few features. It’s a matter of time (and money) at this point before we make that leap into features. We love running the festival circuits and my team and I are very excited for what this year is going to bring professionally.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
First, I’d have to say it’s most important to be a consumer for storytelling. That’s TV, movies, books, all of it. Find things that excite you. Ultimately, I believe your best stories will come from personal experiences but know that they can be injected into whatever world is most exciting to you. Be a consumer.
The second thing is to fight for what you believe creatively, but don’t go overboard and lose working relationships. This business is a lot of working with friends. That’s a weird space that a lot of industries aren’t born with. If you’re really difficult to work with, you’re not only losing friends, but future projects. Be a kind, genuine, truthful person that is fun to be around.
The last is probably to keep challenging yourself. It’s exciting to fail at new things because you’re ultimately progressing. I wasn’t the same filmmaker I was last year. That’s exciting. Don’t be afraid to aim high and fall short.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
Feeling overwhelmed comes with the territory. If I’m finding myself overwhelmed, burnt out, the only real way I deal with it is to be outside. Go golf, take the dogs for a walk, watch a movie. Get out of that headspace for a little while and come back with another perspective. I usually find that the problems I face aren’t as challenging as I feel they are when I’m overwhelmed. A little sunlight and a few laughs will clear your head every time.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chase_korzep/
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/chasekorzep
