Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to David Mazur. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have David with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
Where do I get my work ethic from? Ha, I love this question so much!
Some people talk about work ethic just to throw it on a resume… but I really cherish great work ethic. I feel like you can tell a lot about a person based on their approach to work.
When I think work ethic, I see someone with an entrepreneurial spirit, a trail blazer, a risk taker. As artists, that’s who we are! To be able to grow, I’ve had to explore my own philosophy towards work. I’ve learned I’m an observer and I question everything. When I make a mistake I work hard to learn everything I can from it. And when choosing projects, I always want to be able to challenge myself.
Part of my work ethic comes from being a perfectionist. Obviously, nothing will ever be perfect – but to be self aware and have the ability to really hone that trait – I’m able to dive into projects for months, even years at a time with the same passion and optimism I had going into it. Being a perfectionist, I
have a strong attention to detail and a love for the art of problem solving. It’s a weird quirk for sure, but it’s kind of like my very own super power!
Another part of my work ethic comes from wanting to prove myself to others. I think that’s part of the fun – to really surprise people with what I’m capable of.
When developing my work ethic I’ve come to realize I’m extremely goal oriented. When I have an idea or artistic venture I want to pursue, I just do it. There’s nothing worse than regretting not taking action. I don’t waste any time because I can’t afford to – I never want to miss out on an opportunity.
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’m a director, screenwriter, and music manager. An artist to my core, but I also believe that understanding the business side of the craft is important for the longevity of my own career. My goal is to stand at the crossroads of business and art and to always have my finger on its pulse. That’s the most exciting part for me, to really thrive in both spaces.
The special thing about being a writer-director is the opportunity to transport myself into another person’s world and tell their story. It’s one of those magical feelings you can’t really find anywhere else. And, on top of that, to be able to work with so many talented creatives and make a story come to life – I just feel so lucky to be a part of this community.
I’m currently working on finishing up three feature screenplays. The more I write and direct, the more I find that everything I do is about lifting up the outcasts – those are the stories I like to tell. The outcast’s journey and their search for found family. It’s one of those universal experiences that crosses into every genre of film, and one I hold very close to my heart. With these three features on the horizon – I can’t wait to share these stories with the rest of the world!
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
The three skills that have been the most impactful in my own journey have been, drawing for animation, the ability to really listen, and the ability to meet deadlines.
Spending sixteen years of my life learning to draw for animation was a valuable skill I acquired without realizing its importance at the time. This skill has helped me pitch ideas and concepts faster and clearer. I don’t really know too many other directors who can also draw. It’s an ability that has helped me stand out from other artists and just another skill I can bring to the table.
The second most impactful skill I’ve learned is to really listen. Listen to other artists and how they work, listen to an audience and what they want to see, listen to your clients and how they view their own world. And really listen to those who are trying to help you. On set, listen to your actors as well as everyone above and below the line. When you’re at the helm, leading a team, everyone looks to you. It’s important to listen, even down to the smallest role – you really are as strong as your weakest player. Being a great listener is one of the most valuable skills you can have.
The third most impactful skill I’ve developed is how to meet deadlines. Art is a profession, not a hobby. And, as a profession, art has its deadlines. Consistently meeting deadlines is a must. From overnight turn-arounds, to quick and fast paced video edits, to producing draft after draft of written work. Consistently meeting deadlines never goes unnoticed.
What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?
I think the biggest area of growth for me this past year has been developing a stronger understanding of the technical side of cinematography and deep diving into lighting and tech. From discussing lighting breakdowns and camera specs with cinematography mentors to bugging my peers whose work I admire, I feel like I’ve gained a much greater understanding of the craft. And thanks to all their help, I’m able to see this growth reflected in my own work. I look forward to continuing to be a student of the craft and learning even more!
Contact Info:
- Website: david-mazur.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/david.c.mazur/
- Other: https://vimeo.com/user86686915
Image Credits
Lila Seeley Chapell Miller Isaak Morin
