Key Takeaways:
– Steven Spielberg talked about his early struggles in Hollywood due to financial constraints.
– Despite offers to direct low-budget movies, Spielberg remained committed to quality cinema.
– He was confident about his eventual success, along with fellow newcomers George Lucas and Martin Scorsese.
Stepping Stones and Hurdles
Steven Spielberg, one of Hollywood’s most celebrated filmmakers, did not have an easy start. He had a tough time establishing himself in the industry due to financial struggles. Despite a directorial contract with Universal Studios, Spielberg lived a frugal life, finding it challenging to meet basic expenses like dining out and dating.
The Struggle of Beginning
During his initial years in television, Spielberg had to consider every expense very carefully. He lived in a meager $130-per-month apartment, barely making ends meet even with a directorial contract with Universal Studios. This was a time when the prospect of eating out seemed like a luxury and dating was a financial challenge.
Offers to Trade Quality for Quick Cash
Interestingly, during this financial crunch, Spielberg was flooded with offers to direct what he terms as ‘sleazo, exploitation movies’. Despite the tempting lure of quick cash, Spielberg made the tough call of saying no. He was committed to his passion – making quality films, even though that meant playing the waiting game.
Comrades in Struggle
Spielberg was not alone in his struggle. Fellow budding directors like George Lucas and Martin Scorsese were in the same boat. However, Spielberg stayed true to his pursuit of cinematic excellence, a quality that he shares with these acclaimed directors.
Believing in the Dream
Speaking about his early days, Spielberg admitted to sharing a collective belief of making it big with Lucas and Scorsese despite the industry’s uncertainties and challenges. Each had a clear vision of being successful in Hollywood, only uncertain about the ‘when’.
First Breaks in Hollywood
Spielberg compared the struggle and anticipation of their first break to waiting for a pilot’s license. He fondly remembered how Marty Scorsese was the first of the group to hit it big with ‘Mean Streets.’ He was followed by Lucas with ‘THX,’ and Spielberg himself came third. Brian De Palma, another contemporary, had his success in New York before them all by securing funding from local lawyers and doctors.
Following the Vision
The shared belief in future success bore fruit as Spielberg, Lucas, and Scorsese grew to become hallowed names in the film industry. Spielberg, the grounded visionary, today boasts of a litany of successful projects such as Jaws, Jurassic Park, Indiana Jones, and the Oscar-winning Schindler’s List. The versatile director is all set to captivate audiences with his new projects yet to be rolled out.
Spielberg’s journey from facing financial constraints to becoming one of the world’s most acclaimed filmmakers is testament to his passion and unfaltering commitment to excellence. His story serves as an inspiration to young filmmakers around the globe, reinforcing the idea that one should always keep their dream alive and persist despite all obstacles.
