Embrace Obsession: The Key to Thriving in Video Production

The other day, I was reflecting on the different team members that have worked for my business over the years, and what the qualities were of the very best, most successful people, the ones who became the best at their craft, the ones who made the biggest contribution to the business, who made the biggest impact.

And after thinking about it for a while, the word that came to me that truly captures their spirit was obsession.

They had an obsession with filmmaking.

These were the people who lived and breathed filmmaking. They were obsessed with learning, improving, and refining their skills. They had an insatiable curiosity about the latest gear, plugins, and techniques. Their passion shone through when they spoke about their favourite films, directors, or projects. For them, filmmaking wasn’t just a job; it was a calling.

The Power of Obsession

In our society, obsession often gets a bad rap. We’re told to strive for balance, to avoid extremes, and to moderate our passions. While this advice may be well-meaning, it can sometimes discourage the kind of relentless pursuit that leads to mastery. In Australia, we even have a term for this phenomenon: the "tall poppy syndrome," where those who excel are subtly pressured to tone it down so others don’t feel left behind.

But the truth is that healthy obsession can be a driving force for creativity and success. When you’re obsessed with your craft, it doesn’t feel like work. You pursue it with joy, hunger, and energy. And it’s this fire that propels you to new heights.

The Joy of Going All In

When I think back to my own childhood, I remember being obsessed with cricket. I spent endless hours in the backyard mimicking my favorite players, hitting a ball suspended in stockings from a tree, and studying every statistic I could find. I didn’t do it because someone told me to—I did it because I loved it.

I see the same spirit in my son. He spent years perfecting skateboarding tricks, falling repeatedly but always getting back up. Now, he’s equally obsessed with Muay Thai, training daily and pushing his limits. Watching him reminds me of the sheer joy that comes from immersing yourself completely in something you love.

As a filmmaker, I still feel that same passion. I love every aspect of filmmaking—the storytelling, the tools, and the magic of creating something from nothing. When a project comes together and moves a client or audience, it’s incredibly fulfilling. This love of the craft is what sustains me, even when the road gets tough.

Embracing Dynamic Equilibrium

The idea of “balance” often feels unattainable in creative fields like ours. Life is rarely perfectly proportioned, especially when you’re running a business. Instead of chasing static balance, I’ve embraced a concept called dynamic equilibrium.

Dynamic equilibrium is like riding a bike: you’re constantly adjusting, shifting, and moving forward to stay steady. It’s not about giving equal attention to every aspect of life all the time; it’s about finding harmony in the flow of motion. Some weeks, you might be immersed in a marketing sprint or an intense project. Other weeks, you might focus on rest, reflection, or learning.

This approach allows for growth and flexibility. By leaning into the cycles of effort and recovery, you can stay on track without burning out.

Facing Fear and Redefining Failure

One of the biggest obstacles to embracing obsession is the fear of failure. It’s natural to worry about falling short or not measuring up to your ideal. For years, I struggled with this myself. I was afraid that if I gave 100% and failed, it would be a crushing blow to my self-image.

Over time, I realized that this fear was holding me back. The perfect vision I had in my head wasn’t real—it was just a fantasy. True success isn’t about meeting an impossible ideal; it’s about growth, persistence, and playing the long game.

As James Carse explains in the book Finite and Infinite Games, finite games have clear winners and losers, while infinite games are about continuing the play. Filmmaking, like life, is an infinite game. It’s not about achieving a single goal; it’s about staying in the game, learning from setbacks, and continually evolving.

The Call to Obsession

In a world that feels increasingly uncertain, now is the time to lean into your passions. Don’t wait for the perfect moment or ideal conditions. Take the leap, even if it feels risky. Pursue your craft with relentless enthusiasm and let your obsession drive you.

This doesn’t mean losing yourself in work or burning out. It means finding that fire within you—the same fire you felt as a child when you were obsessed with your hobbies or interests—and letting it fuel your journey.

As you pursue this path, consider the wisdom of the Kalahari Bushmen, who hunt by tracking their prey with slow, steady persistence. They don’t rely on speed or force; they rely on patience, dedication, and reading the signs. Their approach is a powerful metaphor for pursuing your goals: keep moving forward with quiet determination, and eventually, success will yield to you.

Obsession in Practice

Healthy obsession isn’t just about loving your craft; it’s also about evolving as a professional. In the video production business, this means staying curious, learning new techniques, and refining your approach. It means obsessing over the details that make your work stand out—whether that’s perfecting your lighting setup, mastering a new editing technique, or understanding your clients’ needs on a deeper level.

It also means embracing the business side of filmmaking. To succeed, you need to market yourself effectively, build your personal brand, and continually refine your skills. It’s about committing to every aspect of the process, from pre-production to client relationships, with the same passion you bring to your creative work.

The Invitation to Begin

If there’s one takeaway from this, it’s this: don’t be afraid to go all in. Whether you’re just starting out in filmmaking or you’ve been in the industry for years, there’s always more to learn, explore, and achieve. Let your obsession guide you, and trust that it will lead you to new opportunities and growth.

As the Persian poet Rumi wrote, “Come, come, whoever you are... Even if you’ve broken your vows a thousand times, come yet again, come.” It’s never too late to start—or to start again. Embrace the spirit of adventure, take risks, and pursue your dreams with courage and passion.

In this industry, success doesn’t come from playing it safe or sticking to the status quo. It comes from pushing boundaries, embracing failure, and being unafraid to stand out. So take that leap, fan the flames of your obsession, and keep moving forward.