Abel Ferrara Quotes

The best education in film is to make one

All films are learning processes. I am still trying to work out how you make a movie. I didn't study at film school or any of those things. I didn't bother with film theory.

Filmmaking is something I have to do. It's not something I particularly want to do.

I have a new respect for filmmakers, that's for sure, 'cause it's not easy. If I'm allowed to, I'll be directing for the rest of my life. I love the process.

I've always loved films, and I always felt like a storyteller. I left Norway after high school and moved to Manhattan and went to film school in Manhattan. That's when I really found out that this was my calling and what I wanted to do.

I've been working in television for so long, since 2004, and I just worked nonstop throughout that time and I've learned so much. I've definitely done that 10,000 hours. I know the format really well and I feel comfortable in it. I'm excited about going into something I'm not so comfortable in, which is film.

When you decide you want to make a film, you start listening to everything that anyone has to say about filmmaking and reading everything, and there's a maxim about film being a visual medium, and so you need to make, in a sense, a silent movie and layer on dialogue.

Filmmaking in general is just really where I'm putting all of my energy.

I always find film-making a pleasurable experience.

I have been directing and involved in producing and the creating of films for quite a while as well as acting. I always think in terms of what the director needs, and not just for this scene but for the film.

I have stories that I'd like to maybe one day consider directing, but you need a lot of time to write and put it together.

Normally as a director, you do look at other films and things that are relevant. But with this film, it became impossible because I became so aware of the camera placement.

As a filmmaker, I make the films that I love, that are in my heart. That's what I care about.

I don't know anything about directing, but if you love actors, know your story and hire a great company, then anyone can direct a film.

I want to make good films; I don't want to make films for the moment.

I just think I love the process of making films. It's not tortuous for me at all. I love being with my crew. I love actors. There's a joy to the process.

One of the most telling things about film school is you've got a lot of students wandering around saying, "Oh, I wish I could make a movie. I wish I could make a movie."

But having a really good understanding of history, literature, psychology, sciences - is very, very important to actually being able to make movies.

I just decided to make a movie. I had no training, no film school, but I had been to a lot of movies.

I can't do the movies like I do painting because I am really more of a sort of dilettante or something. I mean I know guys that make movies that I can see it is absolutely their medium and they can just go from one movie right into the next because it is just - they have got it so much on the tips of their fingers. But for me it is a special effort.

I think film was my passion without it being declared like a job that I could have, or a career that I could have.

I enjoy making films and some experiences are better than others. Most of the time they're great experiences... but turning up to go to work on this every day was an absolute pleasure and that comes from the top.

I think I have a real interest in filmmaking, and it's nice when I can go and do that sometimes. Then it's also great to not do it and not have the responsibility .

My god is narrative filmmaking.

I love directing because you get to see your film come to life. You get to work with the actors. There's something magical about each piece of it.