Filmmaking Truth: Lessons, Mistakes & Motivation from The John Henry Soto Show!

Every morning at 9 AM Central, for the past two months, I’ve been showing up to talk about the one thing that has defined so much of my life—film. What started as a way to keep myself accountable and share a little knowledge has grown into something much more meaningful: a space where filmmakers (and aspiring creatives) can learn the real ins and outs of the business—and maybe even avoid some of the mistakes I made.

The Real Behind-the-Scenes

Film isn’t just red carpets and final cuts. It’s hard drives crashing, money running out, last-minute actor cancellations, and “creative differences” that feel anything but creative. On the show, I don’t sugarcoat it. I talk about:

• What not to do when starting a project

• Where filmmakers waste time and money

• The importance of building a strong team (and knowing when to let someone go)

• Why storytelling beats fancy gear every single time

Each episode is designed to offer actionable advice—whether you’re in pre-production, trying to sell a script, or wondering why your short film hasn’t gotten into any festivals.

Staying Motivated in a Brutal Industry

Let’s be real. This business can be soul-crushing. That’s why I always include a segment on staying inspired and focused. I’ve been in the game long enough to know that motivation isn’t something you find—it’s something you build. And I share the exact steps I take to keep showing up creatively, mentally, and emotionally, even when the wins feel far apart.

Some of those keys:

• Having a strong "why"

• Creating daily rituals that support the dream

• Talking openly about burnout, fear, and doubt

• Celebrating small wins (like finishing a script draft or submitting to a festival)

Why I Do This Every Morning

There’s something powerful about doing the show at 9AM—before the noise of the day creeps in. It’s my way of saying, “This matters.” Whether 1 person watches or 1,000, I’m showing up because I know someone out there needs to hear this today.

I’ve made a lot of mistakes in this business. I’ve also had wins. This show is my chance to pass on what works, warn about what doesn’t, and encourage anyone with a story to tell to keep going.

Because your voice matters. Your film matters. And if I can help you bring it to life, even a little bit, then every 9AM wake-up has been worth it.

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If you’ve missed any episodes, or want to tune in and make sure to follow me on Rumble and Social Media. Got questions? Drop them in the comments or message me—I might just cover it on the next show.

Let’s make something great together. 🎥

 https://rumble.com/c/TheJohnHenrySotoShow

Sequels, Reboots, and CGI-Driven Spectacles! STOP IT!!!

In an industry often dominated by sequels, reboots, and CGI-driven spectacles, a quiet revolution has been taking place—one that signals the triumphant return of authentic storytelling in cinema. Audiences, perhaps fatigued by formulaic blockbusters, are gravitating toward films that offer originality, emotional resonance, and character-driven narratives. Two standout examples of this shift are Everything Everywhere All At Once and The Holdovers, both of which not only broke through the noise with fresh perspectives but also achieved critical and commercial success. These films remind us that, at its core, cinema is still a storyteller’s art.

In recent years, storytelling has made a powerful return to the forefront of filmmaking, as audiences increasingly crave narratives with emotional depth, originality, and character-driven arcs. This shift marks a departure from the heavy reliance on sequels, reboots, and CGI-heavy spectacles. Films like Everything Everywhere All At Once (2022) exemplify this trend, blending sci-fi, drama, and absurdist comedy to tell a profoundly human story about identity, family, and purpose. Made on a relatively modest budget, the film became a surprise box office success and swept the 2023 Oscars, winning Best Picture, Best Director, and multiple acting awards—proving that originality and storytelling can resonate deeply with global audiences.

Another standout is The Holdovers (2023), directed by Alexander Payne, which brought audiences a warm, character-focused holiday film that felt both classic and refreshing. Featuring Paul Giamatti in a quietly powerful role, the movie earned critical acclaim and audience admiration for its sharp writing, emotional sincerity, and timeless themes of loneliness and connection. Both films succeeded not by relying on massive franchises or flashy effects but by embracing authentic storytelling—demonstrating that well-crafted, original narratives can still captivate audiences and achieve both critical and commercial success.

“The Power of Finishing Ugly: Why Done is Better Than Perfect in Filmmaking”

There’s a myth in filmmaking that your project has to be flawless before it’s worth sharing. That myth has paralyzed countless talented creatives who sit on scripts, edits, or entire films, endlessly tweaking and doubting. But the truth is this: done is better than perfect. The power of finishing—even if it’s “ugly”—is one of the most underrated tools a filmmaker has. With “And On That Day,” I faced major challenges—budget limitations, losing locations, having to rework key scenes, and even recasting roles last minute. But I made the decision to finish it, no matter what.

And let me tell you, finishing wasn’t easy. There were moments I wanted to walk away. There were editing days where nothing felt right. But I kept going. Why? Because once a film is finished—even if it’s not everything you imagined—it becomes real. It breathes. It teaches. “And On That Day” ended up screening at festivals like Manhattan, Tennessee, and Golden Door. Not because it was a perfect film, but because I followed through. I let it live. And in doing so, I grew—not just as a filmmaker, but as a storyteller who could push through chaos and still create something meaningful.

So if you’re stuck, wondering if your film is “ready,” remember this: Ready is a lie we tell ourselves to delay the uncomfortable truth—it’s fear. Finish the film. Share it. Let it be messy. Let it be raw. But let it be. Because people won’t connect with your perfection. They’ll connect with your persistence, your passion, and your courage to finish ugly.

Box Office Insanity! All Happening For The Right Reason!

The box office has become more of a rollercoaster ride than ever before. In recent months, we've seen blockbuster films with massive budgets and marketing campaigns underwhelm in theaters, while smaller, unexpected titles soar past expectations. Audiences no longer flock to theaters solely for familiar franchises or A-list stars; instead, they're craving originality, emotional depth, and stories that resonate on a personal level. This shift has caught studios off guard, challenging the old playbook that once guaranteed ticket sales.

Part of this unpredictability lies in the evolving behavior of moviegoers. With streaming platforms offering a constant stream of content, audiences are more selective about what they’re willing to pay to see on the big screen. Social media buzz, word of mouth, and niche fandoms can now elevate an underdog film to mainstream success overnight. On the flip side, movies that lean too heavily on nostalgia or formulaic storytelling may find themselves lost in the noise. It’s not just about spectacle anymore—it’s about connection.

For filmmakers, this is both a challenge and an opportunity. The marketplace is wide open for bold ideas, new voices, and unconventional storytelling. But staying relevant means constantly pushing boundaries and staying in tune with cultural shifts. Here are 3 things you can do to keep your film ideas fresh:

1. Explore different genres or blend them—break the mold by mixing elements in unexpected ways.
   
   

2. Stay curious about real-world stories—truth is often stranger (and more compelling) than fiction.

3. Collaborate with people outside your usual circle—fresh perspectives lead to unexpected creativity.

LINK: https://rumble.com/c/TheJohnHenrySotoShow