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