bird, you are far too kind. I'm stumbling around in the dark as much as anyone (if not more so!)
To suggest, as others have that satisfaction and happiness can be found in setting oneself aside and toiling for others is ludicrous.
As I mentioned, it's only my 2 cents
. I do think we need to separate happiness from success though. You can be plenty successful and not be happy (and vice-versa). It is indeed a good idea to be sucessful. Who wouldn't want to be?
For me at least, seeing the look on a little kids face after you have done something special for them (or any similar analogy) is worth more than gold. It makes me happy. This isn't to say that you should never do anything for yourself and should be timid and subserviant. That's not the point at all. It is, however, quite possible to be bold and confident without feeling the need to hack and slash other people so you can get to the top.
After all filmmaking is all about people isn't it (or it should be anyway)? It's all about finding a good balance in my opinion (which I don't expect all to share - that's why it's just my opinion!).
There is a phenomenon that occurs with crabs when you put them in a bucket. They all try to get out (as would be expected). However, due to their territorial nature they pull each other down intentionally - the end result being that no one gets anywhere and nothing is truly ever achieved.
Just some random thoughts.
Indie, I hope this thread is ok (and thus my posting in it). I know we like to keep Indietalk about film as much as possible. I love the atmosphere here on site and would hate to be part of the problem.