Joel you’re really good at picking friends. Literally everyone in your videos are talented and you’re creating a niche that modern Hollywood could never fill. I know the movies don’t get as many views but please don’t stop making them

Bearded Dax is the blessing i needed going into 2022

Film school sapped nearly all my love for filmmaking, but you have single-handedly brought it back. Thank you for making what you make, and for talking to us so honestly. Love u Joel ❤️

I just wanna say how much I love your opinion on art and the creation of it, and how well you're able to express it for other people to easily understand. It has given me a perspective on art that seems new to me, even though I feel that it's very close to the way I've felt about art this whole time. I was just not able to put it into words as succinctly as you have.

I think the biggest commodity needed to make art is actually time. People still need to be able to pay bills, put a roof over their head and put food on the table, so artists quite often have to have regular jobs or (if they are lucky) find some form of external funding (but even that needs some hustling). That all eats into the time you could be using to make art.

"Drowning in Potential" is the best feature out of Hollywood in a long time.

Art made for $0 is the most genuine and dynamic art that will ever be created. I feel like someday you will be known as a pioneer of improvised feature film and a revitalizer of film as a true artistic medium. Loved the film overall, the title is absolutely perfect. Love Dax so much too. Please keep doing what you all do. Peace and love!

I’ve been enjoying Joel’s shorts for years. I’m happy he’s found success and internet recognition, but many don’t realize he made weekly shorts for YEARS with no budget before his content went viral. And now that he’s big, his philosophy is the same and it’s an example for aspiring filmmakers and creators. It’s not about money.

I've been struggling a lot lately with the idea of 'exposure' and mass appeal, but I think ultimately those worries just accumulate and lead me to not making anything because I think the ideas I have just wont reach people. I think you've helped me see that I should just make stuff for the sake of progress and experience, and not worry about things like success. I'm 19, that really shouldn't be my main worry right now. Thanks for everything and more Joel. You're pushing me to keep going.

Joel the film is just fantastic. You two should be super fucking proud

The "there's no story" crowd just lack imagination or relative experiences. I think about anyone who has ever put their heart and soul into their art can relate to Drowning In Potential.

The film festival thing makes me think of design awards. One of my profs when I was getting my Graphic Design degree said that you can submit everything you want to contrast and win as many awards as you want, but it won't prove anything, and won't even get you work. It's all arbitrary. It's much better to just create as much as you can and want to and put it out into the world regardless of if anyone is seeing it. Constantly creating proves much more than just selectively creating and releasing things to win awards. I don't know if that wound up making any sense. It did in my head, but then I started typing it out

Always love when you get candid, Joel. Happy you've got everything you need to make all this neat stuff. Always looking forward to your next thing!

Me and the Sundance crew giving an 8 minute standing ovation to Transformers 6

I'm so proud of this. Not just the movie, but just the realisation that you can take any opportunity to create something loveable.

This attitude towards filmmaking is exactly what I try to practice and preach as well. Growing up I always wanted to be a filmmaker, but I felt like it wasn't for people like me, with not much money and no connections and living in Canada - it took me a long time to realize I could just do it myself, and that I deserved to do what I loved, even if I have no money to do it. Art is and always should be for everyone, so it should be made by everyone too.

Well my good sir, i have been watching your films and philosophy on art and self expression. Im from east africa, currently in ethiopia, and as tough times crawl in, im glad im able to share your struggles and relate with you films half across the globe. Also glad you could.some day read this comment and feel proud of yourself for aspiring one guy from third world country to just make.films in their home, or anywhere for that matter. It means the world to us. So thank you and keep doing what you do best. And also DAX, fucking great job man. Just a wonderful performance.👏

The film has literally impacted my thinking since I've watched it a few days ago. I can't get the talk in the van scene about wondering what happened to screaming the world will know me out of my head and it's influencing my decisions for the better. For a $0 budget improvised film, I'd say that says something amazing. I think the last film I've seen from the "big guys" that actually impacted my life was probably Donnie Darko or Vanilla Sky, and these were what feels like eons ago. Edit: Oh and the Matrix. I would be remiss to exclude that. Still ages ago.

I really love the point that you make in the movie, the idea you're reiterating here... that the only thing stopping people from doing pretty much any form of art or any hobby that they like is that they just need to do it. "Get out of your own way" is the central idea of your movie I think, and the whole idea of a $0 movie that you're talking about here is that we all have the potential to do it we just need to do it, you know? If we want to we can. Even if it doesnt turn out the way we want or the way we expect, it'll be made valuable for you by the effort you put in and the lessons you learn.

I credit one of my favorite cousins for introducing your work to me. Thankful for you and what you're doing for film as an art form. Elitists beware - your days are numbered.

Joel (and the occasional crew 😉), I just wanted to thank you for doing what you do. Your videos mean a lot to me. Not only do I live with a disability (wheelchair-bound), but I also suffer from several other medical conditions, including SEVERE chronic pain in my lower extremities. Your videos always get my brain pumping out endorphins which actually helps with the pain, if only for a little while. Besides that, the videos really help to drag my mind out of the mundane and force it to think differently. So, rather than falling into a mental rut, I'm offroadin', baby! 😎 Again, THANK YOU SO MUCH for the work that you do! You are one of the small things that make life worth living and give me the ability to actually look forward to tomorrow. In my situation it's easy to fall into a deep depression and your videos go a LONG way toward helping me stay out of that frame of mind. Take care and be well, sir! 😃♿💯🗻✌

I didn’t know people thought there wasn’t a story. I just interpreted it as a couple of guys trying to make it and the struggles that happen along the way. It was beautifully done. Also I listened to that ending song about 500 times afterward.

Love to see that even during these times you are not only making great, continuous content, but FULL LENGTH films. You are truly a master of your art.

these rambles are some of the most important videos i'm seeing made on this platform.

As someone who constantly hits the roadblocks you talk about here (and having several features fall out from under me), this video is incredibly inspiring. While I do think that the "typical" filmmaking way has its own place (because who doesn't love a Michael Bay explosion-filled car chase?), I completely agree with what you're saying here. I may not be able to make the dream film I want, but I am absolutely going to make a film. Might even pull together a few actors and put it together this weekend. Anything is possible. Thank you, Joel, for inspiring filmmakers everywhere. All those stinky gatekeepers need to take a shower.

As a biology major, I can relate to the insane level of gatekeeping in academia(the rat race from undergrad to prof). I wish there was someone like you in my industry that could show people that you don't need to waste your prime years and money doing trivial work in order to be a "scientist".

Genuinely loved that movie so much Felt so nice and human I can't explain why I love it so much Thank you for making great content and even a film for your fans for free

Joel, you are the most inspiring artist I know. You're right, dismissing poor people as not being "true artists" is so backwards. It's sad that art is at its most accessible today technology-wise, but gatekeepers are constantly trying to stomp out seeds of hope so young artists can never grow. Many people are made to think "if only I could get into x school, afford x tool, meet x people, THEN I would be able to create my masterpiece"... but most people have everything they need to start creating already, and any limitation only makes creativity stronger. Thanks for sharing your message to democratize art and celebrate creation instead of cynicism, criticism and competition!

"Drowning in Authenticity" Thanks, Joel and Dax!

Really loving the rant Joel. I've worked in video production for close to 10 years now and while its important and beneficial to have dedicate roles on set (gaff, you touching yourself) I 100% support the sentiment of just making what you want to make. I've worked on $100K camera rigs but I am a firm believer that story, ambition, and creativity easily outweigh technology in almost all scenarios. A shitty camera shooting a good story is better than half the junk that gets produced for "small" budgets of $500K+. You're a great example of how someone with a decent kit of gear that will not destroy you financially can make some really amazing and (evidently, over the past year) popular films. Love you dude, been so cool watching you just explode since last year. It's well deserved. Keep it up and keep collaborating, keep creating, keep killing youtubers!

"It's just so possible" words I will hold near to my heart going forward

Indoor Garden inspired me so much. Same with the new movie! Would love to see you guys work together more!

I was expecting a feature length film on UKposts to have bad acting, bad pacing, bad writing, just be bad in general. But this literally felt like I was watching an A24 film, or a film from The Orchard. (Two of my favorite production studios.) But it was free, and easily accessible! And I really learned something. It’s my favorite thing to take pieces of art that I see and I’m always changed. You have seriously opened my eyes to pursuing creation as a career, and to struggle stubbornly to make the world a better place. Thank you for spreading good vibes friend

As a 37 year old boy I found this very inspiring. I've made some silly sketches but all my bigger and better ideas are always drowned by overwhelming expectations that I put on myself. No doubt I'll get a Google reminder about this comment a year from now and cry/laugh when I realise I've still not made anything new but in this moment I feel inspired.

I couldn't agree more. I've had times where I've felt like giving up on film because my editing style didn't match main stream or because I didn't have the best gear. The same thing happens in photography, people throw out their personal style to match the "norm" so now all popular photographers are the same.

Your perspectives on filmmaking are so refreshing and inspiring. I really believe you're doing something great for the art form. Thank you Joel, keep rantin

Glad to hear you adressing that bull about "no budget movies" where they actually have like a $50k budget.

Congrats, Joel and Dax. On filmmaking, excellent advice. The industry badly needs this advice. One question for Joel: what color is your hair?

I was really surprised to learn you didn’t do any lighting, the shots in the apartment look way better that I guessed they would’ve have without extra light Really liked the movie Joel, your creativity is inspiring and I love that you just let ideas come to you and execute them without any reservation

Thank you for saying what you did when it comes to creating art. As much as someone can try to convince themself they don't need to live up to the monetary and production expectations of their contemporaries to make great and valid art, the ever-seeping fog of doubt is always trying to creep its way into the brain. And I'm a someone. Regardless of these fears, nobody should ever feel discouraged from making art because of some arbitrary expectations. Take your burning passion to create and put it into the tools you have, express yourself, and very importantly make sure to finish something. It can be anything, but it doesn't have to be perfect. Just make sure it's you.

I clicked on your movie by accident and couldn't stop watching - just finished it a minute ago and enjoyed it a lot! Thank you for making this! I also didn't know Dax is such a good actor! Great work! Greetings from Germany

The cinematography was simple, well composed and effective. Id love you to do a scripted drama. You're timing and delivery is great and will lend itself well to tense scenes.

"Stop looking to other people for your work to feel valid because your work is valid from the moment you feel compelled to make it." Damn that hits hard. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on being a creator Joel.

I know many others have said this before me, but you’ve inspired me personally. You helped me play around with a new art form, which introduced me to editing, voice acting, sound design, and more areas to learn and grow. Even with 10 views from 10 friends and family, it’s very fulfilling if they all get a laugh out of something I’ve created. It’s the most gratifying creative outlet I’ve ever had. It’s been so fulfilling, I’ve weaned off the desire to play video games or spend time with my wife, which freed up even more time for creativity. I sincerely thank you, man. I hope even greater things await you in 2022.

I love these filmmakey chats. They're the best.

Your "Rant" videos are almost as good as your artwork! I put them on in the background while I work, such good vibes.

Your movie was so emotional and inspiring thank you for sharing it with us.

Thanks for the rant, Joel. I'm editing my first doc. I think your comments about collaboration and support are on point! Thanks for being a positive force on this platform and in filmmaking. :)

I took an exceptionally long lunch break today to watch your film and I really loved it. You're an inspirational guy Joel. I really enjoy all your videos that I've seen and think you've got such a fantastic outlook on art. I wanted to be a filmmaker ten years ago and I got pretty hurt by trying to make a life in an industry that I felt had no place for me. I made a few shorts and tried working commercial or music videos as a way of making some money, but it just became a tedious labouring job that I had no love for. All I had to look up to were folks like Tarantino's or Rodriguez, people who came from 'nothing' but planted themselves in the industry, hardly inspiring when your views and beliefs on film, comedy or art are so different. I since quit and found a creative outlet another way, so now I'm finally happy. I'm so so thrilled to see people like you and Jim Cummings make things they legitimately want to and have passion for and boy, it really shows. God bless pal, wishing you nothing but the very best and can't wait to see where you go from here. Lots of love x

Excellent said Joel. And congratulations. I do have two asterisks to add that hopefully don't feel like gatekeeping: 1. You can't expect everyone to go along with your plan to make a movie. Acquaintances, dear friends, and family alike will decline to help or will ask for money to help. And that's okay. You have to acknowledge that people aren't foolish or mean to not join your filmmaking endeavor. To put it another way- accept your passion ends at the end of your fingertips. 2. If you want to make a movie for zero dollars, you have to go in with almost zero expectations. That applies to not only the reception of the movie, but the type of movie you want to make and its tone. For example, I've always wanted to make a giant monster movie since I was a kid. If I make that movie for zero dollars, I have to accept that the monster probably won't look "good" and many people will either laugh at it or dismiss it altogether. That movie may still be worth making, but you have to open yourself up to the possibilities and let go of specific ideas about how everything will look and feel. That's the hard part for me.

i was watching 21 jump street a few weeks ago and i noticed that one of the nerds that channing tatum's character ends up being friends with looked and sounded a lot like dax flame, looked it up and it actually IS dax flame!

Rants like this are exactly why you're one of my favorite creators rn. So inspiring, thank you!

Thank you Joel. When I found "You're Already A Filmmaker", I was inspired to follow through your tutorial and started my own channel. You're the man ✌

My two favorite movies this year on completely different sides of the spectrum lol. Dune 2021 which is just an amazing example of how much you can push a large budget film, and Drowning In Potential, an amazing example of how much you can push a zero budget film.

No, thank YOU for making the movie!

Well said Joel. I've been creating my animations for over a year now but I'm happy to get even 100 views on a vid. That doesn't matter tho, I've always thought that creating something, whatever it may be is the best feeling in the world!!

Thank you. Even as a battle rapper this message resonates.

If I could give this a thousand upvotes, I would. This is the positive message about art and the definition of success that I needed to hear today. Keep on creating, Joel!

God! Everything you said is so true. Filmmaking is a communal thing, it doesn't have to be a competition. Art isn't competition. Thank you for sharing your wisdom, ole joel!

This was so inspiring. I've never even considered the possibility of myself making a movie because of the stereotypical, "I don't have the money, time, etc". But this really opened my eyes to the fact that it doesnt matter, and I should just make what I want. Thank you Joel, for all the inspiration you've given me this past year. And thank you to everyone who worked on the incredible movie.

I love these videos ,just pure rants about art with no filters and catering

The fact that I'm not even a filmmaker, and just love your videos and your passion. This message of loving your creation regardless of success or anyone watching really helps with just being glad I have created a permanent time capsule that I can look back on years from now and see how much I've enjoyed my hobby regardless if anyone else notices. Your speeches always seem to help with overall anxiety and got me through some mental low points since Covid hit. I don't think I'm the only one either. Appreciate the honesty and vulnerability about making art, Joel.

This one itself looks like a cut scene from 'drowning in potential'

What I noticed in this video more than anything is just how confident you are now in your craft and yourself and not letting anybody tell you how to do what you love I know that’s been a part of your philosophy for a while now but it really shines through here and it’s really inspiring thanks for keeping me inspired Joel ✌️

I loved the points you raised in this, and I watch your live action Lion King video all of the time - it's hilarious!

These are my favorite videos from you. "You're Already a Filmmaker" is why I subscribed, and every time you have an earnest conversation with the camera, I find myself mesmerized.

"success is not something that is given to you, it is something that you feel inside" holy smokes Joel thats some truth.

Chloe and I did much of the foley and all of the dubbing for Attack of the Giant Blurry Finger with the same iPhone we shot the movie on. It sounded great-people don’t realize how awesome phones can be for audio, so I’m so glad you mentioned it! Everything is always ‘oh now it can do 4k and 120fps and blah blah blah’ and no one talks about the sound possibilities, except for maybe musicians, but filmmakers don’t usually talk about it.

Thank you for making movies. You and your cohorts are inspirations

I put on the movie not thinking I would be interested and watched the whole thing without being distracted. The combination of Dax and you is hypnotic. It's so inspiring to hear you don't need a studio to back these projects. Like in film school, people get caught up on the equipment and dollar signs. Nice reminder of what sparked your interest in the first place!

Congrats to you both on the film! And that was an inspiring rant, thank you for sharing. 🙏

Your filmmaking rants are the best! Inspiring!

You guys are just dripping with talent. Congratulations to everyone involved. You absolutely knocked it out of the park.

Joel you guys made a gem of a movie all of your collaborations are amazing continue the fantastic work !

Thank you for your work and making all these videos. I didn't even know that I really needed to hear this.

I love watching your journey and I always appreciate you stopping to take a moment and reflect on your art and art as a whole. I love filmmaking and this ‘rants’ always keep me inspired. Awesome movie btw!

Hey Joel - I've often been caught up in the heavily produced side of filmmaking, and have felt frequently bound by expectations of quality. I'll have to spend months, years working on a project that I want to move on from. I'll think of a dozen things I want to do, but can't do because one thing is being made. It is cathartic to hear your take on the film format, and I hope I can use your sentiment to find the courage to be raw and have fun. Keep doing you, my guy.

Your spirit and insight is truly inspiring Joel. Thanks for all you've done so far and keep it up!

Honestly, this was something I needed to see and hear. This is such a wholesome message about creating art.

I love both of these dudes so much, them together make such a good team.

Your ethos is fantastic. Loved the movie. Keep on creating, it's always great to see true passion in any art form.

I have so much respect for you Joel, thank you for the inspiring talks and thank you for the great shorts and movies. I am trying to find my own kinda thing to create, and you're really inspiring me to pick it up again. I'm so glad I found your channel and I can't wait to see more of your future stuff.

Part two would be great, be nice to see the characters developing. Thanks again for the art.

I’ve always loved it when creators make big passionate projects So congrats 🥳

I started making short films at about 12 years old (possibly younger, I'm in my mid 20s now) I was writing story books and scripts in gradeschool, and by the time I was in high school, I had created tons of content, short films, and even placed while competing in certain contests within my state as a director/actor. As I got into my late teens, I fell away from filmmaking. Be it certain friends, hobbies, addictions, you name it.. something dragged me away. It is truly my biggest regret. After I found your channel quite a while back Joel, it gave me hope. You show me that my dream doesn't have to die. You inspire me and your love of creating reminds me so much of what me and my small town buddies used to do years ago before we all got caught up in life. I've started recording small videos again to practice and get back into it. My wife supports me. My little step son laughs and enjoys watching me be a fool while acting and editing videos. I finally have been able to start filming again. I dont expect to get big, or have a ton of subscribers someday. But it brings me joy reguardless. And I hope you know you were a massive inspiration to me, and helped me to rediscover this joy in my life, so thank you so much Joel ❤️ ur da best

Always a treat seeing your videos. I love that you make art for the sake of art. The everyday can be beautiful and most definitely relatable. The awkward moments reflect real life. Many friends, fam, and the world as a whole right now - due to the pandemic - have increased anxiety and depression as well. Dax did amazing showing that internal struggle, trying to get out the words, and the frustrations. Your opinions, art, and passion for what you do is contagious. Your energy, determination and support for other creatives is so grand and appreciated. You're a good soul and you are making big waves for current and future filmmakers. You deserve all the love and light coming to you, Joel! 💫

Thanks for making it :D I need to watch it still! I've been busy

Thanks for this :) Drowning in Potential is the first of your movies I've watched, I can definitely say personally it was super inspiring to see and this video only adds to that feeling. I work on a lot of different kinds of projects on my own and I don't always have the motivation to push forward or stick with everything, but sometimes all you need is a reminder that you've got everything you need to make it happen and all you have to do is just DO it. This felt like a much needed pep talk, so thanks again and great job on the movie 🙏🏻

Thank you for inspiring me, Joel. Your candid and raw style really speaks to me and I feel like I understand you through your work. I look forward to more movies in the future!

Your channel and its content feels like home for anyone trying to rediscover the feelings they had when they started film. Thank you Joel.

I look forward to eventually seeing your feature length movie debut in theaters. I don't know what it'll be about or when it'll be out, but I'll be there opening night I can guarantee that. Love your work and now I am inspired to start shooting something next year as well.

the film was so beautiful and even more inspiring how you both made it. your insight on filmmaking is refreshing! 🌱

Loved the film you guys made very moving, and inspiring from a story and filmmaking prospective

You two are an inspiration, thank you for your incredible work!

Started watching it at my lunch break and couldn’t stop lol, kept watching it at work too lol

You guys work well together. Really enjoyed the film you guys did. Nowhere to go but up from here lads!

Thank you Joel, this really gave me confidence to start just doing, instead of worrying about what other people think

awesome Movies man. just finished it and was blown away. i've always been looking for alternatives to what's streaming/tv - you are it man !

It's been so cool watching you Joel and just seeing the subs go from like 3k just up and up and every day I was like wow Joel is growing so fast and you just deserve every view you get 😁 you're so genuine. Never change please.

Thank you for your knowledge, experience and perspective. It motivates many towards trying, experiencing and learning. You've done an amazing job.