I was watching Shark Tank. Two guys were pitching an action movie about motorcycle racing and were seeking funding from five big-time investors.
The film makers wanted $5 million in funding. They had no script, no producer, no actors, and no footage to put in a trailer.
When asked why there wasn’t anything to show yet, they said that it was on purpose – by design. It was something about it actually helping the Sharks have less risk and more say in the creative process. I didn’t really get it.
All five Sharks turned down the offer.
If you aren’t doing the work, why would you expect people to get behind you or get excited?
Doing the work of art means picking yourself first. Before anyone can approve (or even disapprove) of what you’re doing, you have to do start doing it. Yes, it would be absurd to expect someone would give you $5 million based on doing nothing.
Please, paint your vision, but please start moving towards it as well.