Decided Quote by Curtis Hanson
![“I did it [photojournalism] as something that was really rewarding to do, given the opportunity to express myself about something I cared about, and also to learn a lot by watching filmmakers I admired. In a sense, it was my film school. After doing it for a few years, I decided that the time had…” quote by Curtis Hanson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/312/curtis-hanson-9380_decided_i-did-it-photojournalism-as-something-th_2604034.jpg)
“I did it [photojournalism] as something that was really rewarding to do, given the opportunity to express myself about something I cared about, and also to learn a lot by watching filmmakers I admired. In a sense, it was my film school. After doing it for a few years, I decided that the time had come to get it together and do some work of my own. So I stopped doing that and wrote some screenplays on speculation, because even though I wanted to direct, to direct you need a lot of money.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: The Hollywood Reporter, 2015
He used photojournalism as a self‑directed film school, then shifted to screenwriting despite funding challenges.
In simple terms: Learning on the job before formal work.
Key Takeaway
Leverage practical experience to transition careers.
Themes
career change
creative arts
learning
funding
Mood
inspirational
realistic
Type
career
creative
When to use this quote
- Freelance photography
- screenwriting
- film production
Key Concepts
self‑directed education
industry barriers
creative pursuit
Questions to Reflect On
- How can creators fund their visions?
- What alternatives exist to traditional schooling?
A Different Perspective
Financial constraints can limit creative projects.
![“[Photojournalism] really is the only branch of photography that's a credit to our profession. We see, we understand; we see more, we understand more.” quote by Philip Jones Griffiths](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d8e/philip-jones-griffiths-36459_branches_photojournalism-really-is-the-only-branc_2190471.jpg)
![“I stopped doing that [photojournalism] and wrote some screenplays on speculation, because even though I wanted to direct, to direct you need a lot of money. Even for a cheap movie, you need film stock and equipment and actors.” quote by Curtis Hanson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/076/curtis-hanson-9380_actors_i-stopped-doing-that-photojournalism-and_1762113.jpg)
![“Consequently, their school [film-school ] was the school of life, and it was very much reflected in their work.” quote by Curtis Hanson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c61/curtis-hanson-9380_education_consequently-their-school-film-school-wa_1241231.jpg)
![“I think 26 is the turning point. I’ve got to make up for 10 years of living like a degenerate. I’ve suddenly become conscious of being unhealthy. You’ve spent every bit of free time since [the age of ] 15 in a pub. And suddenly you’re like, ‘Oh God, I don’t want to be this grey ghost sitting there…” quote by Robert Pattinson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/80c/robert-pattinson-778_age_i-think-26-is-the-turning-point-i-ve-got_951958.jpg)
![“I can't speak to how Michael [Douglas] approached it in terms of his process.” quote by Curtis Hanson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/0bb/curtis-hanson-9380_i-can_i-can-t-speak-to-how-michael-douglas-app_389420.jpg)
![“I had the great fortune to actually become friends with Sam [Fuller] and ultimately collaborate with him on White Dog, which we wrote together.” quote by Curtis Hanson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2c6/curtis-hanson-9380_dog_i-had-the-great-fortune-to-actually-beco_491286.jpg)
