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Eight Quote by Orson Welles

“I have wasted the greater part of my life looking for money and trying to get along, trying to make my work from this terribly expensive paintbox, which is a movie. And I've spent too much energy on things that have nothing to do with making a movie. It's about two percent moviemaking and…” quote by Orson Welles
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“I have wasted the greater part of my life looking for money and trying to get along, trying to make my work from this terribly expensive paintbox, which is a movie. And I've spent too much energy on things that have nothing to do with making a movie. It's about two percent moviemaking and ninety-eight percent hustling It's no way to spend a life.”

Orson Welles

About This Quote

Source Interview: 1951 interview with Orson Welles, The Hollywood Reporter

Welles laments that most of his career was spent hustling rather than creating art, highlighting the imbalance between commercial effort and artistic fulfillment.

In simple terms: He spent too much time on business, not enough on making movies.

Key Takeaway

Prioritize creative work over endless promotion.

Themes

artistic integrity career focus work-life balance

Mood

reflective determined

Type

advice philosophical

When to use this quote

  • film production
  • career planning
  • personal branding

Key Concepts

hustle culture creative sacrifice

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can artists balance financial needs with creative goals?
  • What strategies reduce non‑creative distractions?
A Different Perspective

Creative work still requires some business effort to succeed.

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