What Is an Auteur? The Secret Behind Standout Videos

By Alvin Motilla

What is an auteur?

Have you ever seen several films from the same director, and recognize similar qualities in that person's works?

You know, all the little things add up, right? How they film the scenes, how long each shot lasts, what kind of story they're trying to tell—that kind of stuff.

So, when I catch a movie by Hitchcock, Tarantino, or Gus Van Sant,
I feel like I could almost see the director's heart and soul. But each one gives me a unique viewing experience.

If you experience the same thing when watching movies from the same director, you may be relishing the works of an auteur.

What is an auteur?

"Auteur" is simply a French word for “author”.

And an author is someone who creates something unique.

In the filmmaking world, auteurs are directors who have...

• a strong perspective of their subjects, and
• distinctive ways of presenting them to the moviegoers.

What is an auteur? How do you identify one?

Because each director is different, each has signature visual and storytelling styles. You can tell that auteurs express themselves through their works.

But "auteur" as a notion isn't confined within the walls of Hollywood filmmaking, or big-budget productions.

I think that if someone really wants to create videos with recognizable qualities, that is still achievable. Even on a smaller scale.

What does auteur mean for you?

Here's the thing: The qualities of an auteur can be present in anyone.

In fact, the seeds of being an auteur already live in you! Auteur is your individual voice.

• Its eyes see the world in its unique way.
• Its heart longs to express itself.
• Its hands itch to share something worthwhile.

The auteur in you has every bodily part that you can imagine... every part it uses to create unique things.

In your case... to create unique videos.

Anyone can become a video auteur... including you.

What is video auteur?

It is the creator of your unique video content.

Still, the same voice in you! We’re only zooming in on its passion for making videos.

It has its unique way of expressing... and translating your worldview into video.

It believes that you can make original videos. Because it knows that you are unique.

What is it that you’re saying? :-)...

"Why am I unique?"

Okay, here’s what the auteur in you is saying...

By the way, are you not curious why I know what it's going to tell you?

It is because I also listen to my inner voice. And it tells me the same things you’re about to hear. :-)

Phew, that’s a profound one! ;-) Oh wait. It has more to say...

Okay, let me explain these 4 reasons why you are a unique individual...

Your Experiences

Your experiences are unique.

Your experiences include:

• What you did.
• What you learned.
• What you witnessed.
• What happened to you.
• What you felt.

Your experiences encompass your skills, discoveries, and dealings with others.

Your Memories

Your memories are connected to your experiences.

This is because memories are the lasting impressions left by our experiences.

Your memory of a particular experience reminds you of how you felt about it.

This is why you have good and bad memories--your impressions about life that are unique in you.

What is an auteur? What makes someone an auteur?

Your Attitude

Your attitude is the deep-rooted feeling or conviction you have for anything in this life.

It shows in...

• how you look at something
• where you position yourself to view it
• how you approach it.

Your attitude fuels your endeavor. It leaves your signature on your work.

Your Choices

Choice is your ability to make decisions that lead to action.

Of all the four reasons why you are unique, the choices you make in life are the most powerful.

In fact, your power to choose, has authority over your experiences, memories and attitude.

Because...

• You can choose to learn from your experiences... and even what to experience.
• You can choose to recall your good memories... and forget the bad.
• You can “choose your attitude”.

What is auteur: Some challenges when collaborating or working in a team

The concept of "auteur" applies perfectly when you're working on your own video projects. You have your personal stamp on every aspect of video production, from pre-production to post-production.

But let's consider other aspects of the real world...

What if you're collaborating with someone else on a video project?

And, more importantly, what if you're working in a production team--big or small?

Does the concept of "auteur" still apply?

Can you still consider yourself a video auteur?

The answer to these questions lies in understanding this...

Let's say you're an event video shooter in a small production team, and somebody else is the director or editor. Yes, you may not be the one pulling the raw materials together, to assemble and produce the "final cut"...

... But it's impossible for you not to inject your personality in the way you look at your subjects and shoot videos of them.

Why?

Because it's you! You have your individuality and special ways of seeing things.

You just can't help being yourself. (Even if you suppress yourself, some part of you will still naturally come out.)

Perhaps,

• you're good at capturing candid moments in close-up shots, moments that have raw, sincere emotions. Or
• you have a knack for making your subjects project their best pose, while you're operating the gimbal and the camera with a wide angle lens.

Either way, you have your personal stamp on your shots because of your individuality and unique point of view. Those shots contribute to the video project. And that makes you a video auteur.

I think some people get it wrong when they associate "complete creative control" with "auteur".

Some known directors who are considered auteurs even imply that "auteur" is not about full creative control. One of them is Gus Van Sant...

Practical tips for finding your auteur voice

So, how do you find your individual voice and develop your video making style?

Here are some tips and specific exercises to help you discover your unique perspectives, and grow the video auteur in you...

Be aware of what you love

It's easier to say that you "love" something, than to notice yourself that you're really into something.

So, don't rush this.

Start by asking yourself:

• "What are the topics that I find interesting?" Or
• "What activities do I enjoy the most?" Or
• "When I watch movies and videos, what kind of emotions or mental states do I love experiencing?"

Make notes of your findings.

When making notes of things that come to my mind, I simply open a digital notetaking app on my phone. Google Keep Notes is a favorite of mine, as it is so simple and convenient. It automatically saves and syncs my notes across all my devices.

I also sometimes use the voice recorder on my phone. And I find that recording my thoughts while walking puts me in the "flow state". It helps me voice out my thoughts even more.

Interestingly, there's even a scientific research showing that walking can get your creative juices flowing.

I also like to mind map my thoughts. It helps me connect all the ideas together. You can do it on paper or with one of those cool mind mapping apps.

Watch some of the works of other filmmakers or video creators

Believe it or not, this is a key step to developing your own approach, or style to video making.

You're doing this not to become a copy-cat, but to be influenced by the inspiring works of other artists.

Sure, you will adopt and become a "melting pot" of their best practices.

Which means, you will incorporate some of their best techniques and styles into your own work.

So, watch some of the works of your favorite directors, video creators, cinematographers, or editors. Try to figure out what it is that you admire about their works.

Personally, I draw inspiration from the works and approaches of Alfred Hitchcock, Bruno Aveillan, and Gus Van Sant. Just to name a few.

Experiment and practice, even with limited resources

Having limited number of gear is true for beginners. Even for some practitioners, like me.

But you know what? Limitation is a good thing!

Ever feel overwhelmed when you have too many choices? Yeah, same! Fewer choices make it easier to jump right in.

The same goes for making videos. Don't wait for fancy equipment. Grab your phone, find a tripod (even a stack of books works!), and start filming. You'll be surprised what you can create!

As you practice, your video creation approach and style will develop over time. And, you'll also know what other video production tools you'll need.

Conclusion: Unleash Your Inner Video Auteur

What is an auteur? It's your inner voice waiting to be heard.

The concept of the auteur transcends mere technical skill or creative control—it’s about imprinting your individuality onto your work.

Whether you’re crafting films, videos, or collaborative projects, your experiences, memories, attitude, and choices form the DNA of your creative voice.

Even in team settings, your unique perspective inevitably shapes your contributions, making you an auteur in your own right. By...

• embracing self-awareness,
• drawing inspiration from others, and
• experimenting fearlessly,

... you cultivate a style that’s unmistakably you.

So, as you pick up your camera or join your next project, ask yourself: What part of my story will my audience recognize in every frame I create?

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