Zach King: The storyteller in all of us | TEDxPortland

Summary

The speaker recounts their journey from aspiring Hollywood filmmaker to successful digital content creator, highlighting the transformative power of the internet and affordable digital technology. They emphasize the accessibility of tools like smartphones and cameras, which have democratized content creation, allowing individuals to build audiences and achieve success without traditional industry barriers. The speaker encourages the audience to harness these tools to create and inspire, suggesting that the future belongs to those who can innovate with technology.

Takeaways

• 🎬 The speaker's initial dream was to become a filmmaker in Hollywood and work with Steven Spielberg.
• 🏫 He did not get into film school as planned and took a year off, during which he discovered a passion for the internet and digital technology.
• 🌐 The convergence of the internet and digital technology, especially platforms like YouTube and Vimeo, allowed him to build an audience for his work.
• 📹 Affordable, high-quality cameras made it possible for him to create content without the need for a Hollywood budget.
• 🚀 He emphasizes that traditional Hollywood success involves years of working up the ladder before getting a chance to pitch a movie.
• 🤔 The speaker questions the traditional path to filmmaking, preferring to build an audience online and work on projects he loves.
• 📱 The speaker highlights the ubiquity of smartphones and their impact on daily life, suggesting that technology is integral to modern creativity.
• 🌟 He shares the story of creating a viral video 'Jedi Kittens' as an example of how accessible filmmaking has become.
• 👥 The speaker discusses the power of collaboration over the internet, enabling creators to work together regardless of location.
• 🚀 He reflects on the potential of technology to empower a new generation of creators, not just in film but across various artistic mediums.
• 💡 The speaker concludes by encouraging the audience to use the tools available to them to create and inspire the world.

Q & A

What was the speaker's initial plan after graduating from high school?

The speaker initially planned to move to LA to attend film school and eventually take over the film world, with aspirations of working in Hollywood and making feature films.

How did the speaker's plans change after not getting into film school as expected?

After not getting into film school, the speaker spent a year at university and fell in love with the internet and digital technology, which led to a shift in focus from traditional filmmaking to creating content for online platforms.

What role did digital technology play in the speaker's life?

Digital technology played a significant role by making cameras more affordable and accessible, allowing the speaker to create and post videos online, build a following, and ultimately change the trajectory of their career.

What was the speaker's reaction to the traditional Hollywood path as described by their film school peers and teachers?

The speaker found the traditional Hollywood path to be impractical and disheartening, as it involved years of menial work before getting a chance to pitch a movie, which did not align with their desire to create and direct.

How did the speaker's experience with creating 'Jedi Kittens' video impact their career?

The 'Jedi Kittens' video was a significant milestone for the speaker, as it kick-started their channel, attracted a large audience, and demonstrated the power of combining popular culture with accessible technology to create viral content.

What was the budget for the 'First Kiss' video that the speaker mentioned, and how did it perform?

The 'First Kiss' video had a budget of only $1,300 and achieved over 80 million views, showcasing the potential of low-budget, creatively produced content to gain significant attention.

How does the speaker view the power of technology in empowering individual creators?

The speaker believes that technology has democratized content creation, allowing individuals to produce and distribute work without the need for large budgets or traditional industry backing.

What was the speaker's advice to the audience regarding the use of technology and their creative potential?

The speaker encouraged the audience to use the tools available to them to create well and inspire the world, emphasizing that while tools may change, the ideas and thoughts that drive creation are what truly matter.

How did the speaker involve the audience in creating a Vine video during the talk?

The speaker involved the audience by recording a Vine video where they pretended to teleport from the audience to the stage, asking the audience to react with applause and cheers when 'teleporting' onto the stage.

What was the speaker's perspective on the future of technology and its impact on various creative fields?

The speaker sees technology as an ever-evolving tool that will continue to empower creators across different fields, suggesting that the future will bring new tools and opportunities for innovation in art, music, writing, and more.