FilmStack Inspiration: Day 131

The Creative Oxygen that Keeps Me Going

Editor’s Note: The following is my contribution to a movement by FilmStack, a collective of Substack filmmakers and writers. We originally launched a 100-day challenge, led by Ted Hope, to advocate for a dedicated “Film” category on the platform. I’m thrilled to say we succeeded—the category is now secured! However, the spirit of the challenge continues. If you want to share what inspires you, we’d love to hear from you. You can find the full schedule here and DM Danny Broussard to get involved.

The Breath of Life

Inspiration: From the Latin inspirare, meaning “to breathe into,” with spirare meaning “to breathe” (the root of the word “spirit”).

Let’s start by looking at the word that has driven this wonderful series for over 100 days. This small etymological exercise actually provided its own spark as I reflected on this “assignment.”

When we receive inspiration, we are quite literally breathing in life. It is an act of reception—of being open to something life-giving. Like the oxygen we require to survive, inspiration is a vital necessity for the creative soul. While this is how I view it as a creative, I believe we all require it, in one way or another, across every discipline.

It takes many forms—ideas, expressions, art, beauty, and truth—but at its center, it is the fuel for the work at hand, whether that be writing, dancing, sculpting, or filmmaking. Here are a few things that have been life-giving for me lately.

Hiking & Nature

It’s no secret that exercise boosts endorphins, but when you add the outdoors and the raw beauty of nature, my brain goes off to the races. I’m fortunate to live a mile from a trailhead in the foothills of Los Angeles—a tranquil escape from the chaos of Hollywood, where I work.

In that environment, I always keep my phone close. Ideas flow so quickly that it’s not uncommon for me to have to stop mid-trail to write something down. Those sparks often occur most frequently while I’m listening to music, which brings me to . . .

My “Best of the Best 2025” Playlist

I’ve always followed new music closely, but it has become an obsession over the last few years. There’s something powerful about having nearly every album ever released at your fingertips. Since 2022, I’ve tracked new releases every “New Music Friday,” building playlists to organize the albums and tracks that resonate most.

My current year’s playlist is always the most creatively invigorating. I listen to it on shuffle over and over, constantly adding, subtracting, revisiting, and refining. Since we are at the end of the year, it’s the perfect time to share it:

Another time I really enjoy this playlist is while . . .

Driving at Night

I love the act of driving itself. One day, I’m sure I’ll appreciate a self-driving car in heavy traffic, but when the sun goes down and the roads clear, I feel a sense of freedom.

There is a meditative quality to it. Even though I have to stay engaged, the way the street lamps reflect off the road, the buildings, and the hood of the car feels like a waking dream—especially with the right soundtrack. This is when ideas abound, and I often find myself pulling over just to capture a thought before it escapes.

Family

Inspiration presents itself in many ways. While elements such as nature and music provide the ideas, you still need the motivation to implement them. That is where we need the inspiration to actually put in the work.

My family—my wife, son, and daughter—are the people in my orbit who constantly inspire me with their work ethic. Recently, my daughter landed the role of Anna in her school’s performance of Frozen Jr. Her voice started off a bit rough, but she dedicated herself completely, turning down social opportunities I never thought an 11-year-old would forgo. By the time opening night arrived, she blew us all away.

It was a truly inspiring moment that I’ve carried into my own work. Because much of that work happens at Jimmy Kimmel Live, I was able to repay that inspiration by organizing a chance for her to meet one of her own heroes, Kristen Bell.

Speaking of work and family, this leads me to another incredibly inspirational person in my life:

Jimmy Kimmel

Jimmy has been responsible for my income for the last 16 years—from the time I was courting my wife to the birth of my now-teenage children. I am eternally grateful for that, but my appreciation goes much deeper than a paycheck.

The culture at the show is often described as a family. That’s a common refrain from newcomers, and every time I hear it, I smile with total understanding. Many of Jimmy’s family members famously work on the show—the great late Uncle Frank, Aunt Chippy, and his Cousin Sal. He even made his best friend, Cleto Escobedo III, his bandleader. Many more work behind the scenes.

Being surrounded by that love has made Jimmy a real mensch of a boss. His choice to keep family close and put people first has trickled down to the entire staff. The atmosphere is one of genuine affection, usually jolted with plenty of dark humor.

We’ve been through a lot together: late-night wars, writers’ strikes, presidential elections, a pandemic, LA fires, and the tragic deaths of those we loved—most recently, Jimmy’s best friend, Cleto. What I’ve learned is that through Jimmy’s solid family values, his spirit of generosity, and his loving leadership, we have only grown stronger.

The Apu Trilogy

I watched the first of Satyajit Ray’s trilogy, Pather Panchali, in 2022; the second, Aparajito, in 2023; and the final, Apur Sansar, in 2024. It didn’t take me three years because they were a drudgery—it took that long because I didn’t want them to end. Each film provided enough inspiration and introspection to fill months of my life.

The coming-of-age story of Apu is a masterpiece of beauty and tragedy. Made on a shoestring budget by inexperienced filmmakers, the result is practically a miracle. Ray’s book, My Years with Apu, is an inspirational tale in its own right. Even the story of the film’s survival is moving: it was nearly destroyed in a 1993 fire and was restored through a massive collaborative effort. It isn’t just the story on screen that resonates; it’s the entire story of the film’s existence.

The Art of Shakespeare’s Sonnets

This book by Helen Vendler has been a favorite of mine for over 20 years. I love the “surgical precision” she uses to dissect these complex poems, putting them back together like a puzzle to reveal hidden connections.

I always keep this book in my living room because it represents a layered example of creativity. On one page is Shakespeare’s 400-year-old genius; on the next is the modern “code” to unlock it. Reading just one chapter can open my mind to new avenues whenever I feel stuck in a rut.

My original copy of Vendler’s book.

I’ve truly enjoyed taking part in this challenge. It was a wonderful exercise in reflection. Remember, if you’d like to join the FilmStack inspiration challenge, you can find more info here and reach out to Danny Broussard to sign up.

I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas, and I wish you an inspirational New Year!