Born: December 18, 1946, in Cincinnati, OH
Personal Success Definition
I define success as somehow happy with their job, who makes a difference in the world, and influences other’s lives in a positive way.
Steven Spielberg works in an industry he is passionate about; having what most would call their “dream job.” He enjoys what he does, and he has said, “I dream for a living” (Steven Spielberg Inspirational Speech). He has made a difference in the world by telling stories and influencing countless films by becoming a part of film history. People enjoy watching his movies, and they create entire cultures to be a part of.
Skills for Success
Steven Spielberg is 1) dedicated to learning the latest techniques and technologies, 2) committed to making original content, and 3) can speak to viewers of all demographics. From experimenting with some of the first animatronics in films in 1975’s Jaws and 1993’s Jurassic Park to his Dreamworks Animation company pioneering works of 3D animation such as Shrek, Kung Fu Panda, and How to Train Your Dragon, to one of his latest movies Ready Player One, Spielberg has always kept up with the times. Spielberg criticizes the over-use and reliance on franchises, and the only movies he has returned to are Raiders and Jurassic Park. He is focused on creating original material, and it shows in the fact that his films gross so much and are enjoyed countless times. His ability to speak to audiences of many demographics is another reason he is so successful. His variety is shown in the differences between demographics of films he has made; adult films such as Schindler’s List and children’s films such as Hook. He has also been able to make singular films that appeal to both demographics, balancing the line between keeping kids entertained, but being thoughtful enough to not patronize the adult audience. This is shown in films such as ET, Raiders of the Lost Arc, and Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom.
How They Used These Skills
Spielberg used the (new at the time) animatronics technology in Jaws and persevered with it despite the shark often not working. He used different cinematic techniques and the amazing music to amp up the tension, instead of just relying on showing the shark. Jaws also shows his dedication to remaining original, as he refused to come back for a franchise, despite Universal pushing him. His ability to appeal to multiple audiences is shown in ET, which on the surface is a story of a sweet small alien trying to go home, but “its power-hungry military, meditations on otherness and the nature of friendship coupled to an intelligent script take it out of the realms of children’s filmdom” (The National).
Challenges Overcome
Steven Spielberg had to overcome being embarrassed for being an Orthodox Jew, and all the bullying and anti-semitic acts he faced as a child. He also had to overcome the challenge of getting a directing job in the film industry, and he did this by making a name for himself before he even entered the industry. He overcame people doubting him because he was young as well.
Significant Work
This is one of the famous scenes from one of Spielberg’s first iconic movies Jaws.
This is the 25th-anniversary official trailer for Schindler’s List, an emotional movie showcasing the horrors of the holocaust.