Meet the Finalist: Nicolaus Taylor, "Mir"

What inspired you to become a filmmaker?

I've always loved that movies can transport you away from reality. You are in the filmmakers world, and I very much respect that power and how great filmmakers wield it. I always wanted to be able to do that for audiences as well.

What's is your all time favorite film? Why is it special to you?

2015's 'The Secret Life of Walter Mitty'. It's such a beautiful film and I love the story of escaping reality in your own fantasy until your own life becomes interesting enough to want to live in. Something I can definitely empathize with.

What tips would you give aspiring filmmakers who are just starting their careers?

No one is going to recognize your talent until you demonstrate it. I think most creatives get stuck in this cycle of: I want to make something cool but don't have the resources, but I can't get the resources because I haven't done anything yet. You gotta start somewhere, so if you have this unreachable epic movie in your mind, maybe table it and start with something simpler to develop some basic skills. First. Make something- make anything! Everything you make is one more film than most people have. Don't be all talk, show them what you can do!

Follow the artist on social media:

@nicolaustaylor (IG)

@ntbone (Twitter)

Tags: 7th Annual New York Film Awards 2023