Should You Invest in New Video Gear?

Have you ever watched the show LOST? I know it's older, but I was just re-watching it because I remember loving the characters but forgot how it ended. 

So I'm watching the last season and barely making it through because it's pretty awful and boring, and it was a good reminder: 

BIG BUDGET ≠ QUALITY

Have you noticed how much attention our industry puts on new gear and the technical aspect? There's hundreds of YT channels *just* about gear, everyone always wants to know what we've shot on, everyone's eye is on the newest and greatest camera... 

I get frustrated honestly. 

I love new gear, and seeing the specs of the newest camera releases- technology is incredible, it really is. 

BUT while the quality of images might be going up exponentially, the quality of stories does not seem to be growing at the same rate. 

I see TONS of beautiful cinematic montages, but very few *truly engaging and griping stories*. 

I feel there's a misconception that new tools make for better stories or better filmmakers. That's just not true.

Here are some truths: 
 

• It matters LITTLE what gear you're using. 

• Your ability to tell a good story matters A LOT. 

• A good story will live on for AGES, it doesn't have a shelf life.

• Your new camera will age out within a few years.

So my advice? I'm not opposed to getting new gear, but: 
 

Invest more in the tools that will help you tell a better story, than the gear that will only make you *feel* like you're a better storyteller.

Here are a few resources to give you a kickstart on good storytelling: