I would say don't do it if you don't want to.  I guess you have to if you have an obligation to finish the video, but if not take a break and don't do anything with it until you want to again.

Oh yeah. I think every brickfilmer has gone through periods of no motivation.
So don't worry, this is perfectly normal.

I get motivated in several ways. As has been mentioned, watching old brickfilms helps, go through on the favorites you haven't seen in a while, or by looking up some classics that you've never seen before.
Another way is (strangely enough) reviewing your own work. Seeing where you're been, how far you've come, and what you've done in the past. That has helped me on a few occasions, but it may depend on how egotistical you are. Looking at what you've done on this project may also help.

That being said, you may just need a break. Sometimes being away from something can get you some perspective and either show you just how great it is and how much you need to finish your film, or reveal that it's not that important and you just need to leave it for something better.

So maybe try watching old films first, and if that doesn't help, take a break for a while. After all, it's a hobby, something you do in your free time for fun and to relax. If it's no longer fun, maybe you should think about why you are doing it instead of something else, or not so much what you are doing, but why. Sometimes it's a pressured attitude that ruins what a more relaxed and casual outlook can enjoy.

Watching old favourite brickfilms is definitely a great way of getting a bit of motivation. Having a break from brickfilming, like Pritchard said, helps to bring about motivation too, because it reduces the stress we put on ourselves. If you are a fan of music, you might like to play some music while you brickfilm... I find that it's better than staying in a silent room for an hour or more

I lost motivation for 3 weeks when I lost so many files, but the fact that there is a Holding Our Own ad announcing episode 3 in BrickJournal keeps me going, so I am not disappointing those who read this.  (and the BiM ppl).

I have felt like that a lot before. And probably the best thing I have done is either finish your animation and then stop for a while or just stop for a while. If you really like animating, you will come back to it soon enough. but I've found that taking a short break often helps a ton. I can't go very long without animating.   But wen I feel overwhelmed the best thing I can do is stop for a while. Just think about it-- the worst thing that could happen. You don't finish or stop brick filming and if you like it, then... well you get the picture.

I feel like I am quite relevant to this considering I have had several attempts of making a film since last July but never been able to due to making excuses from life events.

Even though some like my breakup, were legit. My motivation to continue brickfilming at all has been rather grim for a few years now, with random slivers of inspiration still remaining and sometimes being strong enough to push me to go on and do something.

I never understood how it takes anyone on this site "Months" to complete a 2 minute film since it takes me a dedicated saturday afternoon to usually have most of the film filmed I sometimes feel like they have very very little time or they are lieing and won't admit 80% of that time was spent not doing anything from simple lack of motivation.

Now in your case the keyword as you said is "need" too complete the film, What kinda garbage is that? You don't need to do anything, its your hobby and your film, If your making the mistake of giving yourself deadlines or raising anticipation for a film and you feel pressured to complete it, of course your motivation is gone It would happen to most people.

Just don't raise a bunch of anticipation til the film is complete, Finish it up and while your finishing the last bits of editing put a teaser or mention of it somewhere and let a day or two pass and publish it, Yes you have a finished film sitting there only seen by you, but if you need anticipation the few days is more then enough, it keeps you stress free.

Now I am not the pinnacle of treating my subscribers with any dedicated content since for the past 10 months I gave excuses over another about why I can't. And I intend to make a video explaining my past year and apologizing that some of the new fans I got from my last video are disappointed the weekly content I wanted never happened.

If your finding yourself feeling like you have to do anything just stop and take a day for something non brickfilming related, and stop giving yourself deadlines.

Last edited by [deleted1263] (May 31, 2014 (03:10pm))

Sometimes I get creative ideas while doing menial work: sweeping, etc.  Let your mind wander while doing such tasks; they also make the tasks more relaxing.

THose DVD extras are usually really in-depth.  The movie UHF has a commentary track with more info I think than any other DVD I've seen.

Holy crap Littlebrick, you really went all out on that response... I never really thought about animating the way you explained. The idea that professionals get to their level of skill by tolerating or being able to stand the serious repetition that practice requires was an unexpected answer. It's hard not being destracted by other things that are honestly a waste of time in the long run (Reddit.....etc.). Really, being good at anything is not about skill, but the patience you have to reach a certain skill.

Thanks mate!