THE MAZE RUNNER Director Wes Ball

Are you wondering what it takes to become a filmmaker? Do you need some filmmaking inspiration or filmmaking tips for directors? Or, are you just interested in Hollywood movies and the behind the scenes?

Then check out this Allan McKay interview with Wes Ball, the feature film Director of THE MAZE RUNNER trilogy and THE PLANET OF THE APES franchise.

Wes graduated from the Florida State University College of Motion Picture Arts. In 2003, his short film A WORK IN PROGRESS won a Student Academy Award from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. His animated short RUIN got the attention of executives at 20th Century Fox and earned him his first feature directing job THE MAZE RUNNER. After the success of the film, Ball started his own production company OddBall Entertainment.

An artist’s career is not all about timing and luck. A filmmaker’s career is also about hard work, passion, persistence, perseverance, discipline – and COURAGE! It’s about admitting that failure is part of the journey – so learn to fail fast and move on!

If you’re brave and disciplined – and if you don’t let failure discourage you – you will succeed! Your goal will happen! You will write that screenplay. You will make that movie. You just have to BE BRAVE! That’s the most important piece of advice that Wes gives in this interview.

His other career advice is on being a good person, a team player and collaborator! In Hollywood, everyone works long hours and invests their passion and dedication to storytelling. Which is why it is so critical to not bring negative energy into your collaborations.

Wes also talks about the daunting task of following the sci-fi cult classic of PLANET OF THE APES and taking over the story and script development. He also talks about the legacy of the film and how KINGDOM OF THE PLANET OF THE APES respects the original classic, yet moves the story forward.

If you’re looking for filmmaking motivation and artist inspiration – check out this interview!

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[AllanMcKay]

So cool to be able to talk to Wes about his career in Hollywood and his journey, from his student film RUIN to directing a major movie franchise! Wes get honest about his failures and lessons along the way. I cannot wait to hear what you thing about this one! Please leave a comment below. Thank you for listening!

[wilhelm-zt]

I really like Mr. Ball, he seems so down-to-earth, forthright and friendly. I'm a big fan of his work on TMR, too. They're really, really good films and, actually, quite deep.

[philipb]

Wes seems like a really chill and nice guy!

[jayrangani]

Big big fan of wes and the maze runners series.

[MirceaGoia]

Love these kind of stories....keep them coming!

[thomasFrederick-vi]

i hope wes ball had bright future as director and vfx cg 3d artist we hope to wes direct another maze runner movies and another films