Oscar-Nominated Filmmaker Pen Densham on Creative Courage and Overcoming Fear
By
Tom May
Baker's choice. Dense with flavour, light on filler.
Summary
Oscar-nominated filmmaker Pen Densham shares insights from his 50+ year creative career, emphasizing that holding back is the worst mistake creatives can make. He discusses his journey from leaving school at 15 to becoming a successful writer, director, and producer of films like Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves and Backdraft. Densham advocates for creative courage, overcoming fear, and embracing vulnerability as essential for artistic growth. He's now exploring photography as a new creative outlet and reflects on the importance of mentorship, persistence, and not letting fear dictate creative decisions.
Key quotes
· 5 pulledAfter more than 50 years in the creative industries, Pen Densham's list of achievements is as long as your arm.
He left school at 15 and hasn't stopped working since.
Yet when you ask what he wants to be remembered for, he doesn't mention his films or awards.
The writer and producer of Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves is currently forging a fresh career in photography.
Pen Densham shares his life lessons on creative courage and the crippling cost of holding back.
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