As creatives, we can live within our own headspace too much. That’s especially true earlier in our careers when the thrill of creation can blind you to your creation’s flaws. The up and coming filmer Alex Mager recognizes that trait in himself. As he’s grown from an operator to a storyteller, he forces himself to get feedback earlier in the process. “It’s one of the hardest parts of filmmaking,” he says, “but I’ve had to learn to absorb the feedback, take my five minutes to feel sour about it, and then use the information to make a better product.”

“On the “Tequio Trails” shoot, I knew I would be challenged in my communications with the locals in Mexico, but I underestimated just how hard this would be. I was wholly reliant on a few bilingual folks. I’m going to take that as an incentive to study languages and cultures before I travel on assignment again.”