Duncan Smith
Duncan’s a filmmaker and storyteller from Boston, now getting after his dreams from Los Angeles.
Driven by faith and motivated to make a difference, Duncan uses every ounce of his creativity for innovation that influences culture. Working with some of the top brands, companies, and artists across the industries, Duncan has first-hand experience turning a big idea into a tangible reality.
With every next step forward Duncan dreams a little bigger, knowing that with faith in action, anything is possible.
What dream are you currently turning into reality?
I’m currently focusing on becoming a film writer and director. We didn’t have a TV in my house growing up until I was about 5 years old. So, I spent a lot of time reading books and playing with toys which really helped me develop a strong imagination. I’ve always had a hunger for stories - Whether that’s Star Wars, Lord of the Rings or stories from the Bible.
Over the last five years, I developed a desire to create and tell my own stories. In a world that really lacks the stories that speak truth and have a compelling worldview, it's important to meet that with the best work possible.
In many ways, stories are tools that allow us to interpret the world and our own experiences. They bring clarity and order to different struggles and questions we face, and can guide the way we look at the world.
When did you first realize you discovered your dream?
I started college as a biology major with the goal of becoming a surgeon. But, after the first semester, I realized that was not the direction I was supposed to keep pursuing. It was at that time when I discovered a bunch of amazing creators. They were around my age, traveling the world, and getting to go on amazing adventures living life to the fullest.
I remember thinking, “If they were able to figure out how to do this, I should be able to as well.” And, that really began the journey of spending every free second watching tutorials on YouTube and listening to every podcast I could find on filmmaking.
How does your faith go hand in hand with pursuing your dream?
I think anytime God gives us a gift or talent, it’s our responsibility to use it to its full potential for His glory. For me, every project I do, I want it to be done in a way that’s honoring Him. I also want to make art that reflects what He’s done in my own life, and speaks to who He is and His relationship with us.
What’s one or two practical steps you take to keep moving forward?
The first step is to understand that, it might take years of consistency and dedication to get to where you want to be, but nothing worth doing is ever done overnight. Having that mindset will allow you to put in the daily work required when you aren’t feeling motivated.
The second step I would recommend is to find every resource online to learn everything you can about whatever field you’re going into. Listen to every podcast and watch every video on YouTube you can. Try and find people already working in the field and reach out to as many people as possible.
What encouragement would you share with someone who’s going after their dream?
Spend as much time working on your dream as you are praying about it. He’ll help you discern if this is actually the direction He wants you to take in life.
As time goes on, our dreams usually become more specific and become more clear. Some people might dream of becoming a musician who tours internationally, and as they work in the industry, they discover they’re actually meant to work in a different part of the music industry.
In my own life - The longer I’ve pursued my dreams, the more specific and concrete they’ve become, which has only provided more motivation to work towards them.