What if the path to your passion looked nothing like you expected?Michael Determan didn’t go to film school. He went to business school. But somewhere between the numbers and spreadsheets, he discovered a different calling—in visual storytelling.Michael carved his own way into the world of filmmaking. His career didn’t start with red carpets—it started with “no.” No roadmap. No guarantee. No safety net. But what he did have was clarity, drive, and the ability to pivot when the moment called for it.Today, Michael is an award-winning director known for projects like Behind the Bucket and his upcoming film What Happened to Dorothy Bell. Michael’s story will remind you: there’s no wrong road when you’re moving toward purpose.Showflow00:00 Setting the Stage00:36 Michael Determan's Unconventional Path01:22 Journey into Filmmaking03:40 Challenges and Pivots in the Industry05:23 Building a Supportive Community08:52 Impactful Storytelling15:14 Consistency and Growth25:14 Behind the Bucket: A Case Study31:43 Facing Criticism and Perseverance32:29 The Imperfection of Creative Work33:29 Constructive Criticism and Collaboration35:24 The Importance of Mentorship36:58 Embracing Failure and Learning39:14 The Reality of Filmmaking Challenges45:15 Networking and Collaboration49:42 Upcoming Projects and Future Plans55:21 Final Thoughts