Moneyball Philosophy

Most days, I wake up with about 10% belief in what I'm doing.

Not the inspirational opening you expected? Here's the truth: some days I'm 100% convinced this Auteur 2.0 thing will work. That filmmakers will bypass Hollywood. That the algorithm really is the new film festival.

But most days? I'm running on 10% belief and pure stubbornness.

There's a scene in Moneyball that perfectly captures this.

Billy Beane (Brad Pitt) is rebuilding the Oakland A's using data instead of traditional scouting. Halfway through the season, everything's falling apart. His assistant Peter (Jonah Hill) starts questioning everything. Maybe the old way was right.

Billy looks at him and asks: "Do you believe in this thing or not?"

Peter hesitates: "Yes."

"Then what are we talking about?"

And they get back to work.

That's it. That's the whole philosophy.

Some days you wake up knowing you're changing the game. Other days you wonder if you're delusional. But if you believe in the thing — even just 10% — then what are we talking about?

Keep going.

I made that AI trailer not because I was 100% sure it would work, but because I believed enough to hit export. I'm building Buzztown not because I know it'll succeed, but because I believe enough to keep showing up.

The math is simple: 10% belief + consistent action beats 100% belief + sporadic effort every time.

So on the days when you're questioning everything — your script, your content strategy, your entire career pivot — ask yourself Billy Beane's question: Do you believe in this thing or not?

If yes, then what are we talking about?

Get back to work.

- Brock Swinson

P.S. My filmmaking mentor Brooks Elms created the free AUTEUR 2.0 Playbook that shows exactly how to bypass Hollywood entirely. Get it here.