There’s a particular excitement about seeing someone pursue their passion with abandon. Piotr Toczyński’s creative life revolves around his instincts, curiosity, and love of storytelling, not just his films.

From Engineering to Cinematic Storytelling   

Piotr grew up in Międzyrzecz, Poland, where he followed the lead of many of his peers by establishing a solid profession in civil engineering. Rules, structure, and exactitude form the basis of this field. On the other hand, a narrative, editing, and filmmaking plan was taking shape behind the technical drawings and statistics. Even though he graduated as a Civil Engineer, he felt an urge to explore business and filmmaking. 

What happened next on his path was dictated by that leap.

Understanding the Art of Editing

Piotr originally rose to prominence as a freelance editor. He collaborated with clients and directors from the United States to Australia, Greece to Germany.

He is a recognized expert in Premiere Pro, creator of widely used preset packs (100k+ users) and workflows. 

However, Piotr is more than just a technical expert. What distinguishes him is his eye for storytelling: the way he cuts time, balances emotions, and shapes narratives. 

Cut to the Point: Sharing Knowledge with the World

Piotr took a risk in 2018 by branching out from editing. He launched Cut to the Point, a filmmaker-created YouTube channel. It is a place where the craft of cinema is openly and honestly discussed. Through interviews, lessons, and debates, Piotr reveals trade secrets. He has spoken with some of the industry’s best, including Walter Murch, Alex Gibney, and Jim Cummings, and has distilled their advice into a format that young filmmakers can use.

Inspiring and educational, the channel is a must-watch. The audience gets a feel for the thrill, intensity, and creativity required in the filming process. There’s no mystery to Piotr’s goal; he wants to show that anybody can make great movies if they put their minds to it.

Transforming Experience into Art

In 2023, Piotr added writing, directing, and editing of Yellow Ticket to his creative portfolio. In this award-winning short film, we follow the story of Mr. Valentine, a teacher who wants his students to think critically and appreciate Crime and Punishment. Along the way, we see the tension between classic literature and the modern world’s diversions.

Yellow Ticket is powerful because of Piotr’s emotional investment in the topic. His characters are real, imperfect, and approachable because he draws on his own high school experiences. Not only does the film explore the value of education, but it also delves into the universal yearnings for understanding, wonder, and community.

Yellow Ticket screened at multiple festivals, and René Zagger won Best Actor at The Bay International Film Festival and Romford Film Festival.

And that’s only the start. Piotr plans to turn Yellow Ticket into a full-length feature film, exploring the human condition through its moral dilemmas, ethical decisions, and emotional landscapes.

The Philosophy Behind the Work

The multiplying effect of creativity is something he believes strongly in. Sharing expertise, teaching others, and establishing a community of like-minded storytellers is as vital as making films. Piotr defines success not only in terms of awards or views but also in the legacy he leaves behind for future generations of creators.

Looking Ahead: Stories that Matter

Piotr Toczyński is not finished. He is working on Touched by God, which is his first feature in development, aiming for pre-production in early 2026. 

Every project, whether a short film or an instructional video, represents the evolution of a filmmaker who is dedicated to pushing boundaries.

His experience teaches us that success does not happen in a straight line. It involves a succession of decisions, risks, and experiments. It’s about being curious, passionate, and willing to trust your intuition, even when the world appears to favor the predictable.

Touched by God 

A struggling high school teacher’s escalating confrontations with students and staff  reaches a breaking point when his deep-seated frustrations and a hidden illness push him into a dangerous act that threatens his career, family, and future.

Discovering Piotr Toczyński

Piotr Toczyński’s films, stories, and creative endeavors serve as a source of inspiration for many. His channel is a community where aspiring filmmakers can meet, share experiences, and learn from others who have already taken risks following their dreams.

The story of Piotr is a gentle reminder that everyone may enjoy art. His story shows that pursuing your passion can change your life, whether it’s making a movie, publishing a book, or just trying to live according to your ideals.