May 242010
I am seriously thinking about starting a career in film making (or at least hoping to), but I don’t know where to begin. I am creative, but writing is not my strongest point. I love movies, and I love the idea of making my own. I guess I just don’t know where to start.
What are the basics?
School first.
Film making school.
If that’s done,make so student videos.
send them somewhere/places.
If you want to do an independent film find a story,actors,and a crew who are willing to help you
out with a low budget or no pay at all and make a film.If its good you will be successful no matter what anybody says.
Best of luck.
go to a good film school and or do an internship at a producing studio
well good luck:)
There’s a TON of basics to film making to be learnt, and i guess it’s better to start off with film school, if you’re serious and committed enough about it, it would definitely be a good way to start. And then you can take summer jobs by trying to be an assistant somewhere, you’d get to see a lot of how things work. figure out what IS your strong point, because there are many aspects to film making, you don’t have to be a writer. Uh, you can also read up of what you’re interested in, is it directing? cinematography? producing? etc etc.
But definitely, film school.
If you want to be an editor, then Film school is a must. If you want to be a writer or director or producer, then Film School teaches you NOTHING besides how to work well with others. But that’s hardly enough to make a film.
The best advice most “working” film makers (like myself) give for future directors is to skip school and head out for Hollywood. Take your education money, buy a camera and start building connections (meet friends who are writers, producers, etc.) Get a job on a studio lot as a PA (production assistant, which is basically a glorified title for being a gopher) on a film set (easy to get, long hours but you’ll learn 10x more than any school will teach you!)
From there, keep your eyes and ears open — but more importantly, YOUR BIG MOUTH SHUT. Say nothing unless spoken too. Do this for as long as it takes until someone notices that you’re actually a good hard worker who never complains. Once that happens, you might get lucky enough to be promoted to a small studio (ie: Mirimax) and start working on some real films.
In the mean time, keep shooting with your camera. Learn how to light objects, f-stops, etc. You can buy tons of books that will teach you. There is also a refresher guerilla film making class that lasts for 6 weeks where you shoot a feature on Mini DV — and that is much better than any film school can teach you. Experience is what you need, not a degree unless you plan on being an agent.
If you’re lucky, within 2 years you save all your money and shoot your first short film. Don’t shoot a feature — keep it short but amazing. Then hopefully you will have some connections through the PA job that might get you in a decent film festival.
There are film makers who have been out there for years, yet haven’t had a break. So the reality is — it’s a tough biz and most of your life will be spent chasing the dream. If you can handle that, then welcome to the club. But if you have a glorified dream that “you” are the exception to the rule and will create a masterpiece within a few short years — then all I can say is get in line buddy, as we all think that.
Forget what others have said about school — it’s not worth it. Nearly 99% of the kids that go to film school NEVER work in this town as a director and wind up being an agent or a waiter. This is no joke either. They wasted their money. You need experience — and more importantly, you need CONNECTIONS — not a degree. Get that, and you just might have a shot. Good luck!