Getting Into Filmmaking
Filmmaking all begins with a passion.
Everyone has their own journey through the film & video world. Some people started with their home video camera when they were young, and some get into it later on in life. Some go to film school and some go straight into the industry. There’s really no right way of doing it. You were uniquely made for your own path.
For me, filmmaking started when I found our home video camera. Me, my siblings, neighbors, cousins, and friends (anyone that entered our home) started off filming hours of spy movies, awfully boring, long scenes of horrendous dialogue that didn’t make any sense. We were super into the Matrix in middle school, so basically every movie became our own version of that. There was fake blood and smoke bombs set off in our garage, so a little bit cooler (I didn’t think to use my fog machine, yes, that’s the birthday gift I wanted in fifth grade).
Later on I decided to go to school for film. It wasn’t actually even a thought in my mind that it could be a career, because I always just saw it as a hobby, something fun to do. But I heard from my mom that one of my friends that I used to make movies with was going to film school, and it completely changed my whole college trajectory. You can go to school for that?! And I put in an application for a school that had a film program.
I learned a decent amount in the four years of school, but I got on my first set after graduating and realized I didn’t know very much of anything. I’m sure it’s different at actual film schools where you are out in the field doing things, but man did I feel dumb. I’ve got some embarrassing stories. From being the slowest 1st AC on the clapboard unknowingly to grabbing the Assistant Director’s headset first day on set, there’s been a lot of mistakes. Fortunately being on a few projects and getting practice actually making films was where I learned the most.
And now I’ve worked on a ton of projects and can say that I’m super proud of the work that I’m doing (with teams of other people). We’ve gotten to a very high quality product that we’re thrilled about, and continuing to get better every day.
There’s 4 things that you will need to do to get started:
Passion for Filmmaking
And it all beings with a passion for making videos and films. That’s the most important thing. If you like it and would do it for free, then you’re in the right place. That’s the thing that will keep you going when your work gets criticized and torn apart, when you work late nights, and have tight deadlines (although the last two items can usually be controlled by you).
Other People That Like Making Films
Get around people that are doing good work. You don’t have to find the most skilled people or the the perfect filmmaking group, you’ll find that over time as you make more projects. But how do you even get started in finding anyone to create with? See #3.
Get on Set
Volunteer for projects. Be a production assistant. Whatever it takes to get involved. And work hard and work to serve others joyfully. Be okay not being in the spotlight or having a glamorous role.
Keep Making Stuff
Practice. Whether you want to write, direct, produce, camera operate, find a way to do that. Rent a camera, borrow one from a friend, volunteer where you can do that role on a set. You can make stuff with friends - it doesn’t have to be with other filmmakers. That’s where my first short films begin after college.
For all the future J.J. Abrams, Steven Spielbergs, Christopher Nolans, Tyler Perrys, Martin Scorseses, Spike Lees, and beyond… it might be an unpredictable road, but you’ll get there in the long run if you keep going. You’ve got this.