Gabriela
What is the best way to involve yourself in the world of cinematography?
The field of film is one with many hardships and competition, which is why I would like to know what is the real way aside from having your own talent and creativity to actually immerse yourself inside this hard and complex world. #film #entertainment #television #cinematography #cinema #competition
3 answers
Todd Brunswick
Todd’s Answer
In my experience, getting involved and networking with people in the business is a key element. Attend indie screenings, film festivals, local concerts... really any venue where cameras may be present. Weddings, parties, school reunions... I spent my early years meeting every person I saw with a camera. We'd talk about the job or techniques etc. Soon I found my self in a gig (no pay) and built it from there.
Todd Brunswick
Hi Todd! (1) Awesome advice. (2) I especially agree re: networking. (3) I have to take off your contact info. Sorry!
(It's for safety reasons: with young people and adults interacting on the site, it's important that we keep all interactions public and under our community's review. I recognize the irony here that you are recommending networking and I'm asking you to refrain from off-site contact. I come from a mentorship background so I know where the good will comes from. This rule is part of why we can operate at such huge scale while protecting youth. I took the contact info and offer to connect out of your post, but left the rest untouched!)
Jared Chung, Admin
Anthony V. Crivello
Anthony V.’s Answer
Find a way to access a camera. Start with your cellphone and computer. You can begin to shoot wth those. You can learn edition g on your computer. A broad knowledge of 'Computer skills' are absolutely essential. Associate with others who share your interest. Audio-Visual clubs ... be they in school or a local club. Seek to be a part of them- search on the Internet. But--- be careful who you associate with. Lots of people talk a good game, but are not actively 'doing' .. or have 'ulterior motives.' Aim high! USC, NYU --- a full college accredited film school. GET a FULL education. Get your degrees!! Work on ALL you skills. An education that is wide in scope, so you have a broad vocabulary and education. It becomes essential when dealing with top Directors/Producers/Studios/Backers. And I agree with the above advise: Network, network, network.
Start there.
Cheers!
AC
Thank you so much! All of these advices truly help me, and motivate me. I have started through youtube, just trying to edit videos of my past travelling and have noticed it has helped me greatly in improoving my editing skills. Lately I have been focused on "Film Marketing", in order to do so I have to focus on marketing as well. This has made me reflect on how much time will I really spend on studying, hopefully everything goes smoothly and I have the opportunity to complete the bachelor and also enter film school (USC, is my dream university but of course, I have to be financially stable in order to do so). As you said, I will continue to get to know about networking.
Again, I am very grateful for your advice and inspiring words. I'll keep these in mind. Thank you!
G.C.
Gabriela
Omar Salah
Omar’s Answer
2)Screen your films to a live audience. There’s nothing like seeing the reaction to your work live, and it will improve your films especially the edit.
3)Build your own team. Film is a very collaborative process so get a group of like-minded friends together so that you can make more films faster.
4)Work on other people’s films. Even if it’s as a runner, you will learn more and more importantly make connections.
5)Meet other filmmakers. The film industry is all about connections so try to get out there to film festivals, screening events, Film Courses and join a film group.
6)Filmmaking is not just about directors, cameras, and lights. There are a lot of other on-set jobs in the industry that could be easier to get into at the start. Films productions need drivers, caterers, painters, carpenters, accountants etc. especially runners.
7)Learn your trade. If you know what part of filmmaking you want to pursue go for it. Read every book, watch every YouTube tutorial, take Classes, and more importantly start doing it on your films and other people’s projects.
8)Post Production needs you. London is at the heart of the post-production industry at the moment. If you are into this side of filmmaking all the software is out there for you to learn and show off your potential.
9)Get your films seen. The internet is a great place to put your short films and build an audience. Whatever job you go for in the industry having finished work online shows your commitment as well as your skill.
10)Make contacts and make an impression. Your reputation is everything in the industry; so many jobs are through word of mouth. Build yourself a good reputation and you will be the one they recommend for the next job.