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Hi!What would you suggest if you wanted to get started on a film career (whether that be on the screen or production team), as a teenager in high school Thank you!??

I am also wondering which colleges would you recommend and what i should have on my resume to be considered. Also, how to immerse myself in film within my community.

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Ricardo’s Answer

You don't always need a college degree, even though formal education can be beneficial. Yet, the most constructive step you can take right now is to pen down and film a short script. Get your friends or even your neighbors involved. We're fortunate to live in an era where creating a movie is possible with just a cell phone, so there's absolutely no excuse not to give it a shot.

To master the art of cinematography, or the skill of 'talking through the camera', consider watching a high-quality movie with the sound turned off. This way, your focus won't be diverted by the sound, allowing you to truly appreciate the subtle details and the brilliance of the camera work that you might otherwise miss.
Thank you comment icon I appreciate you taking the time to answer this. hannah
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Candace’s Answer

Keep in mind that filmmaking also includes documentary storytelling. You do not have to invent an original story which can be daunting to do. Instead, all around you are stories of real people you can tell. We all know interesting people who we can tell a story about. Use your cell phone (horizontal please) if you don't have a camera. Interview them to have them describe their life, unique experience, expertise, challenge or accomplishment. Record footage of them in action or photos of what they did in the past. Use video editing software to put your story together. If you want to learn free professional editing software get DaVinci Resolve and use online tutorials to learn the software. Or use one of the many software tools available. Researching the tools, choosing one and learning to use it is what professionals constantly do, so this is good experience too. The more mini documentaries you produce the more skills you will gain and then perfect. You also will meet a lot of interesting people. Eventually when you are ready to create your own original fictional story you will draw on the many people you've interviewed as inspiration for your characters.

Candace recommends the following next steps:

Begin by interviewing someone you know at a memorable experience in their life. If you can't think of questions try these: What was an embarrassing moment from your childhood? What led to the embarrassing moment? What was the consequence of that experience? And what did your learn?
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Tiarra’s Answer

Build your knowledge of the film industry, but most importantly learn how to format scripts and make sure you understand the importance of storytelling. As someone who has written scripts, I have researched script formats and the importance of finishing storylines and character progression. You could also begin playing around with some free online software to create videos on your interests, from history, politics, writing, even filmmaking, anything. You could take everything you learn, whether it be from Google, YouTube or books (look on OpenLibrary and Internet Archive for free books). Some free software you can use is Canva and ClipChamp. Both have free photo and video stock and you can Google free stock as well, remember tell a story with what you're focusing on, cover all the important issues. Clipchamp has a free text to speech function. I know this is not filmmaking but it is a start in research, topic building, script writing, and video production. Start doing this in high school, utilizing school breaks and compile a couple of videos and if you can recruit friends and make a short film. Doing this builds your portfolio and gives you something to submit to contests if you want and to colleges. Here is a link to a list of the top 25 film schools: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lists/top-25-american-film-schools-ranked-1134785/
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Steve’s Answer

Write a short story. Make sure it's impactful and will emotionally engage an audience. The way you do that is to read the script aloud to people who will give you an honest reaction with honest feedback. Saying it's great to you when it isn't is a disservice. Poke holes in it. And then rewrite it. Then figure out a way to shoot it. With today's iPhone camera capability, you can shoot amazing footage. Then take online classes to learn how to edit. And make lots of mistakes along the way so you can learn. Take chances. Fall down and then get back up.
Whilst you are doing all of this, check out the best film schools in the country - USC, UCLA, NYU, Northwestern, Boston U... Lots of options.
Good luck.
Thank you comment icon This was super helpful, thank you! hannah
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