7 answers
Maya
Student
Macon, Georgia
5
Questions
Updated
963 views
How can I make my first step into film?
I been in video production since freshmen year, only missing one year as my new school didn't tell me it had a CTAE class about film. (I'm a senior this year) Despite all this, I wish I had more experience. I bought a camera off of eBay (SonyA100) so I can get more personal experience with cameras. Yet I feel like I'm not doing enough. What was one of the first things you did as a stepping stone for going into the film industry?
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7 answers
Yingna Wu
Film director / producer
14
Answers
Pasadena, California
Updated
Yingna’s Answer
It doesn't really matter if you have a professional camera, or just a cell phone. Cell phone can film HD footage with lots of mobility.
The first stepping stones, I think would be:
watch more films, find the ones that you truly like.
Start filming life around you, anything that interest you. That's when a cell phone comes convenient.
Take stills as well, feel the power of visuals
Filmmaking is really about storytelling. observe more, think more
The first stepping stones, I think would be:
watch more films, find the ones that you truly like.
Start filming life around you, anything that interest you. That's when a cell phone comes convenient.
Take stills as well, feel the power of visuals
Filmmaking is really about storytelling. observe more, think more
Thanks for your words! I heard of cell phones being able to do this but I just wanted to get my hands on my own camera to have a more personal connection. Sometimes I have to remind myself that I don't need the most expensive camera to be taken seriously, and that just because I have an expensive camera that doesn't make me the next Jordan Peele. I'll keep your words in mind and try to interact with nature more. Thank you again!
Maya
Garrett John Hunter
Screenwriter
5
Answers
Warsaw, Masovian Voivodeship, Poland
Updated
Garrett John’s Answer
There is no one-way into becoming a film director, Maya. If you are fully dedicated and never give up you will find your own path. However, I would say the script is a great place to start. It is good that you bought a camera, but now you have to learn how to make that camera tell a story. If you are not a writer yourself, then reach out for short film scripts. Many unproduced writers out there would love to see their scripts reach the screen. However, I would advise writing your own script about something that you care about. Learn how to write in script format (if you do not know already) and write a short script - think beginning, middle, and end. Set it locally, with as few characters and locations as your story allows for. Get some friends to act in it. If they are aspiring actors from your school, all the better, for all of you. But non-actor friends are fine too. The goal is to get a story idea onto the page, then into the camera, then into the computer to edit it, and finish it. At the end of this huge learning curve you will have made a film. At the end of this process, you will be a filmmaker. Maybe not a very good one, but that is not the point. The next one will be better. Repeat as necessary until collecting your Oscar:-) Caution - Do not start a project if you know deep down you can't/won't finish it. It is hugely important that you finish some projects. When you make a short you are happy with it will become you calling card when making connections and networking in the industry. It will then become about getting finance to shoot bigger films. That's a whole different story and something even great filmmakers struggle with. For now; 1. Script. 2. Shoot. 3. Edit. 4. Print. Good luck. P.s. I notice you rather blamed your school for missing a year of study ("...my new school didn't tell me..."). If you want to make it in this incredibly competitive business, drop the blame game. It is never somebody else’s fault (even if it is). Never put the blame for anything on anyone else. Own everything, your mistakes, and the mistakes of others. Then you will be in the right mindset to be a leader. All great film directors are leaders.
Thank you for your words! To elaborate on the school thing, I didn't mean for it to come across as blamey. Only two years are allowed doing a CTAE class. I meant for it to add on that I haven't fully dedicated all my high school career to film. I feel as if me starting as a junior and ending as a senior was the best choice I made in a long time. I'm currently a 2nd year, and have to do work based learning now for Film. But not to say I'm not taking your words in! I fully respect your words and I'm thankful for the time you took out of your day to answer my question. I definitely have a habit of thinking about others faults, and sometimes even dwelling and overthinking about my own.
Maya
Jenny Dang
Producer & Mixing Engineer
8
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Jenny’s Answer
Hi Maya,
This is a great question and all the answers on here are pretty spot on. It sounds like you're doing all the right things, but you want to do more- to me the answer lies in your question.
Are there people you can collaborate with? Screenwriters, fellow camera/directors at your school? I'd bet that if you were to ask around there are plenty of people who would say yes. Or maybe if you prefer to work on a more personal project, you can create a poster and post about it on your schools bulletin board and see if there are people who want to help you bring that to life too?
The theme I'm getting here is by collaborating with people, it can be a rewarding experience to work on something that's worthwhile to you and get you to your goals faster by also learning from others. Networking is a biggie in this industry to by collaborating you're also giving yourself more opportunity in the long run.
I also agree with one answer where you don't need to overthink tech here, if you've got a smartphone into your productions (both for ease and maybe adding a different style) the possibilities are endless.
All in all, there are a lot of ways to approach this so take your time thinking and planning on the kind of productions you want to be working on and most importantly, have fun along the way. Best of luck and please give us an update on your progress :)
This is a great question and all the answers on here are pretty spot on. It sounds like you're doing all the right things, but you want to do more- to me the answer lies in your question.
Are there people you can collaborate with? Screenwriters, fellow camera/directors at your school? I'd bet that if you were to ask around there are plenty of people who would say yes. Or maybe if you prefer to work on a more personal project, you can create a poster and post about it on your schools bulletin board and see if there are people who want to help you bring that to life too?
The theme I'm getting here is by collaborating with people, it can be a rewarding experience to work on something that's worthwhile to you and get you to your goals faster by also learning from others. Networking is a biggie in this industry to by collaborating you're also giving yourself more opportunity in the long run.
I also agree with one answer where you don't need to overthink tech here, if you've got a smartphone into your productions (both for ease and maybe adding a different style) the possibilities are endless.
All in all, there are a lot of ways to approach this so take your time thinking and planning on the kind of productions you want to be working on and most importantly, have fun along the way. Best of luck and please give us an update on your progress :)
First, I just want to say thank you for taking the time out of your day to answer my question! Next I would like to say that while I am in a film class for a career academy. I do have a teacher that is connected with the film industry, I'm a 2nd year so I actually get to do Work Based Learning! I'm naturally a quiet person, and (as you said) film is a very. very collaborate industry. Part of me feels like I have to have something under my belt before I seriously speak to my film teacher - so I'm definitely going to do a few personal projects and upload them to Youtube when I finish them! There's a only a few students I know that take film as seriously as me, I'll make sure to talk to them this year.
Thank you again for your kind words, I'll make sure to update as well!
Maya
Hi Maya, my pleasure and really happy to hear that my advice was able to help you. I'm also a shy person too so definitely know that feeling very well. Looking back at my own career, I realize that I missed out on so much opportunity by not going outside my comfort zone more to collaborate and talk to new people. It's not easy, but important step to achieve your goals especially since you do want to take film seriously. Thanks for your reply, sharing your exciting plans (having a few projects beforehand sounds great- make sure you're happy and having fun with what you're creating), and looking forward to your update! Warm wishes - Jenny
Jenny Dang
Jie Chang
Film director
3
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Jie’s Answer
Hi, Maya
Yes, filmmaking is an industry, and becoming a filmmaker is a great challenge that requires thorough preparation. Here are some essential tips:
Master Film Language: The first knowledge you should acquire is the language of film. Understanding and organizing the elements of film language will enable you to craft a compelling story narrative.
Scriptwriting Skills: To convey the meaning you want, you should learn scriptwriting. Understand the nature of conflicts and their resolutions to create dramatic tension.
With a solid grasp of film language and scriptwriting, you can make short feature films with your camera. Practicing your skills in real projects will help you grow as a filmmaker.
wish you bring all your creative visions to life.
Yes, filmmaking is an industry, and becoming a filmmaker is a great challenge that requires thorough preparation. Here are some essential tips:
Master Film Language: The first knowledge you should acquire is the language of film. Understanding and organizing the elements of film language will enable you to craft a compelling story narrative.
Scriptwriting Skills: To convey the meaning you want, you should learn scriptwriting. Understand the nature of conflicts and their resolutions to create dramatic tension.
With a solid grasp of film language and scriptwriting, you can make short feature films with your camera. Practicing your skills in real projects will help you grow as a filmmaker.
wish you bring all your creative visions to life.
Thank you! I learned the "basics" of film language but I'll go into a more personal level of learning as there's still so much for me to learn yet. I'm good at writing which I know doesn't directly translate to being good at scriptwriting, but I'll make sure to learn about that too. Thank you again for your words!
Maya
Annaleigh Niedzielski
Videographer, Producer, Assistant Director
65
Answers
Phoenix, Arizona
Updated
Annaleigh’s Answer
Hi Maya!
Starting in film can be both exciting and daunting, but it sounds like you’re on the right track with your Sony A100! Begin by experimenting with your camera; take time to learn its settings and features while shooting various subjects—landscapes, people, and everyday moments—to develop your eye for composition. Creating short films or video projects, even if they’re just a few minutes long, will help you apply what you’ve learned and get comfortable with storytelling, editing, and the entire filmmaking process.
Joining a community is also beneficial; look for local film clubs, workshops, or online forums where you can connect with other aspiring filmmakers, as collaboration and feedback can be invaluable. Additionally, study films critically—analyze what works and what doesn’t—and read books and articles about filmmaking techniques and theory to deepen your understanding. Volunteering on student films or independent projects can provide hands-on experience and help you build a network in the industry. One of my first stepping stones was making short films with friends and participating in local film competitions, which helped me learn quickly and fostered my passion for storytelling. Remember, every project is a learning opportunity, so embrace the process! And best of luck!
Starting in film can be both exciting and daunting, but it sounds like you’re on the right track with your Sony A100! Begin by experimenting with your camera; take time to learn its settings and features while shooting various subjects—landscapes, people, and everyday moments—to develop your eye for composition. Creating short films or video projects, even if they’re just a few minutes long, will help you apply what you’ve learned and get comfortable with storytelling, editing, and the entire filmmaking process.
Joining a community is also beneficial; look for local film clubs, workshops, or online forums where you can connect with other aspiring filmmakers, as collaboration and feedback can be invaluable. Additionally, study films critically—analyze what works and what doesn’t—and read books and articles about filmmaking techniques and theory to deepen your understanding. Volunteering on student films or independent projects can provide hands-on experience and help you build a network in the industry. One of my first stepping stones was making short films with friends and participating in local film competitions, which helped me learn quickly and fostered my passion for storytelling. Remember, every project is a learning opportunity, so embrace the process! And best of luck!
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1886
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Maya, Great Question !
I can tell you some stories that will cause a bit of a chuckle about this. I began acting in the olden days when the requirements were smoothly accomplished by auditioning in person, mail, telephone and hard copy photos and resumes. I transferred to a "normal job" and then when I returned to acting in 2018, wow, was I surprised at the great changes in the industry. I had to make some big adjustments.
I began a gig in 2018 on site which turned to remote using Zoom in 2021. I was used to only corporate remote internet based conferences with the sound coming from my desk phone. I had no idea how to use Zoom. So it's the first day we're doing this remote, all the actors and our Director are on Zoom for a meeting prior to performance and I can't hear ANYONE. I was like, what the ? I felt so funny. Then I noticed, hmmm, everyone has head/ear phones on, so I grabbed my ear phones and plugged them into the monitor and was good to go. I felt weird but it's kind of funny. So, I have to say that doing Zoom, a video experience, really made me conscious to be aware of more film/video style acting.
Another story which is from back in 1982 is when I was chosen for an industrial film as a Theatre Major. The Director was a Film Major working for a company. He cast Theatre Majors, myself and another actress as the leads. The filming was in a hospital and we played nurses. After everything was done, the Director had called us and said, we have to shoot the whole film over, you guys were too broad. The other actress and I were too used to theatrical acting and we never had a film acting class. So with great direction, we did the entire film over, toned down and ready for post-production. Let me tell you the huge lesson I learned from that experience !
So, after I graduated college and moved to Hollywood, I took a film acting class and that greatly taught me so much. Starting out, you seem to have had much more experience than I did starting out with your video production involvement. I wouldn't worry about the volume of experience just yet, you're just beginning and there will be a lot more projects you'll work on. Learning digital video and photography is perplexing - for me, too ! It's all a matter of experimenting and seeing what works and watching How To videos (best on You Tube).
You can prepare some UGC (User Generated Content) auditions to send out for some work remotely. I obtained a commercial that way in 2020. Read the casting notices at the casting agency sites and these are usually for commercials, product reviews or any other projects. Sites like Backstage and Direct Submit carry UGC casting notices and accept submission worldwide. See if you can take a film acting class in your community if one is not offered at your school.
I hope that this is helpful and I wish you all the best on a most awesome journey !
I can tell you some stories that will cause a bit of a chuckle about this. I began acting in the olden days when the requirements were smoothly accomplished by auditioning in person, mail, telephone and hard copy photos and resumes. I transferred to a "normal job" and then when I returned to acting in 2018, wow, was I surprised at the great changes in the industry. I had to make some big adjustments.
I began a gig in 2018 on site which turned to remote using Zoom in 2021. I was used to only corporate remote internet based conferences with the sound coming from my desk phone. I had no idea how to use Zoom. So it's the first day we're doing this remote, all the actors and our Director are on Zoom for a meeting prior to performance and I can't hear ANYONE. I was like, what the ? I felt so funny. Then I noticed, hmmm, everyone has head/ear phones on, so I grabbed my ear phones and plugged them into the monitor and was good to go. I felt weird but it's kind of funny. So, I have to say that doing Zoom, a video experience, really made me conscious to be aware of more film/video style acting.
Another story which is from back in 1982 is when I was chosen for an industrial film as a Theatre Major. The Director was a Film Major working for a company. He cast Theatre Majors, myself and another actress as the leads. The filming was in a hospital and we played nurses. After everything was done, the Director had called us and said, we have to shoot the whole film over, you guys were too broad. The other actress and I were too used to theatrical acting and we never had a film acting class. So with great direction, we did the entire film over, toned down and ready for post-production. Let me tell you the huge lesson I learned from that experience !
So, after I graduated college and moved to Hollywood, I took a film acting class and that greatly taught me so much. Starting out, you seem to have had much more experience than I did starting out with your video production involvement. I wouldn't worry about the volume of experience just yet, you're just beginning and there will be a lot more projects you'll work on. Learning digital video and photography is perplexing - for me, too ! It's all a matter of experimenting and seeing what works and watching How To videos (best on You Tube).
You can prepare some UGC (User Generated Content) auditions to send out for some work remotely. I obtained a commercial that way in 2020. Read the casting notices at the casting agency sites and these are usually for commercials, product reviews or any other projects. Sites like Backstage and Direct Submit carry UGC casting notices and accept submission worldwide. See if you can take a film acting class in your community if one is not offered at your school.
I hope that this is helpful and I wish you all the best on a most awesome journey !
Thanks for sharing your stories! I'll keep what you said in mind and try to find out more from my community rather than relying solely on school.
Maya
You're welcome. Your plan sounds good - have fun and there will always be new discoveries in an acting career !
Michelle M.
Susan Weimer
Video editor and Producer
1
Answer
Glendale Heights, Illinois
Updated
Susan’s Answer
Hello Maya,
Breaking into the film industry might seem like a daunting task, but your enthusiasm and proactive approach are the perfect tools to carve your path. Here are some strategies that can help you gain more experience and boost your confidence:
1. Initiate Your Own Projects: Writing, filming, and editing short films can be a great start. The goal is to practice, explore various styles, and most importantly, enjoy the process.
2. Participate in a Film Club or Attend Meetups: Working alongside like-minded individuals can offer invaluable feedback and hands-on experience. This could potentially lead to rewarding internships or Production Assistant roles.
3. Explore YouTube or Other Online Tutorials: Watching these can expose you to different editing styles, instructional videos, and current trends in the industry.
4. Secure an Internship or Volunteer for Local Productions: Seeking out local film projects or media-related events can provide practical experience and boost your confidence.
5. Enter Film Competitions: Participating in online film festivals and contests can give you deadlines to work towards and create content for your portfolio.
6. Network: Attending film screenings, workshops, and industry events can connect you with industry professionals and like-minded individuals. Networking can lead to internships and job opportunities.
7. Study Films: Watching a variety of films and analyzing the storytelling, cinematography, editing, and sound design can help you understand what works and why. Plus, quoting a line from a classic movie can be a fun ice breaker on set.
When I was in your shoes, I volunteered for different projects, joined Women in Film, interned at various agencies and production houses, and always sought opportunities to collaborate with others. These experiences helped me gain knowledge and confidence.
Remember, every project, no matter how small, is an opportunity to learn. Continue to experiment, stay inquisitive, and don't fear making mistakes. After all, mistakes are stepping stones to learning and growth. Wishing you all the best on your journey!
Breaking into the film industry might seem like a daunting task, but your enthusiasm and proactive approach are the perfect tools to carve your path. Here are some strategies that can help you gain more experience and boost your confidence:
1. Initiate Your Own Projects: Writing, filming, and editing short films can be a great start. The goal is to practice, explore various styles, and most importantly, enjoy the process.
2. Participate in a Film Club or Attend Meetups: Working alongside like-minded individuals can offer invaluable feedback and hands-on experience. This could potentially lead to rewarding internships or Production Assistant roles.
3. Explore YouTube or Other Online Tutorials: Watching these can expose you to different editing styles, instructional videos, and current trends in the industry.
4. Secure an Internship or Volunteer for Local Productions: Seeking out local film projects or media-related events can provide practical experience and boost your confidence.
5. Enter Film Competitions: Participating in online film festivals and contests can give you deadlines to work towards and create content for your portfolio.
6. Network: Attending film screenings, workshops, and industry events can connect you with industry professionals and like-minded individuals. Networking can lead to internships and job opportunities.
7. Study Films: Watching a variety of films and analyzing the storytelling, cinematography, editing, and sound design can help you understand what works and why. Plus, quoting a line from a classic movie can be a fun ice breaker on set.
When I was in your shoes, I volunteered for different projects, joined Women in Film, interned at various agencies and production houses, and always sought opportunities to collaborate with others. These experiences helped me gain knowledge and confidence.
Remember, every project, no matter how small, is an opportunity to learn. Continue to experiment, stay inquisitive, and don't fear making mistakes. After all, mistakes are stepping stones to learning and growth. Wishing you all the best on your journey!
Hello! Thank you for your response! funnily enough today I currently just got an internship for film. A lot of the answers I got told me about starting my own project and I definitely am planning out one. Since I can't enter competitions I feel making a project to show my progress this year will be good for my film reel. Thank you again for answering!
Maya