5 answers
Kim
Student
Ohio City, Ohio
1
Question
Asked
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How can I explore as a film maker?
I'm currently a film editor that can alsom build new concepts.
What can I do to be more creative and get job opportunities in film industry.
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5 answers
Yingna Wu
Film director / producer
14
Answers
Pasadena, California
Updated
Yingna’s Answer
As a film editor, you already have a lot of chances of getting film jobs, big or small.
What I would suggest, is to watch more films from different genres and countries. Their editing styles are very different. Study the films shot by shot, so to enhance your editing skills. It will also help you to move to other directions, e.g. directing, if you are interested.
To be utmost creative, you probably want to try shooting some films yourself, with your cell phone. Then edit the footage in whatever way you want. Play with it. No pressure.
What I would suggest, is to watch more films from different genres and countries. Their editing styles are very different. Study the films shot by shot, so to enhance your editing skills. It will also help you to move to other directions, e.g. directing, if you are interested.
To be utmost creative, you probably want to try shooting some films yourself, with your cell phone. Then edit the footage in whatever way you want. Play with it. No pressure.
Steve Jacobson
Creative Leader/Content Creator/Producer/Editor/Storyteller
51
Answers
Westlake Village, California
Updated
Steve’s Answer
It's fantastic that you've mastered the art of editing. Now it's time to delve into the other aspects of filmmaking - writing, directing, and filming.
Start by crafting a concise script that you're confident you can bring to life. Given that you're likely funding this project yourself, you probably won't need a cast of hundreds or high-octane car chases and explosions. Instead, focus on creating a personal film that reflects your passions, something that can evoke an emotional response from others.
Grab your camera, enlist the help of family and friends, and start filming. Mini-documentaries are a feasible option that don't require a hefty budget. Interview individuals about a topic that piques your interest. Make sure to gather plenty of footage for b-roll and take plenty of photos. Then, compile everything into a 2-3 minute film. Add some graphics and find the perfect music that you can use without breaking the bank on licensing fees.
Once your film is complete, share it on YouTube or other social media platforms. Then, repeat the process. Share your films, encouraging your network to share them with their own contacts.
The current state of the industry is challenging, with Hollywood jobs scarce and much work being outsourced abroad. It may be a slow journey, but connecting with the right people at the right time and seizing the right opportunities can turn your fortunes around quickly.
Best of luck on your filmmaking journey.
Start by crafting a concise script that you're confident you can bring to life. Given that you're likely funding this project yourself, you probably won't need a cast of hundreds or high-octane car chases and explosions. Instead, focus on creating a personal film that reflects your passions, something that can evoke an emotional response from others.
Grab your camera, enlist the help of family and friends, and start filming. Mini-documentaries are a feasible option that don't require a hefty budget. Interview individuals about a topic that piques your interest. Make sure to gather plenty of footage for b-roll and take plenty of photos. Then, compile everything into a 2-3 minute film. Add some graphics and find the perfect music that you can use without breaking the bank on licensing fees.
Once your film is complete, share it on YouTube or other social media platforms. Then, repeat the process. Share your films, encouraging your network to share them with their own contacts.
The current state of the industry is challenging, with Hollywood jobs scarce and much work being outsourced abroad. It may be a slow journey, but connecting with the right people at the right time and seizing the right opportunities can turn your fortunes around quickly.
Best of luck on your filmmaking journey.
Henrien McDonald
Teacher
14
Answers
Las Vegas, Nevada
Updated
Henrien’s Answer
Every filmmaker must be a storyteller before you can become a cinematic storyteller. Just being able to tell a story is when to start
If you want to work in Hollywood, work on a particlar skill. Editing is very very important to filmmaking. However, film school is very expensive and
working in Hollywood just makes you like everyone else.
A storyteller starts with his own experiences. Is their a story about your family that may be powerful to share with others.
Take classes for editing and learn the software. But first learn about your family, your extended family or a friend's experiences.
Use your phone and make your first film. Create characters that are believable. This one example. Wake up and notice that everyone at your house is gone one Sunday morning. After a few hours, you realize that your parents have returned home yet.The only thing that exist to you is the clock. You began to notice the hours are passing. Where are my parents? You start calling around but nobody has seen them. You began to panic. Film your emotions and the clock as time passes. What you don't know is your mom left a note on the fridge but it fell and you haven't found it yet. This is when your character emotions arc. You are going crazy thinking the worst. Finally they return but it not until you tear up the house thinking strange noises are being caused by aliens.
Become your own filmmaker.
If you want to work in Hollywood, work on a particlar skill. Editing is very very important to filmmaking. However, film school is very expensive and
working in Hollywood just makes you like everyone else.
A storyteller starts with his own experiences. Is their a story about your family that may be powerful to share with others.
Take classes for editing and learn the software. But first learn about your family, your extended family or a friend's experiences.
Use your phone and make your first film. Create characters that are believable. This one example. Wake up and notice that everyone at your house is gone one Sunday morning. After a few hours, you realize that your parents have returned home yet.The only thing that exist to you is the clock. You began to notice the hours are passing. Where are my parents? You start calling around but nobody has seen them. You began to panic. Film your emotions and the clock as time passes. What you don't know is your mom left a note on the fridge but it fell and you haven't found it yet. This is when your character emotions arc. You are going crazy thinking the worst. Finally they return but it not until you tear up the house thinking strange noises are being caused by aliens.
Become your own filmmaker.
Ricardo Islas
producer
26
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Ricardo’s Answer
Hello Kim! The editing phase is a vital and highly creative step in the process of making a film. It has the power to either strengthen or weaken the storyline of a movie. Your query about boosting creativity is quite broad and doesn't have a singular answer. Nevertheless, even though there's no one-size-fits-all answer, there's a fundamental rule in editing: Each scene should be long enough to convey the intended message. If it's too short, it can lead to confusion, and if it's too long, it can become unnecessary and divert attention. Remembering this crucial rule at all times will allow you to study the work of various editors, from the trendsetters to the traditionalists, and gain insights from all of them. However, while chasing the latest trends, always keep this golden rule in mind, and you'll evolve into a top-notch, highly sought-after editor.
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1879
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Kim !
It's great that you are a film editor but since you are not aware of how to obtain work, I would suggest returning to your college or film school that you trained at and speaking with your professors in the Film Department.
If you have a reel of your work already, you can send it to openings in the trades for editing work. You can try Backstage, Direct Submit, Actors Access which do sometimes have tech positions, but they may or may not be in Ohio. Upload your reel to a webhost and include the link on your resume. Do a search online for more industry websites that carry notices for film editors. Even non-industry websites such as Indeed and Linked In have notices for film editors. It will just be a matter of applying and waiting to hear back.
Something else you can do is join the Motion Picture Editors Guild. They would have information and resources for you. You can find their website by doing a search on the internet. Also do a search online for the production companies in Ohio and keep a list of their contact information so that you can apply for positions in your state.
If you want to work as a film editor or filmmaker, you may need to consider relocating. I understand that this may be difficult, but why not go to where the studios and work are ? That would be either Los Angeles or New York City. Since you're closer to New York City, that may be a good place to begin. I am almost hesitant to suggest this because both Los Angeles and New York City are very, very expensive places to live. But that's where your chances would increase for work on possibly a consistent level.
So gather your materials such as a resume and reel of your work, scan the trades every day, register for editing work at Indeed and Linked In and see how it goes. Decide if you can travel for this work or if you want to relocate to a film hub like Los Angles or New York City. So this career warrants a lot of decision making on your part. You can do it. Do not give up and take it a step at a time. Start searching online for work. Return to your college or Film School and obtain resources there. You will be surprised how far active steps will take you !
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
It's great that you are a film editor but since you are not aware of how to obtain work, I would suggest returning to your college or film school that you trained at and speaking with your professors in the Film Department.
If you have a reel of your work already, you can send it to openings in the trades for editing work. You can try Backstage, Direct Submit, Actors Access which do sometimes have tech positions, but they may or may not be in Ohio. Upload your reel to a webhost and include the link on your resume. Do a search online for more industry websites that carry notices for film editors. Even non-industry websites such as Indeed and Linked In have notices for film editors. It will just be a matter of applying and waiting to hear back.
Something else you can do is join the Motion Picture Editors Guild. They would have information and resources for you. You can find their website by doing a search on the internet. Also do a search online for the production companies in Ohio and keep a list of their contact information so that you can apply for positions in your state.
If you want to work as a film editor or filmmaker, you may need to consider relocating. I understand that this may be difficult, but why not go to where the studios and work are ? That would be either Los Angeles or New York City. Since you're closer to New York City, that may be a good place to begin. I am almost hesitant to suggest this because both Los Angeles and New York City are very, very expensive places to live. But that's where your chances would increase for work on possibly a consistent level.
So gather your materials such as a resume and reel of your work, scan the trades every day, register for editing work at Indeed and Linked In and see how it goes. Decide if you can travel for this work or if you want to relocate to a film hub like Los Angles or New York City. So this career warrants a lot of decision making on your part. You can do it. Do not give up and take it a step at a time. Start searching online for work. Return to your college or Film School and obtain resources there. You will be surprised how far active steps will take you !
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !