Are you passionate about film-making?
This article is only for those who love films and wants to make a film in future.
“Thank you, Academy!” Who hasn’t stood in front of a mirror reciting these now infamous lines? Anyone can become a filmmaker. You need determination, drive and above all al love for film – especially the technical side of filmmaking. If you love watching movies but have a hankering to make movies have you ever thought about actually becoming a film director?
This article will highlight some great ways in which you could start your directorial, video production or film production journey. We’ll highlight a few key areas that can help navigate you towards success. However, be warned, this journey will be hard going, with some professional failure and a lot of lessons learned – but the end result, for those who persevere, will be the directorial success.
Stop thinking, Just Make it!
Humans can over-complicate matters immensely. We can over-analyze, and our anxieties can eat away at our dreams. If you want to become a filmmaker, you’ll need to leave your inhibitions at the door; because this journey will require some serious courage. Start with why you want to make films, what vision do you have and shoot small – use your smartphone. Yes, mobile video. Start small. Make a movie and upload it to VEVO or YouTube. Young talent has already started to seep from YouTube into Hollywood.
Premier it when you’re Good and Ready
Negative sentiment can ruin any film’s development. So, only show your film to those you trust. A bad review, from an early version, could hammer your confidence. At any rate, MrBigBuzzer18181 on YouTube might not know what he’s on about. You are in control, so show it to people you trust, but reach out far and wide to understand different audience reactions. Once you’re happy, the film is ready for its grand opening!
Learn the Basics – Learn the Ropes
There are literally hundreds of free online resources. You can search google and find a range of courses, from beginners to more technical cinematography, editing, and sound-related courses. There are low-cost professional training courses available from online providers – like Udemy. You have access to a whole industry of knowledge. Use social media to reach out to smaller directors and filmmakers to get advice. Learning is crucial in your developmental journey towards filmmaking success.
Watch the Classic – Get Inspired
Inspiration is critically important when embarking on your own developmental project. Remember, this isn’t about copying but about understanding other directors’ visions and how you could make your own mark on a film production project. So, go outside of your comfort zone – watch the classics. Rent or buy films like Christopher Nolan’s Memento (2000), Orson Welles’ Citizen Kane (1941), Darren Aronofsky’s PI (1999), Quentin Tarantino’s Reservoir Dogs (1992), Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho (1960), David Cronenberg’s Spider (2002), David Lynch’s Eraserhead (1977). However, the canon of filmmaking is dominated by the Hollywood glare. The power of European, Asian and global cinema shouldn’t be underestimated.
Watching foreign language films like Bicycle Thieves (1948), Seven Samurai (1954), Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000), Amelie (2001), Gol Maal (1979), Sant Tukaram (1936), Totsi (2005), Ceddo (1977) can help you understand the wider construct of filmmaking outside of your own cultural bubble. In addition, you can learn the process of filmmaking and the approach of diverse directors in creating their own vision of a truly remarkable tale.
Start Small: Make a Short Film
There is a high probability that after your training, your mentoring, your project development and filmmaking awareness that your first project might not be a $100 million-dollar Video Production with 21st Century Fox or Paramount. So, always think small. Start by developing a short movie. Get support from local film institutes and arts charities to help your development. Reach out to people on social media and develop partnerships and networks. Your journey towards filmmaking, Corporate Video Production or Film Production perfection will be an on-going journey. So, what’s stopping you from becoming the next big Oscar-winning filmmaker?