How Did You Get Started in Filmmaking?

B

backtothefuture

New member
Hi, I am a total newbie to film-making. I am becoming more and more interested though in the world of independent film making, and wanted to know how some of you people got started in it.

Were there any books you read, cameras you got... I dunno, anything that I could use to immerse myself so I can learn more about the fundamentals of filmmaking.

I am totally interested to hear all of your stories,

thanks in advance,
bttf
 
The search function on this message board is wonderful. Spend a few weeks reading everything that sparks a light in your mind, and then ask again. There's an ABUNDANT amount of info here, from suggested reading, to ANY equipment question/s you have. One consistent thing you'll find is how supportive (although occasionally opinionated and catty) everyone is of everyone else. Whether it be story ideas, or choices of equipment. It may be called dvx user, but you'll find people here who own EVERY kind of video camera, or sound equipment, lighting equipment, lens adapters, even people who build their own stuff, or even only have a sony handycam. It's endless. Dive in.
 
Backtothefuture,

No need to bump, no one else has really commented because armisiano nailed it. Where to start? Start reading and learning. There are TONS of posts here to dive into, in all the sections. Read the stickies, read posts, follow the rabbit trail. Search for specific stuff. Search for getting started.

Practice.

What else is there to say? All that information is already on the forum, including where to begin on the forum, so run a search and start reading.

If you are looking for personal stories...

I got started when I was 15. My parents bought a Sony Digital 8 camera and I started editing using Ulead Media Studio Pro 6.0, which I edited on for five years. I always used a cheap handicam and basic editor, but within in a few years started producing stuff well enough just by focusing on technique/creative rather than the technical that was good enough to earn my $20k in one year on part time side work alone while still in High School!

So... where to start? Start by doing, learning, etc. In the past year I have just started learning about "real" cameras, "real" NLEs and all the technical stuff, and it is helping my work to improve quite a lot...
 
Since I was a little kid I've always looked into artistic expression as a mean of communicating non conventionally thoughts and feelings I didn't know how to express. I've started with writing, drawing, painting, music, acting and then I finally found an art form that could include all other that I love: film.
 
I don't know if it's what your after, but;

I was in Year 7 or 8 of Comprehensive School [Highschool]

And I missed a lesson of Music, the following week the Teacher said grab your chairs and sit where you were last week. So I sat towards the back. He brought out a portable Television, and stuck Speed [1994] on. Since I missed the first part, it werent that good.

I was like, damn it, wanted to play keyboards or something. Anyway, watched up to the Subway part where Jack says:

'Damn it Annie, nothing Fuc"ing Works'

And so the teacher stopped it. I was ultra disapointed. Turned out following week later he werent going to show it, and was working on music again. No idea why we watched the tape, but anyway. Probably had work to get on with.

I nagged my mum to get the tape on VHS. And she did, took me to the local Boot Sale one weekend. Looked through hundreds of videos at a game store. And seen a roughed up copy. Something like 3 quid, bought it, came back home. Watched it. Was like.. wow.

After time I checked out other videos by the Director, Twister, Die Hard [he worked on] and something else. Until i realised there was a Speed 2. I practicaly pooped. So I went down to town, bought Speed 2 in a Second hand store, on dvd, 12 quid.

And to must people its a crap film, but i think it was alright. And thats how i got into it really, somehow I moved on to Jerry Bruckheimer and been a big fan ever since. Think my ex step dad got me a p*rated copy. I was like. This looks crap.. it's an old film, and i dont watch pirates.

Was ill one night, watched it. Then watched it again. Was the most exciting thing I ever watched. So yeah. i wached more and more, until i decided to want to direct, produce. And it started from there I guess.

When I'm done with my TimeFest film I plan on burning it and putting it in a case, with a note. Saying thank's and sending it to my old Music teacher.
 
These stories are wonderful, I would like to hear more of everyone's stories of how they got started. It is more useful to a beginner like me than you may think.

Thank you all so far
 
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