How do I get started?

A

A.A.

New member
(I'm so new here XD)


I've been wanting to be a filmmaker since I was in high school, but for some reason I didn't think I could do one until I got professional training. Still kind of believe that actually. I made a whole lot of bad decisions and haven't really done anything besides a mini documentary I made as a senior english project in High School.

I'm now 22, almost broke, live in Puerto Rico (which I HATE), and will do anything to make my dreams come true. I am planning on going to Full Sail (no matter what the cost!!) cause it seems best for getting into the film industry door the easiest and doesn't take forever.

Anyways, I'm looking for some advice. Is it really possible to just start on your own? And is Full Sail a good choice for beginners like me or is there someplace better?
 
I started on my own.

Worked my way up from a small, little crappy camera, to a nice quality one.

I then saved money and bought the necessary tools.

Pretty much, the past 3-4 years (only last year getting serious about film) I just basically shot.

Everyday, shot footage. Either random, or purposeful stuff.

Just get out there, with what ever equipment you got and SHOOT!

I look back at my old stuff, and I'm like wow, was I bad. But that's GOOD 'cause you learn from your mistakes.

Man, in all honesty, I'd just try to get out there as much as possible and just practice your skill. Make some scripts, plan, and shoot some short films, music videos, documentaries, WHATEVER!

This is all based on what I did, and it's totally my opinion, but I'm sure most people on this board would agree with me.

What equipment are you using anyway?

I hope you consider some of my advice, and wait for some more responses, as I'm sure there will be many positive feedback and advice for ya!

Good luck,

Robbie
 
I really like your idea and think it's time I finally did this for real and tried shooting things.

Years ago....five years or so I think to be exact....I was stupid and made my mom buy me a video camera so I can finally be a filmmaker. Without actually doing any research, we just went to a Sears store and just bought a Sony Digital Handycam.

That's all I got. That and a tripod.

I guess I had this idea that I'll get the serious equipment once someone taught me how to use it formally....
 
Who cares, I used a Digital 8 sony Handycam from '00 to '07 and made over $20k doing work on it in HS, made 3 short films, etc. That's a tool. Go learn - you're not good enough yet for a DVX or HVX!

And yeah, Full Sail may be a good choice for you. But start now!
 
Ya, I didn't tell him to get a DVX or an HVX, it's just what I worked up to, personally. and a bunch of others to.

Shoot with whatever you've got.
 
filmguy123 said:
Who cares, I used a Digital 8 sony Handycam from '00 to '07 and made over $20k doing work on it in HS, made 3 short films, etc. That's a tool. Go learn - you're not good enough yet for a DVX or HVX!

And yeah, Full Sail may be a good choice for you. But start now!
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Wow, cool! I didn't think a real movie could ever be made on this thing or make any money off it. It's also a Digital 8 Sony Handycam.

Yes, I'm definitely going to start now. You guys have really motivated me. Thanks.
 
Robbie Comeau said:
Ya, I didn't tell him to get a DVX or an HVX, it's just what I worked up to, personally. and a bunch of others to.

Shoot with whatever you've got.
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Sorry I didn't mean to imply that you did tell him that. Actually, I didn't even read your post :) I was just encouraging him that he didn't need to wait for equipment to start filmmaking, that's all! (if you are always waiting for better equipment, you'll NEVER start filmmaking. If you own a DVX, you want the HVX, own the HVX, want the HPX, want the 35mm adaptor, want the RED One. Even hollywood directors would be waiting for the next camera break through. Work with what you have!
 
AA - keep in mind the camera is also 8 years older than when I started, but even so, you can learn SO much for it, and if you do good work and good editing, people will pay for a BUDGET video of sort. A lot of the things you need to learn come from EDITING.

Also, because of that camera, you will want to pay careful attention to learning how to color correct and apply noise reduction/smoothing/diffusion filters in post. That is the number one thing that will make your image look better or worse in post (post refers to things you do after shooting... ie, POST-shooting).

Finally, the #1 thing that makes an image look better or worse (in-camera) - above even a good lens/etc. is LIGHTING. Learn how to light!!

And good luck, go out there and start learning!!
 
keep reading in this forum, and you will learn many many thing that will help you. And if you combine that with going out and shoting you will end up lerning enough to make a start. Find people near you that also enjoy shoting and chat and share your experiences, and with no doubt shot with them (not shot them, that would quickly get you out of the bussines for a long long time).

If I remember well my passion for filmmaking started when I visited a film set where my neightbours brother worked as a director. Then I bought the cheepest hanndycam that I could afford and started shoting. Eventually someone asked me if I could film an event and then another and another, and the ball started building on itself. you always have to face bad moments, but thats normal you are 22 you know what I'm talking about, just learn from those moments.

If filmmaking is what makes you a person get out and shot, you'll feel much better.
 
Best bit of advice I have ever received from anyone regarding film:

Go make a fvcking movie.
No I'm serious thats the best advice anyone ever gave me. Just go and shoot whatever you can find that in any way may be interesting to someone.
 
dory_breaux said:
Best bit of advice I have ever received from anyone regarding film:

Go make a fvcking movie.
No I'm serious thats the best advice anyone ever gave me. Just go and shoot whatever you can find that in any way may be interesting to someone.
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That's absolutely right. Go make a movie. Write a script. Shoot it. Edit it. Score it. Post it online! Formal training? F*ck that. Go to a public library. Read books on filmmaking. Watch movies. Listen to director commentaries on DVDs. Be self taught! Then emulate and imitate and agitate and originate. I learned more shooting a 55 minute movie than I ever would have through "formal training."

You wanna make movies? Learn how to tell stories. I recommend you read the following:
Hero With A Thousand Faces, by Joseph Cambell (THE book on storytelling. Period.)
A Writer's Journey, by Christopher Vogler
Screenplay, by Syd Field
Save The Cat, by Blake Snyder

And read them in that order.
Best of luck.
 
Thanks for the advice!

I've always wanted to make a movie, but the problem is I don't have many friends...or those who are interested in movies like me and so help and actors are very limited. Plus northwest Puerto Rico sucks when it comes to this kind of stuff. But perhaps I'm not looking in the right place.

I did once have an idea for a movie shot completely by myself in my house. A weird horror/suspense/...weird story...of sorts.

Oh and I'm definitely checking out those books Tlalconetl. I love books! *probably spends too much time reading about it than actually doing a damn thing about it*
 
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and don't get discouraged when people here might make you feel like you need better or fancier equipment. A lot of perspectives are here - just like in the real world. And some people come from a very professional background working on high budget productions, assuming you are doing the same, and will tell you that you need material that costs near $1000 to block out windows when you can get by just fine with something for $20, or a $1500 tripod when a $200 will do you just fine, etc. Everything they say is TRUE... but remember, it is true in CONTEXT. Know your context, accept it, and work with all you have to make the best of it.


"The game of life is not so much in holding a good hand as playing a poor hand well." - H.T. Leslie
 
Start making films with what you have. Post them in the User Films section and get advice from some of the other users. If you wait, you'll never do it.
 
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