What should I do with my life as an aspiring film maker???

English Madman

English Madman

Active member
Hi guys.

I'm a British Citizen who's been living in Christchurch New Zealand for the last 4 years working and seeing my family here who are citizens. (I'm not tho.) I'm 26, and a guy.

Due to the earthquakes here, employment has dramically dropped and the recession hasnt helped much either.

I was planning to go back to UK in early 2012 once I had enough money saved up and apply to the police force for a decent job/career, and do my film making in my spare time as much I could.

However, due to lots of issues in UK they are not even recruiting. So I looked at other venues like the RAF and ARMY (am I crazy?) but the problem there is you have to of been resident in UK for about 3 years.....UGHHH I give up.

Maybe I should just go down civvy street and get a regular job of some sort.

What I'm looking for is job stability so I can feel safe and warm about funding my film making, and my gf and I plan to get married and I don't want to let her down. I want her to feel safe and secure with me which Is why I want to do the best thing. I also have a soon to be 3 year old son to think about.

I've even looked into the idea of going to film school because I feel like I'm missing out and just want to get stuck in, and if I do a 2 year course maybe around then I would be eligable to join the RAF and maybe the police would have jobs then....

I know life is life and there are no garuntees, but I am just wanting to get a good job/career and have my film making possible. I am a jack of all trades and have never had a long term job even tho being made redundant etc wasnt my fault. At least if i was in the police etc Id have something to aim for, a career. I'm worreid also as I'm pushing 30 and am dissapointed with myslef for not getting a degree or qualification of some sort. God time flies by.

What do you guys think? How do you guys survive and find the time, money and mental strength to make your films? I just want to accomplish something in my life, no matter how small.

Cheers.
 
Last edited:
http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthrea...-Film-Better-Have-That-Second-Job-Lined-Up%85

I wouldn't suggest filmschool. Since your priorities are getting married with your girlfriend I would suggest another job that gives you more stability to put money towards marriage, family, etc. There's no reason why you can't coldcall local places and request to meet/network/drop off a resume or even intern part time to get a foot in the door someplace.

As for filmmaking. Do you have a great feature script sitting around that someone will want to produce? Or a bunch of shorts written that can be done on a small budget? The cost of cameras is very cheap, you can get simple gear for a couple hundred bucks and start filming in your free time. I'd suggest getting into it small and building from there.
 
I agree with Isaac, film school is a bad idea. Best thing is to try to learn a trade while working on a degree that is in demand and shoot stuff in your spare time. The thing about filmmaking is it's a long process until you're actually good at it. There are people who've been at it for 5+ years with features under the belt still trying to hone their craft and find their place in it all. It's a long process, start small and build on it.
 
I agree with Isaac. As a musician and hobbyist photographer/videographer, I've ALWAYS had a regular job. It can be tough, but you know that you're getting paid which eases your mind to be creative with your free time. There are other ways to go about things obviously...like throwing caution to the wind and just going for it. Stability is a great thing IMO.
Once you have a steady paycheck coming in, you can start getting more involved in projects that you want to do, not ones that you have to do.

Sorry filmmakerguy...I wasn't copying your first line honest! You beat me to the punch....good points as well.
 
The problem with most people who work is that they are not doing what they are passionate about. Now while you are passionate about filmmaking, you still have to draw income somewhere. Unless you can get a job on set for a television show or anything that is going on that has to do with filmmaking, I suggest you make a list of what you like and what you don't like.

Then look for jobs around the stuff you do like to do. When you hate your job you bring the anger home with you. So look for something that is on you "like to do" list. You may be surprised what's out there.
 
It's all in how you look at it. Just make sure that what ever job you do, there is some form of gratification from it other than just a paycheck.
My job has nothing to do with music or film, but I'm out in the world at several supermarkets/grocery stores each day. The people that I come into contact with give me ideas for songs or story ideas, even though they don't know it. Working in some sort of job where you are in contact with a lot of different faces every day can be a good thing, and it does not have to be in the field of film.
You can meet people to work with, make new friends, etc. You'd be surprised at the number of people who are doing other things outside of their "paying gig".
 
Isaac_Brody said:
http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthrea...-Film-Better-Have-That-Second-Job-Lined-Up%85

I wouldn't suggest filmschool. Since your priorities are getting married with your girlfriend I would suggest another job that gives you more stability to put money towards marriage, family, etc. There's no reason why you can't coldcall local places and request to meet/network/drop off a resume or even intern part time to get a foot in the door someplace.

As for filmmaking. Do you have a great feature script sitting around that someone will want to produce? Or a bunch of shorts written that can be done on a small budget? The cost of cameras is very cheap, you can get simple gear for a couple hundred bucks and start filming in your free time. I'd suggest getting into it small and building from there.
Click to expand...

Hi. At the moment its just lots of short film ideas which I really want to develope. I really do plan on making a feature film but I'm no where near ready. I own a DVX which fliipin well broke not long after I bought it from Nz's version of Ebay. It has the 'PSD NG' error watever that is. I cant beleive I paid $2500 for it in 2009, and it even came with a broken shotgun mic. Man I was naive back then. I could of got two Canon HF100's for that!!!! So its going to a local shop next week for examination as Panasonic NZ have refused to look at because its an import and too old a camera. Heres hoping its not much to fix.

filmmakerguy said:
I agree with Isaac, film school is a bad idea. Best thing is to try to learn a trade while working on a degree that is in demand and shoot stuff in your spare time. The thing about filmmaking is it's a long process until you're actually good at it. There are people who've been at it for 5+ years with features under the belt still trying to hone their craft and find their place in it all. It's a long process, start small and build on it.
Click to expand...

I'm just not sure what trade to study etc.....I'm not good at anything but music, writing and well.....I'm getting good at film making. so film school is a waste of time?

pulpfiction007 said:
I agree with Isaac. As a musician and hobbyist photographer/videographer, I've ALWAYS had a regular job. It can be tough, but you know that you're getting paid which eases your mind to be creative with your free time. There are other ways to go about things obviously...like throwing caution to the wind and just going for it. Stability is a great thing IMO.
Once you have a steady paycheck coming in, you can start getting more involved in projects that you want to do, not ones that you have to do.


Sorry filmmakerguy...I wasn't copying your first line honest! You beat me to the punch....good points as well.
Click to expand...

I'm a drummer and singer, so it helps when i put music to the things ive shot. (I 'feel' the music lol.) Maybe i should just apply for any old job i nthe meantime in UK. I was gunna go for being a live in carer as it pays 500 pounds a week, and that is ALOT for me...I've never earned more than 300 quid a week in UK.

Charli said:
The problem with most people who work is that they are not doing what they are passionate about. Now while you are passionate about filmmaking, you still have to draw income somewhere. Unless you can get a job on set for a television show or anything that is going on that has to do with filmmaking, I suggest you make a list of what you like and what you don't like.

Then look for jobs around the stuff you do like to do. When you hate your job you bring the anger home with you. So look for something that is on you "like to do" list. You may be surprised what's out there.
Click to expand...

Your so right. Many times when I've left my job I've felt peed off and loathing it. i've had to go to the gym and hit the crap out the punch bag just to release my frustrations lol.
What could i do job wise tho that id like in terms of getting close to film making stuff etc?
 
Last edited:
What I'm looking for is job stability so I can feel safe and warm about funding my film making, and my gf and I plan to get married and I don't want to let her down. I want her to feel safe and secure with me which Is why I want to do the best thing. I also have a soon to be 3 year old son to think about.
Click to expand...

Priorities, best to set them in order of importance. Which you already have. 1. Job stability 2. Girlfriend/marriage/3 year old kid. 3. Filmmaking.

Film school is a bad idea because at the end of it there's no guarantee of a job and you have in turn taken on debt. What filmschool will do is give you time to develop skills, but you are paying for that privilage. This industry has no job security and no guarantee of gainful long term employment.

Your situation is different than a kid just coming out of college who has no family to support and can take bigger risks without having as many responsibilities to tend to. I still think getting a steady job and putting a little money aside to pick up another camera is your best bet. Connect with other crew and actors nearby and shoot something for a DVXfest here. The fest here is free to enter and the prizes are film related.

Another thought, if you can't find the energy/drive/passion to work on your own films outside of your day job I can pretty much guarantee you that film school won't give that to you. There are ways to do this stuff and still support yourself. Pay bills first and then be creative in your free time.
 
Isaac_Brody said:
Priorities, best to set them in order of importance. Which you already have. 1. Job stability 2. Girlfriend/marriage/3 year old kid. 3. Filmmaking.

Film school is a bad idea because at the end of it there's no guarantee of a job and you have in turn taken on debt. What filmschool will do is give you time to develop skills, but you are paying for that privilage. This industry has no job security and no guarantee of gainful long term employment.

Your situation is different than a kid just coming out of college who has no family to support and can take bigger risks without having as many responsibilities to tend to. I still think getting a steady job and putting a little money aside to pick up another camera is your best bet. Connect with other crew and actors nearby and shoot something for a DVXfest here. The fest here is free to enter and the prizes are film related.

Another thought, if you can't find the energy/drive/passion to work on your own films outside of your day job I can pretty much guarantee you that film school won't give that to you. There are ways to do this stuff and still support yourself. Pay bills first and then be creative in your free time.
Click to expand...

Thanks for your advice Issac. I will put those in order. And its not me that doesnt have the drive, its always having to rely on others who say yeh yeeh i wanna do this and that then they dont put the hard yards in. Its just like when i was in heavy metal bands, i played with many talented musicians but they were sooo friggn lazy i cudnt be with them anymore.
 
Depends on where you live. We have public television stations that offer jobs, radio stations, etc. Anything that is media related you should look into and see if there are any openings. Even starting out at the ground level might get you somewhere. I don't know how populous your city is?
 
Charli said:
Depends on where you live. We have public television stations that offer jobs, radio stations, etc. Anything that is media related you should look into and see if there are any openings. Even starting out at the ground level might get you somewhere. I don't know how populous your city is?
Click to expand...

nothing happening here in NZ thats why im heading back to UK. Christchurch pretty much in ruins from the quake.
 
No one has job security right now. I have people who work under me twice my age, some have degrees and really shouldn't be working in retail. Our local Safeway employees a well qualified dental hygienist as a cashier. California is quite a bit worse, but I'm sure it's a similar idea elsewhere. Get any job, because that time you're unemployed looking for the career path will look bad in the future. I don't know how the education system works there, but see if you can take classes for dispatcher certification. If that works out you can go to training for other jobs at the same time, and you'll have the experience. I consider it the best place to start for police forces just because the training is so much less than anything else.
 
Your priority is your son.


Your GF is a distant 3rd behind your dreams and ambitions.

Your pushing 30; eternity. You have all the time in the world in front of you.

Wake up manana, and bleed it out.

If your girl is on the same page then all will be good, but if her ideas of the future is different than yours, troubled waters are coming.

Take care of your son with her help, but don't sacrifice your dreams for anyone, especially a chick. She's either on board, or she isn't.

Some where in here, there is a happy medium that you and her and your son can all benefit from.

But by all means, start making films and make it your number 1 hobby, past time, freetime ....

(Preaching ............)

sigh
 
J.R. Hudson said:
Your priority is your son.


Your GF is a distant 3rd behind your dreams and ambitions.

Your pushing 30; eternity. You have all the time in the world in front of you.

Wake up manana, and bleed it out.

If your girl is on the same page then all will be good, but if her ideas of the future is different than yours, troubled waters are coming.

Take care of your son with her help, but don't sacrifice your dreams for anyone, especially a chick. She's either on board, or she isn't.

Some where in here, there is a happy medium that you and her and your son can all benefit from.

But by all means, start making films and make it your number 1 hobby, past time, freetime ....

(Preaching ............)

sigh
Click to expand...

Hey J.R! Yeh man, it is a big priority and my GF wants to see me make a success of myself, shes with me 110%. I just mean I want to be able to afford us living together etc. We both plan to go to UK together, I'll have to go first and sort out a visa for her.

Did you see the link for my film idea trailer on the previous page? Let me know what you think man.
 
You have to be very aggressive and persistent if you want to make it in this thing. You need to learn practically everything, every role, especially screenwriting/story telling. You even need to read up on acting so you can direct your actors properly. You can't just be a great director, you have to also be a great producer. Things constantly go wrong, there's never enough money for anything, you have to fight through a lot of problems to get good stuff out there. In the end it takes a phenomenal amount of drive and determination to research and learn things on your own and if you have that drive and determination, you really don't need film school.

You need to get on sets, build up your credits and your name. Nobody trusts you and they never will until you either put out quality work that speaks for itself or you have a solid track record. I think 4 years of real world experience on sets and making projects and creating a reel will help you much more than 4 years of film school will. The problem with film school is you pay for books and classes but in the end, you still have to pay out of pocket to do your movies. So you are right back where you started, needing money to shoot your movies either way. Get a camera and get out there and start shooting stuff and upload it online and get feedback from other dvxusers and build and improve. Maybe enter a few DVXuser festivals. That's the best way to go about it I think.
 
I watched your "film idea trailer" and was pleasantly surprised. I thought it was very creative and atmospheric. I'm not sure what a "film idea trailer" is, exactly, but as a stand-alone art film, I think you made something rather cool.

As for film school...they come in many forms and guises, with a whole range of prices. For example, there are economical continuing ed courses in filmmaking, and workshops. Definitely can be worth it to give one a go if you wanna try it out before committing a lot more time and money. And can be a way to meet like-minded people.
 
filmmakerguy said:
You have to be very aggressive and persistent if you want to make it in this thing. You need to learn practically everything, every role, especially screenwriting/story telling. You even need to read up on acting so you can direct your actors properly. You can't just be a great director, you have to also be a great producer. Things constantly go wrong, there's never enough money for anything, you have to fight through a lot of problems to get good stuff out there. In the end it takes a phenomenal amount of drive and determination to research and learn things on your own and if you have that drive and determination, you really don't need film school.

You need to get on sets, build up your credits and your name. Nobody trusts you and they never will until you either put out quality work that speaks for itself or you have a solid track record. I think 4 years of real world experience on sets and making projects and creating a reel will help you much more than 4 years of film school will. The problem with film school is you pay for books and classes but in the end, you still have to pay out of pocket to do your movies. So you are right back where you started, needing money to shoot your movies either way. Get a camera and get out there and start shooting stuff and upload it online and get feedback from other dvxusers and build and improve. Maybe enter a few DVXuser festivals. That's the best way to go about it I think.
Click to expand...

Hi filmmaker guy. Thanks for you advice. Funny thing is, I guess what I really wanted out of film school was the connections, to meet people who have the same burning passion as me, and to just 'be around' it. But I agree with what you said. I would love to be doing anything on a film set, even being the tea maker, as I know for sure I would up ranks eventually because hopefully my own work will speak for itself, and I hope theres a flash of originality in my work too. And what you said on producing...that is something I really want to work hard on and study as I really dont know how to 'produce' or get my film out there and seen outside of the internet world.

My problem lately has been very bad luck but I never give up. I assembled a metal band here in NZ who are doing very well now, apart from having a new singer as I left due to being fed up with being the mug that organised everything....me being the taxi there and back...I just got fed up with it, it seemed no one really wanted to make it work apart from me. They all ended up calling me a bossy Pomme dickhead which I found hilarious because they were bone idle idiots expecting everything to fall on their lap from the sky. This is my passion as well, music, not a hobby.

One time we had a really important band practice as we were due to play live the folowing day and the guitarist never shows up because he went to the cinema!!!! Unbeleivable.

I still dont get any credit what so ever from the band for basically creating it, finding us a drummer and bass player while my so called best freind, the guitarist just sat on his backside. He also lived at my place rent free with my GF and I and asked her for sex while i was out one time!!!! Suffice to say he is not my freind anymore.

So I do know the meaning of hard work and miserable dissapointments and human annoyance, and more dissapointments and let downs and.......yeh..lol.

I actually dont think ive ever found anyone with the same drive as me apart from a mate in UK who I will hook up with when I get back there. But im going to be honest with him and tell him we cant have his 'mates' acting in our films as no offence to him they cant act. I want people who can act and do the job properly, otherwise i wont associate my name with the project as it'll make me look inadaquate as a film maker.

So yeh, when im back in UK, things will change. My main trouble is i just cant seem to find people who put their money where their mouth is. I want to work alongside people like me, or reasonably like me, drive drive drive passion passion passion!!!



sean90291 said:
I watched your "film idea trailer" and was pleasantly surprised. I thought it was very creative and atmospheric. I'm not sure what a "film idea trailer" is, exactly, but as a stand-alone art film, I think you made something rather cool.

As for film school...they come in many forms and guises, with a whole range of prices. For example, there are economical continuing ed courses in filmmaking, and workshops. Definitely can be worth it to give one a go if you wanna try it out before committing a lot more time and money. And can be a way to meet like-minded people.
Click to expand...

Thanks alot Sean90291, those are encouraging words which makes me feel good about what im doing, and my ideas. Yeh, its just like an idea really, in the from of a trailer, (it being short). I have many of these ideas buzzing around my head and am constantly trying to develope them into longer, watchable films.

I think I might look up on the workshop ideas, at least then i can decide whther its worth it. Anyway, i really doubt i will ever go to film school, even tho ive always liked the idea of it :)
 
Last edited:
Get a job and then set up your economic life so that 30% of your income (or you and your wife's collective income) can go towards funding your projects.

$.02
 
Yes I plan to get some savings. I'm fortunate in the sense that I'm really not interested, as of yet, to have any special fx in my film. I want it to be purely character driven.

Lets say I won the lottery or Bill Gates or Paul Allen adopted me, I would love to make big budget films, eventually, if i knew how. H.P Lovecraft movies, maybe a Quake movie (PC game), I would of loved to of made AKIRA as well.

Even a cheesey action B-movie would be great fun to make.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top