Spielburg, Scorcese, Felini: these great filmmakers all started somewhere. Truly great directors aren’t born, they are created; however, there is more than one path to take if you want to make great movies. Many young movie buffs start out with very similar characteristics; strong opinions on great films, an eye for linear video development, and a keen sense of storytelling. All of these traits will become useful on their path to success; but, much more is required to be able to compete in a market flooded with qualified candidates. Fortunately, there are several options that hopefuls can take advantage of in their quest to become a filmmaker.
Film Studies– A sincere love of movies is a great and essential attribute to have if you want to create them; however, you have to do more than just love them, you have to understand them. They are not just a simple succession of recorded actions with sounds. Each great film is a work of art based on a long-revered set of standards and principals, which started almost 100 years ago. Black and white silent films are not simply the entertainment our forefathers were stuck with, they were the foundation on which all of their predecessors are based. Out of these works, all of the theories and themes that make up the art of movie making, were developed.
There are vast differences between “realism” and “expressionism.” There are over 20 different genres of movies including, action, comedy, romance, documentary, horror, animated, musical and fantasy. Each of these genres has a long history and a set of guidelines by which film authorities abide. If you don’t understand these standards, you won’t be able to make a quality film, that stands up to the criticism of bot the audience and your peers.
The most logical place to acquire this body of knowledge is obviously in a classroom. Either in person or online, an experienced film-studies professor can guide you through the history of on-screen works in a way that helps you understand how developments in times past helped to evolved what was happening in Hollywood. You can also attempt to gain this knowledge on your own, by researching great works, viewing them, and then breaking them down into categories of theme, technique and style. A degree is not going to make a huge amount of difference when it comes to getting a job in film but your knowledge base, or lack thereof, will become instantly apparent to anyone who wishes to hire you.
Experience– Experience in movie making is as essential as your understanding. You can know everything there is to know about movies, but if you don’t know how to turn on a camera, light a set or what the location protocol is, you will be kicked off any set in minutes. There are several ways to gain experience in the world of films; unfortunately, none of them pay very well.
School is the probably the least intimidating place to gain real-world experience. You can take classes in film production and portable-video practicum, and your professors will send you out into the world to begin making your own movies, and feeling your way through the process. The International Academy of Film and Television says, “The best part about a comprehensive education is you will be exposed to all areas of filmmaking, from scriptwriting, to lighting to shooting and editing. You will have an opportunity to take a trial run at all forms of the vocation and select the one that is right for you.” You will also have access to a multitude of equipment for making films. Really great schools for film will have the most up-to-date technology, while smaller schools may be training you on older models.
You can also get experience by “doing.” Many beginners start off by interning on a film set. An internship requires you to work for free or for very little pay but the experience you get is priceless. You apply for internships the same way you would for a job. The set back to an internship is clearly the money. Films require you to work all hours of the day and it may be difficult to keep a second job to live on.
Finally you may be lucky enough to apply for and get an actual job or apprenticeship on a movie set. Depending on your field of interest, you can start at the bottom and work your way up. If you have a flair for lighting, you can work as a grip, and learn everything you can about lighting, from another more experienced lighting technician. Making connections while working on set will be the best way for you to move into other areas of filmmaking and advance in your career.
