How do I start a filmmaking/ directing career?

[stuck python]

I’m 16 and thinking of maybe pursuing a career on filmmaking/ directing but I’m not sure on where to start. Should I watch videos/documentaries about filmmaking? Should I maybe go to a filmmaking summer camp/ workshop? Should I buy a camera, and if so what camera should I buy? Any advice?

[austere gull]

No

Do you have an phone?

@stuck python

[stuck python]

Yes

[austere gull]

Perfect

Have you ever made or been a part of a filmmaking process?

[stuck python]

No. I’m totally new.

[austere gull]

Perfect

Step 1

Think of an idea

Step 2

Write about 2-3 pages of your idea in screenplay format

Step 3

Get some friends to play characters

Step 4

Use your phone to record

Step 5

Get some type of editing app or software and look up tutorials

Step 6

Edit the film, and color grade

Step 7

Rinse and repeat

After enough practice directing and acting in your own short films, you can decide if this is truly what you want to do

And if it is, there are a ton of ways to get into the business

[stuck python]

Thanks! The main issue would probably be step 3 though.

[austere gull]

If it’s truly a director role you want, you’ll have to prove yourself as a competent instructor on a set. Then if you ever happen to join a film festival, and get selected, you might get some recognition.

It’s not easy tho

I’m 17 btw

[austere gull]

Understandable

That’s the hard part

[stuck python]

Thank you so much for the advice

[austere gull]

Do you have friends

Wait

That’s rude

Lol

[stuck python]

I do but they probably wouldn’t want to participate

[austere gull]

Surely they’ll be open to helping. And make the first short film you do simple, so it’s easy for them to participate. And then when they realize how cool it is to be in the movie, they’ll most likely want to help out again.

[stuck python]

I’ll try to convince them

[austere gull]

It starts with asking. The worst they can say is no. In which case you can try family members

Great!

I’ve got to go, keep me updated?

[stuck python]

Sure! Thanks again.

[austere gull]

No problem

[elder veldt]

i joined today for the exact same purpose, exact same boat. lmk how it turns out hope you become a famous director

[stuck python]

Thank you! I hope the same for you too!

[stuck python]

I can’t come up with ideas 🥲 I’m going to keep trying.

[austere gull]

Yay

What are you into?

Doesn’t have to be movie

Genre

[stuck python]

I like everything, but I think my favorite genres are probably action, drama, rom com, musicals and comedy

Can’t choose between these ones

[spiral patrol]

I find that the best way to come up with ideas is to not do it all on your own, think of some people that inspire you, (directors, writers, etc.) and use those ideas to come up with your own version of it.

[safe ledge]

Marker. @spiral patrol is on Take 2!

[vague prawn]

This is not my original advice but find inspiration from life experiences, stuff you read, movies, shows, and etc

[stuck python]

Thank you. I’ll try that!

[vague prawn]

Keep going

[rich flame]

I know this has and would've helped me when I was your age: https://youtu.be/7Ksg-OLNhzo

[stuck python]

Thank you

[errant spade]

Robert Rodriguez wrote a fun book called Rebel Without A Crew. He outlines his exploits of breaking into Hollywood with his debut feature, El Mariachi. There is a very enthusiastic essay near the end called The Ten-Minute Film School in the book. Made me want to go out and start making films.

[vague prawn]

I’m currently reading that book and I love it! I’m in the part where he starts to edit his film

[thorn dagger]

Hi, I’m around your age, recently discovering my passion for storytelling resides in wanting to make movies! This is so cool that some of us who are joining this server are trying for the same thing. Are you planning on going to film school? I’m still not 100% sure on this question myself.

For now, as some people have already mentioned, making that first short film is the most valuable asset you have because it’s the best simulation of being that professional actor. You’ll know what you need to work on after and honestly, you can call yourself a filmmaker already after doing so! Just remember that the first film doesn’t have to be good. Doesn’t even need to be watchable. It won’t be for the most part. But it’s the best resource you have to grow!

OH by the way, you don’t really need to join a workshop or courses to start. If you spend money on courses before you’re 100% sure, that might throw you off. Sure, you can take some if you really want to, but just know it’s definitely not necessary (especially if you want to apply anywhere)

Hell, you can even be creative. If you really don’t have friends that can volunteer to help rn, you can use some figurines. Plants. Objects to be your character. It won’t give you the collaboration experience to work with real life people but you can still learn to edit, direct camera movements, and more.

I didn’t expect to type out a whole paragraph but uhh I hope it helps!

[stuck python]

I’m glad there are more people in this server with a similar situation as me. Thank you for the tips!

[stuck python]

I had this idea to go to a summer camp in London. It would be good not only to learn more abt filmmaking and making sure if it’s really what I want, but also to gain some independence and go on a trip by myself.

[stuck python]

That’s nice. I’ll have to read it! Thanks!

[thorn dagger]

Sounds great! Definitely do it if it’ll push you to start creating since everyone around you will and for the exact reasons you’ve said! Plus you can make some friends who can help you later on too

I wish you to have lots of fun

[stuck python]

Thank you!