How do I get into the movie making industry?
I know my question might sound really dumb, but how do I get in the movie making industry, and for those who are in the industry how’s it like?
Posted Mar 26, 2021, 5:48 AM UTC
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One of my instructors said if you want to "make it", you have to be seen still trying to make it 5 years later. It's a bit of an exaggeration but plenty of people want to work in the film industry, it's the ones that stick it out that get the opportunities.
A good place to start is look for PA jobs online or volunteer on indie productions. If you can get (or have) your driver's license it'll increase your chances.
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PA route is going to take so many years. Spend all that time writing and learning to make your own films by trial and error. Then be crafty and find a way to make a feature that stands out
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How long do you think it takes to write, edit, and produce a feature? Then there's nearly a year of post... Plus no one's going to give that kind of money to anyone who hasn't at least proven themselves on a few shorts. OP would have to reeeaally want it, be naturally talented, have friends/family in high places and work very hard for that route to be quicker than just becoming gainfully employed in the industry.
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Jumping right into features is not wise. It requires keen understanding of the tools filmmaking requires. I’m soon on my 4th year in the industry and I still make shorts in order to get a better understanding before I jump on feature lengths. With that said I’m starting to feel ready.
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I think you’re right. I tried it when I felt ready and even after I realized I hadn’t been ready. The irony is that shooting the feature is what truly prepared me. So in that sense I don’t regret it. It’s like popping your cherry and waiting years for the right guy, or just going for it and getting it over with... except this guy costs thousands of dollars
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Took me about 2 years to do it without any money and sheer willpower. It didn’t turn out incredible but what was incredible was the learning experience. Not all dialogue that reads well on paper sounds good spoken aloud. and after you’re done shooting for the day you realize all the scenes you wish you’d shot but no longer can. My point is I don’t regret it because it taught me so much about the medium and the process. However, a sane man would argue that making shorts is smarter at first because of time and budget restraints, and this is super valid. That’s what I did. But also fuck it, when you feel ready don’t be scared to go big and make a splash instead of waiting years for that magical budget that is so hard to find. Pave your own way, you can do it if you truly want it
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I agree wholeheartedly. And congrats! I'll add that the times I felt most motivated was after/during a production where I was immersed in the world of film. Maybe OP can do their own version of both paths... I went to school for screenwriting but the first couple terms they taught us production so we knew what we were writing for. Plus the connections they'll make PA'ing (or even craft, another decent entry point that doesn't require eduction) can really help assuming they're good lol.
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Horror, action, and just a little bit of comedy.
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Start as a PA you'll learn the ropes in no time!
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Ok even dumber question, how do I start or become a PA?
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You get in by working hard, being close by, having talent, and being lucky. The industry is tough and not for the faint of heart, but it can be the most rewarding thing to work on films for a living.