Many people go into the film industry in search of glamour, only to find it far from glitzy. You could be spending 12 hours outside in the freezing rain on one project or 14 hours struggling to solve a problem on another, forgetting to eat lunch. It is hard work, but also incredible fun.
People often ask how I managed to break into the industry, given that I graduated from film school less than two years ago. In that time I have been lucky enough to land an agent, work on various sets in a range of roles and have a few of my own projects in development. One thing we were often told in film school was that there isn’t just one way in. It’s true: it often requires a lot of hard work and more than a little luck.
So what steps should you take if you are serious about becoming a filmmaker?
Getting started
By the time I began film school, I’d already had a bit of experience on set doing trainee camera work, and even working as an extra in order to pick the brains of anyone and everyone who’d let me.
I chose to go to the Met Film School in London because it focused on the practical nature of filmmaking, putting a camera in your hands from the first day. I was a mature student, and classroom learning didn’t really appeal. Film school gave me the opportunity to learn how a production worked, try out different crew roles and, ultimately, attempt to tell the stories I wanted to tell. However, the most important thing it gave me was a network of creative and inspiring like-minded peers.
Networking
You need to put yourself out there. Student and low-budget films are often looking for anyone and everyone to help, so if you can afford to give up a few days, it’s a great way to test the waters and meet people. The film and television industry is incestuous and if you land a job (whether on a student shoot or in the major leagues) and you work hard, people will often ask you to work on another job … and probably another. Making films is a collaborative process and people like to work with those they know they can trust.
Make your mark
Help your friends turn their passion into projects, and they’ll do the same for you. This is vital for discovering your voice as a filmmaker. When I was in film school, I wrote, directed and produced a short film called Benny and Jack’s Flying Machine, which a group of student friends helped me to make. We had no money, little time, but a whole lot of passion. The film premiered at Toronto International Film Festival Kids in 2013 and was screened at various prestigious festivals and venues, including the Moma in New York. It helped me build a name for myself and introduced me to agents.
Try different things
Knowing how all the departments work and what is required from them helps you become a better filmmaker. It comes back to collaboration – if you know how each department runs, it will make you better at working together. Take opportunities in film school or with your peers to try out different crew roles. You might find that other roles spark your interest and talent. Take your storytelling to different formats. Shoot a music video for a friend’s band. Try making a commercial. Take on a corporate or editing job. It’s all part of the experience and will help you to become a better storyteller.
Work it
For every film festival you make it into, two more will say no. Projects will look promising, but can fall flat. Just because you’re working today, it doesn’t mean you’ll be working tomorrow.
The bottom line is that there is no right answer. Like anything, work hard and love what you do and those things will shine through your projects. Remember: making films is a collaborative art, so support your cast and crew. Be as helpful and as useful as you can, make sure people want to work with you, and make yourself indispensable.
Krysten Resnick is a writer and director. She studied a BA in practical filmmaking at Met Film School
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