Breaking into the film industry is difficult. For most it takes years of unpaid hard work, slaving away on as many shoots as possible to make contacts and making film after film in an attempt to get ‘noticed’. There is no glamour in the industry. For every ambitious filmmaker who succeeds there are thousands toiling away and struggling to make ends meet. Every year hundreds more graduate from university and saturate the market further.
In times of frustration many filmmakers judge themselves against their competition. Every time they see somebody lucky enough to find work they tell themselves; “It’s not what you know but who you know” furthering the myth that they have no control of their future as a filmmaker. One of the more popular phrases used by filmmakers who have succeeded is to “Just go out and make a film” and ignore the many reasons not to do so.
This phrase is misleading and needs to be clarified. It can be very easy to make a film. Just grab some friends, what little props you have to hand and go have some fun. Traditionally this is how all budding filmmakers start out; the mistake is not progressing beyond that workflow. For years budding filmmakers will make projects limited by the budget available, write scripts with locations they have access to and write characters for actors they know. They may even be pleased with the end result, but invariably find their film lost amid a sea of similar efforts.
The role of education in film is becoming increasingly under appreciated. The industry cares little for the majority of graduate film students each year. Apart from a couple of exclusive and expensive institutions, the academic system teaches little of relevance to today’s practical industry. However there are many places to obtain education and the failing of many university courses to be relevant should not diminish the importance of education, or more accurately, knowledge. There are plenty of workshops and courses available to educate filmmakers on the practical realities of making a film, at a fraction of the cost of a university degree.
Value is placed on experience in today’s market, leading us back to the belief that we should “Just go out and make films”. The phrasing of this saying suggests that any film will do, that the experience of making films is in itself enough. What the phrase should really say is “Just go out and make a film with professional intent”
Whilst not as catchy, it is the attitude with which you approach a project that determines its long term value. Go with the intent of making something within your comfort zone and you will learn nothing for your next project. The end result will be a film that does little to distance itself from the competition.
However, making a film that pushes your boundaries forces you to think differently. Taking on new challenges such as stunt work, night shooting, casting sessions or working with a full crew will improve your skills no matter the final result of the project. Approach everything in a professional manner; take the time to do rehearsals, technical demos and budgeting. When you start to think of yourself as a professional filmmaker, others will see you that way too.
Even though there are thousands of filmmakers out there, you’d be surprised how small the independent industry is. It is usually the same names who pop up and word travels fast. Thinking differently about yourself as a filmmaker is the first step. Approaching your projects in a professional manner will help you to get noticed.
Don’t “Just go out and make a film”. Take the time to really develop your project and it will make all the difference in the end.
Ian Smyth
Trebuchet Film Productions 