quote:
Originally posted by Volk
Perhaps one novel published will be enough to sustain me in an apartment with no financial trouble... I'll look into that. It's the only really "tangible" option for me right now as I can start writing right now and look into publishers whereas any other job would require me to take a leap of faith.
It often takes three to eight years for a writer to finish their
first, publishable novel. I'm sure you know that once it's
finished it can be years before you're seeing any money. The
typical published novelist has written five novels and spent six
years looking for a publisher before they make any money at all.
So if you start writing right now, it's is likely to be five to eight
years before you are seeing enough money to live on. I'm not
convinced that's a tangible as getting a job at a fast food place
or restaurant or mall. Which is what most aspiring filmmakers
need to do while making their movies.
quote:
Originally posted by Volk
Also, I think I've always had this misconception that going to film school will leave me with a salary somehow after I graduated, I don't know why I thought that.
Most people think that. I'm always amazed by how many people I
speak to or see on forums like this who have just graduated from
film school and then ask about how to get a job in the business.
Crazy waste of money as far as I'm concerned. Film schools seem to
teach you what you can learn on your own and don't even touch on
the really difficult part - getting a job and making a living.
quote:
Originally posted by Volk
I am definitely going to need some work done before I move out so that I have something to show for myself, but does this mean I have to make a film with crew, cast and large expenses or just make "good video content" no matter the kind? I don't know how this usually goes but I find the idea of directing an entire project while still living with my mom horribly awkward.
I directed several movies while living with my parents. Using
friends as cast and crew and spending no more than $800. Maybe
you can't do that, but I don't see why not. You will need a cast
and a crew sure helps but you don't need to spend a lit of money
to make a good movie.
You're a good writer. Try writing several good stories that need
few actors and only one or two easy accessible locations. My
inspiration was always "The Twilight Zone". Take a look as those
old episodes - amazing use of characters and dialogue to hide the
very low budget, Many of the stories have only one actor and one
location, many more have three to five actors and one or two
locations. Then find someone with a video camera and make your
movies.
I was 16 when I made this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LjLQy3CXFAk
it cost $800 and much of that was for film - something YOU don't
have to pay for. The kids were from a local community theater,
the crew were all from my school except for the DP who was in
college and that's my parents house.
Is there any reason you can think of why you cant try making a
few shorts like that?
=============================================
The aim of an argument or discussion should not be victory, but progress.
Joseph Joubert, essayist (1754-1824)
That was awesome movie, good job!
And Volk, listen to whatever certified instigator said. Good advice!
quote:
Originally posted by certified instigator
I have had a very successful career in the entertainment business
. You don't know my name, but you have seen a movie I worked
on. I have done TV, film, theatre, live to tape events, live events,
concerts, theme park shows and even (gasp!) porn. I am the only
person without a degree employed at Walt Disney Imagineering.
I have never had a non entertainment job in my life.=============================================
The aim of an argument or discussion should not be victory, but progress.
Joseph Joubert, essayist (1754-1824)
That is so cool. ?8D?
I'm going to junior college right now. I wish I could've run on set right after High school but I need the heath insurance and I have to be in college. I understand where you're coming from. I'm guessing it depends on the person too.
Nice vid!
I'm trying to hammer out a plan in my head. So far there have been various suggestions of what is possible, but I need something concrete and dependable. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I see a huge gap between making videos for "fun" and starting to make money off those videos. I need something solid to go on.
I'd be fine carting coffee on a set if it made enough money and it was a good place to expand from. Although working at Wal-Mart may net you some raw cash to make movies with it really leaves you with just a pile of movies and a few years of your life gone by. I'd prefer something a little more hands-on because a pile of movies won't take me anywhere by itself.
More personal experiences from all of you would be immensely helpful. I'm trying to figure out how to bridge this distance of sitting in my room in suburbia to getting on the inside of the film industry. I'd just like a shot at proving myself. So, I'm off to rent/buy books on filmmaking and the industry in general, but would greatly appreciate a practical illustration of how to go about making this happen. ?:)?
"The beginning is the most important part of the work."-Plato
"The greatest enemy of a good plan is the dream of a perfect plan."-Carl von Clausewitz.
PS: This thread has been unbelievably helpful so far and I hope others will be able to benefit from it as I have! ?;)?
First of all, making short films is not making videos for fun. A Short Film is like your card in Hollywood. It shows your talent as a director. And, you can't make money from Short films unless you win some festival or something.
You should not be even thinking about making money right now. You have not even started yet. There is nothing concrete in the film industry.
Here is a basic approach to make a career in film industry as a director.
Do a job -> Make Short Films -> Try to screen them at film festivals -> Meet new people and increase your contacts -> Make more short films -> Try contacting studios if you've a solid script
So, you see, it takes time and it is not concrete. It takes a lot of courage to make a career here.
