An Arab-American who wants to be a filmmaker?

A

Abdo332

Hello! I am a 16 year old boy of Syrian/Muslim origin. I have lived in Syria, the U.S. and Dubai so far in these mere 16 years. Two years are all that's left until I graduate and move on with my life, to greater, better things. Yet..I do not know what's going to happen. Honestly? I'm quite terrified.

Two years ago I began to gain an interest in the art of film. Movies are what make me happy,what make me want to gain further knowledge on everything linked with the topic. I've been dreaming of becoming a director, of becoming a screenwriter and seeing my dreams up on the big screen. I like drama, I like acting. I just really am in love with the concept of movies and the entertainment they provide the billions of people out there.

--------------------------------------…
Now: Reality sinks in

I do not have the guts of telling my parents or anyone in the family of what I want to be. I have pretty great grades honestly, I can go on and study whatever it is I want to study. Problem is I do not know what I have interest in other than film. I want to get a degree that can get me a job, but, at the same time keep my film dream alive. What should I do?
Perhaps, I can become an independent filmmaker?

Any advice,maybe from aspiring filmmakers or any one that's ever been where I currently am.
 
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You have to follow your heart man. It sounds cliche, but no one can tell you how to live your own life. What good is to have a degree and a decent job that you hate and have no interest in?

Tell them. Talk to them. It's your passion. It comes with risks. You have to decide if those risks are worth it in the long run, but if it's what you dream, then I say go full force with it.
 
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My family wanted me to study business. Parents aren't really interested in starry-eyed dreamers, but in what is "practical." Now that I said that, think about selling your filmmaking pursuits at "practical." Media is so powerful and you can make a living as someone who makes commercials, advertising or video journalism. Ultimately, you want to make movies, but to convince your family, you need to become an acclaimed filmmaker (some audience approval or festival award would be a nice start). Prove that you can either make money or make waves.

I don't know if your parents are rich and can help. No matter, you need to sway people with something you create. Prove to them that you should pursue filmmaking by making something that shows promise and potential. Once people believe, they can put their support behind you. The belief starts with believing in yourself. And, you won't know, until you try......
 
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Mum's the word until you're 18. (If that's the age you you can live on your own in your country.) Right now, your parents hold all the cards. When you become 18, you'll get half of them.

Good luck.
 
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Cultures vary. Being a Muslim living in Syria is very likely going to make things quite difficult for you. How devout are you? How devout are your parents? Will your choice cause problems with your neighbors? Or, even worse, the various powers that be in your part of the world?

Then, of course, there are the practical aspects. How will you get financing for your projects? How will you support yourself as you work your way up the ladder? What are the realistic expectations for an indie filmmaker in that part of the world. Here in the U.S. the odds are better that you will win a multi-million dollar lottery than you will create a highly successful indie film.


I wrote this in another thread:

When I decided to be a musician I got lectured for hours and dirty looks for months until I moved out. As I worked my way up I did all of the usual jobs - pumping gas, waiting tables, etc. I took a job as a telephone operator for a shareholder interface firm. Somehow, three years later, I ended up as operations manager. My dad bought me a gold pen/pencil set and a couple of new suits. At the same time I was making more money playing with a band three nights a week, and played venues like the Apollo Theater, Carnegie Hall, Madison Square Garden, etc. as well as major TV telethons. He never said a single word about my musical success. Every step of the way, since arthritis curtailed my performing career, he has discouraged me from anything except a corporate job.
Click to expand...

It makes life tough at family functions - after 30+ years my father still resents my career choices, even the ones that were/are successful.
 
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Abdo332 said:
Hello! I am a 16 year old boy of Syrian/Muslim origin. I have lived in Syria, the U.S. and Dubai so far in these mere 16 years. Two years are all that's left until I graduate and move on with my life, to greater, better things. Yet..I do not know what's going to happen. Honestly? I'm quite terrified.

Two years ago I began to gain an interest in the art of film. Movies are what make me happy,what make me want to gain further knowledge on everything linked with the topic. I've been dreaming of becoming a director, of becoming a screenwriter and seeing my dreams up on the big screen. I like drama, I like acting. I just really am in love with the concept of movies and the entertainment they provide the billions of people out there.

--------------------------------------…
Now: Reality sinks in

I do not have the guts of telling my parents or anyone in the family of what I want to be. I have pretty great grades honestly, I can go on and study whatever it is I want to study. Problem is I do not know what I have interest in other than film. I want to get a degree that can get me a job, but, at the same time keep my film dream alive. What should I do?
Perhaps, I can become an independent filmmaker?

Any advice,maybe from aspiring filmmakers or any one that's ever been where I currently am.
Click to expand...

There's absolutely no reason why you can't be making films right now. You have the opportunity to share with everyone the passion you think you have for a full two years before heading off to college. You can build your movie-making skills & capabilities ten-fold in that time, and have something to show for it... something usable as submission material for film colleges, even, if you really believe you have to go the school route.

The alternative is to keep doing nothing, tell noone, and idle a dream away... and in two years time, noone will give you the support you need at college-picking time when you suddenly decide you need the family blessing (and money) to arbitrarily go into film without having accomplished anything to indicate that interest along the way.

I've been dreaming
Click to expand...

Knock it off, and start doing, chucklehead.
smiley_colbert.gif


.
 
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If you do choose to go on to post-secondary school education, consider something in the business side of it. Having a solid understanding of finances, accounting, business, advertising, promotion, selling, managing and organizing will all be VERY valuable skills should you choose to pursue film making, especially as an independent filmmaker.

CraigL
 
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If you want to be a filmmaker, be a filmmaker. Don't let anyone or anything get in your way. Study as much as you can, write screenplays, and shoot things with a simple video camera. Once you are ready, make a short film.

If you are dedicated and want to succeed in something, you will not give up. Now we have to wait and see if you are dedicated and devoted to becoming a filmmaker.

Please stay around. You seem to really want to become a filmmaker. We are willing to answer all of your questions, and give feedback. Thanks.
 
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I went to school for computer science.. tons of people like video games and think they want to make video games just because they like playing them. Most of those people get a really rude awakening, because they find out that it's really hard and making games is no where near as fun as playing them..

The point here is that just because you enjoy movies doesn't mean you should be a director. You need to actually go through the process of making a film, to see if it's what you want. And you need to have a plan to make money and support yourself..

I have a friend who works on the house of cards series for netflix.. he makes a living working on films as a production assistant but he also works a ton of crazy hours. He's working tonight until 4:30 am on friday ..
 
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I'd just really like to thank you all,every single one of you for all the advice! All of you have really affected me.
I have decided to start making some short films and experimenting with my Samsung Galaxy S3 camera until I can afford to buy a professional one. Sadly,as I currently live in Syria,it is hard to make shorts. If people see me,they can literally confiscate my phone (They take it as I am filming propaganda). It's rare,however,I do not want to take my chances.

I love telling stories,and,will have to do some without any real characters. How hard is it to make a short based on just your environment and your surroundings? Is it doable?

Lastly,all I have is Windows Movie Maker,I will also invest in a quality program later on,you know,once I've developed my techniques,bought a new camera..etc. Is it good enough to edit amateur videos,but,still at the same time make them look somewhat professional?
 
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Christopher.Gros said:
You have to follow your heart man. It sounds cliche, but no one can tell you how to live your own life. What good is to have a degree and a decent job that you hate and have no interest in?

Tell them. Talk to them. It's your passion. It comes with risks. You have to decide if those risks are worth it in the long run, but if it's what you dream, then I say go full force with it.
Click to expand...


Thank you man,thank you so much. I will follow my dream.

Again,thanks for the support.
 
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Scoopicman said:
My family wanted me to study business. Parents aren't really interested in starry-eyed dreamers, but in what is "practical." Now that I said that, think about selling your filmmaking pursuits at "practical." Media is so powerful and you can make a living as someone who makes commercials, advertising or video journalism. Ultimately, you want to make movies, but to convince your family, you need to become an acclaimed filmmaker (some audience approval or festival award would be a nice start). Prove that you can either make money or make waves.

I don't know if your parents are rich and can help. No matter, you need to sway people with something you create. Prove to them that you should pursue filmmaking by making something that shows promise and potential. Once people believe, they can put their support behind you. The belief starts with believing in yourself. And, you won't know, until you try......
Click to expand...


I am more around the category of Middle Class. My family consists of many Doctors,Business Men,Engineers..I guess it would be a letdown to all my family if I don't become "Something."

Thank you for your insight,pal.
 
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Zensteve said:
There's absolutely no reason why you can't be making films right now. You have the opportunity to share with everyone the passion you think you have for a full two years before heading off to college. You can build your movie-making skills & capabilities ten-fold in that time, and have something to show for it... something usable as submission material for film colleges, even, if you really believe you have to go the school route.

The alternative is to keep doing nothing, tell noone, and idle a dream away... and in two years time, noone will give you the support you need at college-picking time when you suddenly decide you need the family blessing (and money) to arbitrarily go into film without having accomplished anything to indicate that interest along the way.



Knock it off, and start doing, chucklehead.
smiley_colbert.gif


.
Click to expand...


Thank you for the motivation! I have always been putting it off: "I don't have the right camera" "I don't have any quality editing programs" "I'm scared of what people might think"

But,now,I say screw all the thinking. I'm going to get a camera,press record and shoot what I want to shoot. Dreamers are good,however,a dream with no action goes nowhere.

Again,thank you,you really seem to know what you're saying. :)
 
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ChimpPhobiaFilms said:
If you want to be a filmmaker, be a filmmaker. Don't let anyone or anything get in your way. Study as much as you can, write screenplays, and shoot things with a simple video camera. Once you are ready, make a short film.

If you are dedicated and want to succeed in something, you will not give up. Now we have to wait and see if you are dedicated and devoted to becoming a filmmaker.

Please stay around. You seem to really want to become a filmmaker. We are willing to answer all of your questions, and give feedback. Thanks.
Click to expand...


Thanks,Chimp! Inspirational words you got there! I'm totally dedicated now and will be a regular on here,hope I can share some videos with all of you guys along the way!
 
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Abdo332 said:
I have always been putting it off: "I don't have the right camera" "I don't have any quality editing programs" "I'm scared of what people might think"

But,now,I say screw all the thinking. I'm going to get a camera,press record and shoot what I want to shoot.
Click to expand...

When I started, everything was film based. I didn't have editing equipment, so..... I shot everything in order, without having to edit. It was a great teaching experience that taught me the economy of planning and setting up a shot, how to start it and end it.

Storyboarding or writing a list of shots will help you envision the sequence of events. Even though you don't have much equipment, try and get close to your actors, so that your sound is clear and free of echoes bouncing off the walls. Common sense can make up for a lack of equipment! :yes: Whenever my birthday, Christmas or any gift giving holiday approached, I asked for gear or programs. I still do that! :lol:
 
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Abdo332 said:
Hello! I am a 16 year old boy of Syrian/Muslim origin. I have lived in Syria, the U.S. and Dubai so far in these mere 16 years. Two years are all that's left until I graduate and move on with my life, to greater, better things. Yet..I do not know what's going to happen. Honestly? I'm quite terrified.

Two years ago I began to gain an interest in the art of film. Movies are what make me happy,what make me want to gain further knowledge on everything linked with the topic. I've been dreaming of becoming a director, of becoming a screenwriter and seeing my dreams up on the big screen. I like drama, I like acting. I just really am in love with the concept of movies and the entertainment they provide the billions of people out there.

--------------------------------------…
Now: Reality sinks in

I do not have the guts of telling my parents or anyone in the family of what I want to be. I have pretty great grades honestly, I can go on and study whatever it is I want to study. Problem is I do not know what I have interest in other than film. I want to get a degree that can get me a job, but, at the same time keep my film dream alive. What should I do?
Perhaps, I can become an independent filmmaker?

Any advice,maybe from aspiring filmmakers or any one that's ever been where I currently am.
Click to expand...

Making an indie traditional movie that is successful is darn near impossible. If you live in Syria then maybe create a documentary about the war going on there or about a person or persons fighting over there. Think "SuperSize" or Michael Moore movies. These are about the only types of movies you can shoot on a shoe string budget. Documentaries! Then this can be your stepping stone to bigger and better things. Just an idea...
 
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Blade_Jones said:
Making an indie traditional movie that is successful is darn near impossible. If you live in Syria then maybe create a documentary about the war going on there or about a person or persons fighting over there. Think "SuperSize" or Michael Moore movies. These are about the only types of movies you can shoot on a shoe string budget. Documentaries! Then this can be your stepping stone to bigger and better things. Just an idea...
Click to expand...

Super Size Me had a budget of 65 thousand, and many of Moore's movies have had budgets of over a million dollars.
 
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