I want to be a filmmaker... But I have no friends!

[Liv]

I know filmmaking is a very collaborative medim, but I have no friends. I find that I can be a pretty social, funny person once I've acquainted myself with someone; it's just that taking the initiative to talk to strangers terrifies me. Because of this, I have few friends, none of which are interested in filmmaking in the slightest. I've been reading books on filmmaking and trying to learn as much as I can on my own, but I know this can only get me so far

How can I make friends who have as much interest in filmmaking as me? Like I said, I'm a very introverted person. I have no intention on going to film school or spending any other outrageous sum of money to network either

Thanks!

 

[Liv]

Liv, I also am incredibly introverted, but I've found filmmaking has helped me come out of my shell (I had to). I also find working with strangers less intimidating that with my friends who arent into film, I'm not sure if that'll apply to you.

On another note, it's cool that you're interested in this and are a woman. I'm in uni, and lots of women are into film here (probably the majority), but the industry itself is hugely dominated by men (and I think this board is too), which i find a little distressing. But i digress... welcome to the board! This is an extremely helpful place

I wasn't aware that a majority of uni students were women; that's really interesting (although I myself don't plan on going to film school). Also, I agree that working with strangers may be less intimidating. I've tried to make a short film before with some friendly aquaintances of mine (it was for a science class) and I must say it was a little on the awkward side; I found myself acting like I didn't even care, because I didn't want to look "weird" to them! The whole working with strangers thing is an experience I've never had though

 

[Liv]

Teen years are NEVER the same as your 20s. Not for anybody. Most of the time, people who struggle in their teens find their 20s to be MUCH better.

My advice to you is that you work on the technical aspects of filmmaking, while doing your best to reach out to other people. Volunteer to work on other people's productions. Everybody can always use a PA.

Amen to that brother! (or sister). I can vouch that adolescence sucks hard; I didn't have the most "ideal" time in junior high and high school, if you know what I mean. The day I can get out of high school and never have to work on pre-calculus or physics again sounds like a dream come true to me; then I can work on film full time! On the PA note though, I thought PA jobs were hard to get nowadays because there are so many newcomers?

 

[cheeseandachallenge]

I wasn't aware that a majority of uni students were women; that's really interesting (although I myself don't plan on going to film school). Also, I agree that working with strangers may be less intimidating. I've tried to make a short film before with some friendly aquaintances of mine (it was for a science class) and I must say it was a little on the awkward side; I found myself acting like I didn't even care, because I didn't want to look "weird" to them! The whole working with strangers thing is an experience I've never had though

Oh, sorry, I'll clarify. The majority of people in my course are women. It varies from each degree (I'm doing film, english and theatre).

I get the not caring stuff, I do it myself. The best thing you can probably do is join a film club, you'll likely meet someone with a similar ideology to you. It becomes so much easier if you have someone with you.

 

[Liv]

You're going to have to get out of your comfort zone and meet some new people. Being introverted will hurt you in both the short term and the long term as a filmmaker.

My wife is also rather introverted. She's increasingly coming out of her shell as time goes on. She stepped up and became a First AD on a short (where she knew almost none of the crew) the other week and loved the experience. It's part of the confidence boost she needed to further step up.

Lucky for you, you're in LA. The access to people involved with filming are everywhere. They're making films down the street, talking to you on forums, communicating with you on Facebook. They're also asking if "You'd like fries with that" every time to order take away.

I've heard that's what it's like in LA (the whole "may I take your order" thing ) I don't quite live in LA: I live approximately 6-7 hours away, and I don't have my license yet (sad for a 17 year old, I know). However, the thought of moving out there one day sounds wonderful. It seems like a big adventure, even though there are thousands of people just like you

 

[Liv]

I ended up here after spending a couple years at a screenplay writing forum because - I don't like talking to people face-to-face or over the phone, even.

But eventually i learned that writing big budget screenplays is considerably more difficult to sell to anyone for production if you have no track record.
And the best way to have a track record is to write and direct and produce yourself.
But I'm learning after a couple years here that that ain't so easy either.

But I haven't given up on the idea quiiiiiite just yet.

I understand what you mean. I'm a member of done deal pro, and it's a little eye opening to see so many screenwriters who've spent 10-30 years working on slipping through the cracks and "making it" in the industry. Although I wouldn't dare say it on that forum (lest I'd want to get ripped to shreds), I think a majority of these writers don't get far because they see themselves having limited involvement in the movie-making process: they want to write the script, sell it, and the journey ends there. Of course, that precious script they've worked so hard on almost never lands into the hands of someone as passionate about that project that they are, and thus the movie usually fails

I guess that's why I'd like to be a filmmaker (even though screenwriting is my first love )

 

[Liv]

Y'know, I'm actually in a similar situation at the moment.

I want to be a filmmaker, but I live in Wisconsin. Almost nobody I know (except for my best friend's wife) is interested in film or video in the slightest. The closest film-related thing to me is the Beloit Film Festival (literally on the edge of Wisconsin and Illinois), and it's going on at a time when I'm too busy with my day job and other things.

So here's what I've started doing...

I've made it a challenge for myself to find something to video. Anything, whether it's just the fishes in my brother's aquarium, shots of cars driving on the road, my brother doing his various hobbies, etc.,. Then I've just been editing them and trying to create some form of story by linking the scenes with music, color grading, etc.,. It's actually pretty stunning when something works out! It doesn't always work, of course, but you do what you can.

I'm doing searches for filmmaker groups in my area, but being fairly rural makes that pretty difficult, especially since I don't yet have my own car. So, I'm just going from day to day, experimenting, researching, learning as much as I can.

Hopefully, you'll find a group that will be able to help you!

An inspiring little story indeed

I hope you find luck out there in rural Wisconsin!

 

[Liv]

if she for some reason refuses... I'll be yours

Gee, thanks

 

[Liv]

Oh, sorry, I'll clarify. The majority of people in my course are women. It varies from each degree (I'm doing film, english and theatre).

I get the not caring stuff, I do it myself. The best thing you can probably do is join a film club, you'll likely meet someone with a similar ideology to you. It becomes so much easier if you have someone with you.

Ahhh, I see. I'm thinking that when I do go to college, I'll try and audit some film classes to meet people. That way, I can get my feet wet without getting an actual film degree (I say "when" I go to college because my parents would kill me if I didn't )

 

[cheeseandachallenge]

Ahhh, I see. I'm thinking that when I do go to college, I'll try and audit some film classes to meet people. That way, I can get my feet wet without getting an actual film degree (I say "when" I go to college because my parents would kill me if I didn't )

hah. I went to uni to do engineering at first. I didn't hate it as such, but I think I only did it to convince my parents that I was trying to do something *useful* (I don't know if I even intended to finish my degree, I was kidding myself with whatever i was doing). Anyway, now I'm at university doing what i *want to do*. But, as much as I find it enjoyable, I constantly find myself in some sort of existential crisis, being sick of routine, assignments and so on that don't really mean anything to me, missing life with less responsibility, etc. Almost everyone I know at uni feels like this at some point, and the cynical part of me says that everyone who claims uni/college is the best time of your life is kidding themselves - but maybe they have these moments less often. Maybe that's just youth in general, though. That got bit heavy rather quickly, but my point is, don't go to uni because you feel like it's the right thing to do. I'm sitting here, not having nearly as much time as I would like to actually make films, and thousands of dollars in debt. The only reason I think I'm still here is I need to justify the debt, my friends, and because it's a good place to meet likeminded people..

 

[Liv]

hah. I went to uni to do engineering at first. I didn't hate it as such, but I think I only did it to convince my parents that I was trying to do something *useful* (I don't know if I even intended to finish my degree, I was kidding myself with whatever i was doing). Anyway, now I'm at university doing what i *want to do*. But, as much as I find it enjoyable, I constantly find myself in some sort of existential crisis, being sick of routine, assignments and so on that don't really mean anything to me, missing life with less responsibility, etc. Almost everyone I know at uni feels like this at some point, and the cynical part of me says that everyone who claims uni/college is the best time of your life is kidding themselves - but maybe they have these moments less often. Maybe that's just youth in general, though. That got bit heavy rather quickly, but my point is, don't go to uni because you feel like it's the right thing to do. I'm sitting here, not having nearly as much time as I would like to actually make films, and thousands of dollars in debt. The only reason I think I'm still here is I need to justify the debt, my friends, and because it's a good place to meet likeminded people..

The truth is revealed. I know how you feel. My father has a PhD in genetics and biomechanics, my mother has a PhD in epidemiology and a medical degree in veterinary medicine (so yeah, I guess you could call them academics). Not a single soul knows that I want to be a screenwriter/filmmaker when I'm older except for my twin sister, but we're going through a rough patch in that department. I know that if/when I do tell my parents I plan to pursue filmmaking and screenwriting, they won't fully agree with me; although my mother has always been supportive of me and making my own choices, I know she'd worry about me. My dad's the cynic though, and I know he'd be dissapointed

Frankly, I don't see what's so great about college either. I know that in this day and age, college is the new high school, but with the fact that college costs a mini-fortune nowadays and job prospects are so poor, I feel like few degrees are even worth getting. I mean, I can see why doctors, lawyers, and engineers need college degrees (any job requiring credentials really). However, I fail to understand why people would go to college for things like fashion, acting, or Latin. I know a girl who wants to go to college for fashion. Her family isn't wealthy by any means, yet she applies for colleges without giving a second thought to how it could financially hurt her parents

Would you mind me asking how long you've been at film school?

 

[cheeseandachallenge]

The truth is revealed. I know how you feel. My father has a PhD in genetics and biomechanics, my mother has a PhD in epidemiology and a medical degree in veterinary medicine (so yeah, I guess you could call them academics). Not a single soul knows that I want to be a screenwriter/filmmaker when I'm older except for my twin sister, but we're going through a rough patch in that department. I know that if/when I do tell my parents I plan to pursue filmmaking and screenwriting, they won't fully agree with me; although my mother has always been supportive of me and making my own choices, I know she'd worry about me. My dad's the cynic though, and I know he'd be dissapointed

Frankly, I don't see what's so great about college either. I know that in this day and age, college is the new high school, but with the fact that college costs a mini-fortune nowadays and job prospects are so poor, I feel like few degrees are even worth getting. I mean, I can see why doctors, lawyers, and engineers need college degrees (any job requiring credentials really). However, I fail to understand why people would go to college for things like fashion, acting, or Latin. I know a girl who wants to go to college for fashion. Her family isn't wealthy by any means, yet she applies for colleges without giving a second thought to how it could financially hurt her parents

Would you mind me asking how long you've been at film school?

Ah, my parents aren't at all academic (Dad left school at fifteen, Mum just didn't do that well), but they are both smart - so me going to Uni is a way for me to not repeat their failings I guess. I did actually enjoy engineering to an extent (I find some maths and science really interesting), but the thought of it being my life was really deressing. I think the sooner you tell them the better.My parents knew I liked film and was fairly into it throughout my early teens. When I was still deciding what to study at tertiary level, I recall something about my Dad basically saying "you can do what you like, but if you're going to waste your time doing arts with no forseeable career, then I don't know how much we can support you financially". But since then (maybe because they realised that film was the only way I could see myself being happy with a career, and my parents regret not chasing their own dreams) they've become really supportive. It takes a while for it to sink in I think.

Don't get me wrong, i don't hate education. I think it's fantastic. I just dislike the system (it seems to be so much more about making money than education, despite how it's advertised), and I don't think it's for everyone. I really enjoy my theatre and english content, but there is very little real world application of that. It depends what value you put on education in general, I think. So if someone has the money to be able to afford doing fashion at college, and are going to enjoy doing it, I don't think there is too much wrong with that.

I'm only in my first year. My course isn't *really* film school. There is a film production course here at the uni, and it isn't too bad (I don't think there are really any reputable film schools in New Zealand, but Taika Waititi went there - director of Boy). But it's much more structured around being a theoretical degree. The production parts only happen in 2nd and 3rd years (to get it, you have to do a theory paper in 1st year, it has incredibly limited entry, so fingers crossed). The most reputable film school in New Zealand is one which only accepts post grad students. Initially I planned to try to get into that after my degree, but now I'm not so sure. We'll see in a couple of years.

 

[dmontgom]

I have a similar problem with being somewhat introverted (at least initially). Also, none of my friends have any interest in doing this. My wife advised me to take an acting class and it was a great start, because it put me with a group of people that have as much experience directing/producing as I did. None.

Once I became comfortable with the group I made friends with a few, and let them know I had some roles in some short films I'd written. I was comfortable filming with them because they're also new actors, so it's not like they'd look at me as a director and think "this guy has no clue!"

Now with a couple shorts on my resume I'm feeling a little better about getting up the courage to go to a local film collaborative group networking night. I've avoided it 3 months in a row by making a lame excuse, but now that I've got a little confidence I'm gonna do it. Gotta step outside that comfort zone.

Use your youth to your advantage, people won't have any preconceived notions about what sort of skill level you might have, so you may as well just get out there and say exactly what you said in your subject line "I want to be a filmmaker."

When I announced that last year as a 36 year old office worker I got a few puzzled looks and a "um, ok, that's odd... where'd that come from?" and "Early mid-life crisis?" (I also got a less than enthusiastic response from my dad, a retired engineering professor) My point? Don't wait, just get out there.

Oh, and have fun!

 

[Alcove Audio]

My dad's the cynic though, and I know he'd be disappointed

Been there, done that, got the T-shirt!!!

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.

Get that education - at least you can get a job that keeps a roof over your head and food on the table while you pursue your goals. Tell dad and let the chips fall where they may.

 

[GFM-Dustin]

Hi Liv!

Can I ask, where abouts in northern cali are you? (you don't have to answer)

I'm in Yuba City/Marysville CA, which is also about 6-7 hours from LA.

I am working on starting up a film group. I've been saving up for a camera for a couple years, and am close to buying my first one.

I've helped other people with their films though, doing all kinds of jobs, all the way up to Assistant Director.

If you're near me, maybe we could help each other

- Dustin

 

[Lucky Hardwood]

Why don't you steal your actors. Go to a park or other public place and film people's interactions with each other. If you go to the same place everyday for a month I bet you will see many of the same people in the same places at the same times. Film them. Work on positioning yourself so as to get the best natural lighting. Don't worry about dialog for now, these will be silent films. Use music and ambient sound effects to convey the mood and emotion of the thing. Then practice your editing and color grading on what you have shot. You will be filming the most REAL of reality films. If a person or group of people that you are filming discovers you, explain your situation and tell them that you will not film them anymore. Stop filming them. They will no longer be useful as subjects because they would then know about the camera and act differently. Write a screenplay to go with the finished version of your film. Upload it to YouTube or Vimeo but keep it private. Give the link to people who you think will be able to offer constructive criticism. If you can apply those suggestions to your current project, re-edit and repost. Lather, rinse, repeat.

By the time you are ready to work directly with others, you will have honed a very useful skill set that will make you more valuable to other people's productions. Best of luck.

 

[Liv]

Ah, my parents aren't at all academic (Dad left school at fifteen, Mum just didn't do that well), but they are both smart - so me going to Uni is a way for me to not repeat their failings I guess. I did actually enjoy engineering to an extent (I find some maths and science really interesting), but the thought of it being my life was really deressing. I think the sooner you tell them the better.My parents knew I liked film and was fairly into it throughout my early teens. When I was still deciding what to study at tertiary level, I recall something about my Dad basically saying "you can do what you like, but if you're going to waste your time doing arts with no forseeable career, then I don't know how much we can support you financially". But since then (maybe because they realised that film was the only way I could see myself being happy with a career, and my parents regret not chasing their own dreams) they've become really supportive. It takes a while for it to sink in I think.

Don't get me wrong, i don't hate education. I think it's fantastic. I just dislike the system (it seems to be so much more about making money than education, despite how it's advertised), and I don't think it's for everyone. I really enjoy my theatre and english content, but there is very little real world application of that. It depends what value you put on education in general, I think. So if someone has the money to be able to afford doing fashion at college, and are going to enjoy doing it, I don't think there is too much wrong with that.

I'm only in my first year. My course isn't *really* film school. There is a film production course here at the uni, and it isn't too bad (I don't think there are really any reputable film schools in New Zealand, but Taika Waititi went there - director of Boy). But it's much more structured around being a theoretical degree. The production parts only happen in 2nd and 3rd years (to get it, you have to do a theory paper in 1st year, it has incredibly limited entry, so fingers crossed). The most reputable film school in New Zealand is one which only accepts post grad students. Initially I planned to try to get into that after my degree, but now I'm not so sure. We'll see in a couple of years.

I understand now. Well, I really do hope you get into that film school; you sound like you deserve it! Hopefully we'll both find the answers in the next few years. I also agree that the college system is more about money than an actual education (although I've never gotten a chance to actually speak with someone currently in college, as strange as that sounds). Good luck

 

[Liv]

I have a similar problem with being somewhat introverted (at least initially). Also, none of my friends have any interest in doing this. My wife advised me to take an acting class and it was a great start, because it put me with a group of people that have as much experience directing/producing as I did. None.

Once I became comfortable with the group I made friends with a few, and let them know I had some roles in some short films I'd written. I was comfortable filming with them because they're also new actors, so it's not like they'd look at me as a director and think "this guy has no clue!"

Now with a couple shorts on my resume I'm feeling a little better about getting up the courage to go to a local film collaborative group networking night. I've avoided it 3 months in a row by making a lame excuse, but now that I've got a little confidence I'm gonna do it. Gotta step outside that comfort zone.

Use your youth to your advantage, people won't have any preconceived notions about what sort of skill level you might have, so you may as well just get out there and say exactly what you said in your subject line "I want to be a filmmaker."

When I announced that last year as a 36 year old office worker I got a few puzzled looks and a "um, ok, that's odd... where'd that come from?" and "Early mid-life crisis?" (I also got a less than enthusiastic response from my dad, a retired engineering professor) My point? Don't wait, just get out there.

Oh, and have fun!

So, you're saying its okay to suck because I'm only 17? Well, that makes sense

By the way, congratulations on chasing your dreams even at 36! It's really cool to see that anyone can follow their dreams no matter where they are. Unfortunately, I don't think I'll be able to join many adult film groups until I'm out of high school, but maybe I'll have a little more confidence then

 

[Liv]

Been there, done that, got the T-shirt!!!

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.

Get that education - at least you can get a job that keeps a roof over your head and food on the table while you pursue your goals. Tell dad and let the chips fall where they may.

Ha! Although my dad sounds a lot like yours, I'd expect to first get tears, then the lectures (which means a lot, considering that he's a big, tough, 6'7 guy). I'm on the fence right now about whether or not I'll go to to college right away or wait a year or two (I'm thinking the latter right now). However, I do want to go to college for something employable before I'm 23-24 at the latest; I understand how important it is to have that back up plan

As of now, my requirements for telling my parents about my future aspirations is complete one screenplay. I've been working on one for a little under a month now, and I'm hoping that that'll be enough to show my parents how serious I am. I've also compiled 190 pages of notes taken from over a dozen books I've read on screenwriting. But I'm keeping my fingers crossed for now

 

[Liv]

Hi Liv!

Can I ask, where abouts in northern cali are you? (you don't have to answer)

I'm in Yuba City/Marysville CA, which is also about 6-7 hours from LA.

I am working on starting up a film group. I've been saving up for a camera for a couple years, and am close to buying my first one.

I've helped other people with their films though, doing all kinds of jobs, all the way up to Assistant Director.

If you're near me, maybe we could help each other

- Dustin

Hmmm, assuming you aren't a dangerous cyber-stalker, I did the math and I live about 1 hour away from Yuba City. can you tell me how one even starts a film group? I'd love to hear some more details about what you're planning and how you've helped other filmmakers before

Many thanks

 

[Liv]

Why don't you steal your actors. Go to a park or other public place and film people's interactions with each other. If you go to the same place everyday for a month I bet you will see many of the same people in the same places at the same times. Film them. Work on positioning yourself so as to get the best natural lighting. Don't worry about dialog for now, these will be silent films. Use music and ambient sound effects to convey the mood and emotion of the thing. Then practice your editing and color grading on what you have shot. You will be filming the most REAL of reality films. If a person or group of people that you are filming discovers you, explain your situation and tell them that you will not film them anymore. Stop filming them. They will no longer be useful as subjects because they would then know about the camera and act differently. Write a screenplay to go with the finished version of your film. Upload it to YouTube or Vimeo but keep it private. Give the link to people who you think will be able to offer constructive criticism. If you can apply those suggestions to your current project, re-edit and repost. Lather, rinse, repeat.

By the time you are ready to work directly with others, you will have honed a very useful skill set that will make you more valuable to other people's productions. Best of luck.

My only question is this; is that legal? don't get me wrong, it's a swell idea. I just wouldn't want to make anyone uncomfortable (and I know I would personally be uncomfortable hanging around someone with a video camera)