Making it in filmmaking

[Jericho]

I'm 17 now, and I'm starting to see my future career taking shape. I believe filmmaking (mostly directing) is what I want to do. However, my biggest dream is to head off to Hollywood and make films there, primarily because of the higher budget which I'll (presumably) get, and the wider audience that my films will reach. Now, I live in Holland, and the more I think of it, the less realistic my dream seems. I'd like to hear what some of you think about making it in Hollywood.

Perhaps I'm suffering from a misconception that Hollywood-produced films are always received by a much wider audience and that the overall quality is better. But then again, you do hear more from American directors than from directors from any other nation. I'm just filling in the missing link, in saying that American directors are overall just more succesful.

Should I pursue a study in film in Holland, I don't expect my career to restrict itself to my country. Like I said, Hollywood is my ultimate goal, so I won't mind having to move
There have been some dutch professionals that have broken through in the American filmworld. Paul Verhoeven is one of them (Basic Instinct, Robocop etc.).

What do you suggest I do now?

Thank you

 

[directorik]

I think you're right that movies made in the States get a wider audience than movies made in Holland, but movies are made all over the world.

If your goal is to become famous then the States is probably your best bet. That said, there are famous directors from the UK, Hong Kong, India, France, Germany and (as you pointed out) Holland.

I assume that digital video cameras and editing software is as available in Holland as it is in the States.

My suggestion is to start small. Make small movies right now. Don't wait until you have big Hollywood budgets and a wide audience. Having Hollywood as your ultimate goal is a good one - lot's of movies are made here. So before you make the move, make movies. Make several short films and enter them in international contests - make a really good full length film and enter that in international festivals. Show how talented you are as a director before you join the ranks of tens of thousands of filmmakers moving to Hollywood each year.

I know Verhoeven made several films before moving to the States. It was "Soldaat van Oranje", "Spetters" and the amazing "De Vierde man" that brought him to the attention of American producers.