Needs some direction

[collegestudent]

I'm an aspiring filmmaker. Whether I want to be a director or a screenwriter, I do not know yet. All I know is that I've had my mind set on this career path since I was in grade school.

I'm sure that describes more than half of the people here. I'm here however, because I am now halfway through college. My GPA is piss poor, so the university will not allow me to take any of their courses on film nor will they allow me to declare my major as a film student. My parents are only funding the next four semesters for me. After that, I'm on my own. They don't care whether I graduate or not, so long as I've managed to start on my career path.

The question I have for all of you is, how do I start? There's a whole lot of things I regret not doing, but it's too late for that now. My love for film is concrete enough that I am not willing to give up, but I am still lost. I just need some direction in how to take that first step within the next two years. Do I go and look for an internship? Are there any jobs I can look for? I feel that because I'm in Hawaii, I'm completely isolated from all of that. I am now in a state of panic. I feel that if I don't do anything in these next two years, I will be lost forever.

Are there any veterans in the field that can give me some sage advice?

 

[Brooksy]

There is no one way to start. However, I would strongly recommend finishing school first. During that time look into:

What production companies are around you, maybe you could eventually be one of the first to start one up.

Getting a camera, lights, audio equipment, editing equipment, etc., to be in film you will need to learn. And one of the best ways to learn is by doing.

Getting an internship, internships are great for getting your foot in the door. You make connections and set yourself up for a possible job opportunity.

Lastly educate yourself. Read books, watch behind the scenes. Volunteer to help on local shoots to learn more. Do whatever you have to to gain the knowledge to make a name for yourself.

Good luck and I hope this helps.

 

[collegestudent]

So basically what you're saying is... do everything.

It's pretty vague, but in a good way. I guess I was being too unrealistic, hoping for a one-answer solution. I understand what you're saying and I see now what I must do.

Thanks.

 

[directorik]

How about a two answer solution?

You say you might want to be a screenwriter. Write everyday.
You say you might want to be a director. Direct a short film.

That’s how you start. You write screenplays and you direct short
films.

You say you aren’t willing to give up. But what have you started?
Do you write everyday? Do you direct a short film at least twice
a year?

Being in Hawaii limits your job possibilities. There aren’t a lot
of prodCo’s in Hawaii. But that doesn’t mean you can’t direct
short films. There are actors in Hawaii. There are people who own
cameras in Hawaii. There are people willing to work on short
films as crew in Hawaii.

What are you waiting for?

 

[collegestudent]

You guys are right. This has been great help. I don't know why I'm drawing blanks and demanding others to give me answers when I should be the one to go out and proactively find these answers myself.

I really need to fight hard on this and even if there aren't any answers, to find them on my own anyway.

Thanks.