If you want to pursue your dream of being a filmmaker, the key work is to take action. Talk is cheap. Buy a camera or use your iPhone . Do what it takes to be a filmmaker.
After taking a few filmmaking courses, I've personally discovered that the easiest thing to do is to sit in the classroom and listen to the teacher. The most energetic part is actually doing the work, such as writing the script and holding the camera. If you work full-time for a living, it is sometimes rough to take the time to make films.
But one year at work, my company sponsored a video contest related to the environment. After getting together a few coworkers, I put together the film and when the contest ended, my team landed second place in this corporate video contest. I also completed a few videos on Youtube.
So watch for corporate video contests or amateur video contests in your local paper. It's a great way to build a resume.
Volunteering is also a great way to get film experience. An acquaintance I met through a party landed a volunteer job at a local television station. She sought me out as a camera person one day where I gained experience filming in front of a large venue. One thing I've learned is that people would come up to me and talk while the camera recorded the event, which impacted the sound. It's important to let people know that you are filming so as not to impact the sound quality.
You can also volunteer at your local church. My church posted an ad asking for volunteer filmmakers. It's a great way to learn a different genre too, since the religious market is an area that is worth exploring.
Taking night school courses is a great way to get another perspective from professional filmmakers who teach the courses. I've learned quite a few tips myself and discovered how to resolve an issue I had when using my equipment to videotape an issue.
It's a great way to network and get a group of film people together if you need to do a video for a film contest.
One classwork provided insight into how he ended up making a viral video. After making a viral video, he landed a few high-paying corporate gigs. He also has bragging rights.
The bottom line is to let education be one of your guides.
