2 answers
Deyen
Student
Waldorf, Maryland
1
Question
Asked
343 views
How can i best use social media and youtube to reach other film makers and producers?
My plan is to direct films/documentaries, I am a high school senior, getting ready to go to school in the fall.
Login to comment
2 answers
Jake Williams
Creative Director
1
Answer
Santa Clarita, California
Updated
Jake’s Answer
Hey Deyen!! Love this question! Here are some things I've learned over the years.
Overall, DOCUMENT EVERYTHING!
1. YouTube = Portfolio + Storytelling
• Start a channel right now if you don't already have one.
• Share ANY short films, documentaries, or experimental projects.
• Do vlogs or BTS of your filming process — even low-budget stuff.
• Film tutorials or breakdowns of your process.
• Talk about the films and directors you love (reaction/commentary content).
2. Instagram/TikTok = Discovery Engine
• Post vertical clips: 15–60 seconds of your work or your process.
• Show what you’re learning, experimenting with, or failing at.
• Use trending sounds if possible — but tie them back to your work.
• Add value to other filmmakers (e.g., “3 things I learned filming my short on an iPhone”).
3. Build Relationships, Not Just Followers
• Comment on posts by other young filmmakers or indie directors.
• Join Discords, Facebook groups, and Reddit communities like r/Filmmakers or r/Documentaries.
• DON'T BE AFRAID TO REACH OUT TO EVERYONE!!!
4. AGAIN, Document Everything!!
You’re about to start school — perfect content. Show the real behind-the-scenes:
• Applying
• Moving in
• Meeting other creatives
• Your first projects
• Wins and failures
People love transparency. Allow people to know you. YOU GOT THIS!!
Overall, DOCUMENT EVERYTHING!
1. YouTube = Portfolio + Storytelling
• Start a channel right now if you don't already have one.
• Share ANY short films, documentaries, or experimental projects.
• Do vlogs or BTS of your filming process — even low-budget stuff.
• Film tutorials or breakdowns of your process.
• Talk about the films and directors you love (reaction/commentary content).
2. Instagram/TikTok = Discovery Engine
• Post vertical clips: 15–60 seconds of your work or your process.
• Show what you’re learning, experimenting with, or failing at.
• Use trending sounds if possible — but tie them back to your work.
• Add value to other filmmakers (e.g., “3 things I learned filming my short on an iPhone”).
3. Build Relationships, Not Just Followers
• Comment on posts by other young filmmakers or indie directors.
• Join Discords, Facebook groups, and Reddit communities like r/Filmmakers or r/Documentaries.
• DON'T BE AFRAID TO REACH OUT TO EVERYONE!!!
4. AGAIN, Document Everything!!
You’re about to start school — perfect content. Show the real behind-the-scenes:
• Applying
• Moving in
• Meeting other creatives
• Your first projects
• Wins and failures
People love transparency. Allow people to know you. YOU GOT THIS!!
Kelvin Kelly Otu
Filmmaker and a creative director
3
Answers
Accra, Greater Accra Region, Ghana
Updated
Kelvin Kelly’s Answer
Hi, how are you doing? I hope this finds you well. So I want you to understand that when you have a good work it’s easily sell itself to your potential audience. So if you have a first hand knowledge production, you can start creating your short films, which you you can share with this potential audience you’re looking at. so just like you say you have a very good portfolio it will really help you to reach them so try and get some emails of potential fill in case you wanna meet right to them show them your portfolio show them your works. Let them know that this is what you are good at don’t understand that you can do this better and then you’ll be good to go. I hope this helps