6 answers
madd
Student
Cooper City, Florida
1
Question
Asked
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what things do i need to succeed in film ?
what things do i need to succeed in film or majoring in film ?
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6 answers
Emeka Mbadiwe
Filmmaker
11
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Emeka’s Answer
To succeed in film? This is a broad question, but here it goes. Grab a pen. First, I would recommend googling the 50 greatest films ever made. Watch all of them twice. Narrow it down to your top five and then watch those over and over again. Figure out what makes them great, what you love about them. Now find and download those scripts online. Read them, and reread them. Narrow it down to the top two. Download the final draft software and type up these scripts word for word. By this, you will be learning story structure. Once you established being able to write down the great films, try writing something of your own. Following the same structure. Once you have a final script that you feel is a masterpiece, try to raise the money and shoot a great short film. If you have additional money, shoot a second short film. These two short films should have many elements of the things that you’ve learned. Market the scripts and get them into festivals. Establish yourself as a knowledgeable filmmaker by watching countless tutorials on YouTube, going to Masterclass site and watching all of the courses there about filmmaking. Immerse yourself in a study. And you can be great.
Thank you for this great advice. I would like to ask you if you think about going to college for filmmaking. Is it worth it or would I just be wasting my time?
John
hey
It all depends on your level of discipline. For example, I didn't go to film school, but I had the discipline to read many books, watch many videos on YouTube, take many courses, and practice my craft regularly. Some people don't have the discipline and they need school to push them and make them do the work. You can learn a ton in film school, but it is not necessary. The only real gain is meeting people. Other than that, you can learn everything you need to learn online. Don't go into debt paying for film school. It's not worth it. But if you have the money and want to go, you could meet some cool people who are on the same path as you. Other than that, I personally don't think it's worth it.
Emeka Mbadiwe
Travis Seppala
screenwriter
2
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Travis’s Answer
Talent.
Drive.
Determination.
Skills.
More luck than any of us want to admit!
Drive.
Determination.
Skills.
More luck than any of us want to admit!
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity.
3773
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Madd,
To succeed in the film industry or majoring in film, you need to focus on several key aspects. Here is a detailed breakdown of the essential elements:
Passion and dedication: A strong passion for filmmaking is crucial. It will help you stay motivated and committed to your goals, even during challenging times.
Knowledge and understanding of film theory: Gaining a solid foundation in film theory, history, and criticism will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the art form and help you develop your unique style.
Technical skills: Familiarize yourself with various filmmaking techniques, such as cinematography, lighting, sound design, and editing. This knowledge will enable you to create high-quality films and collaborate effectively with other professionals in the industry.
Creative storytelling: Develop your ability to tell compelling stories through visuals and narratives. This includes scriptwriting, character development, and understanding the structure of a story.
Networking and collaboration: Building relationships with other filmmakers, actors, and industry professionals is essential for success. Attend film festivals, workshops, and networking events to meet like-minded individuals and potential collaborators.
Practical experience: Gain hands-on experience by working on various film projects, either as a director, cinematographer, editor, or in other roles. This will help you develop your skills and build a portfolio to showcase your talents.
Flexibility and adaptability: The film industry can be unpredictable, so it’s crucial to be adaptable and open to new ideas, technologies, and opportunities.
Business acumen: Understand the business side of the film industry, including budgeting, marketing, and distribution. This knowledge will help you navigate the industry more effectively and make informed decisions.
Persistence and resilience: The film industry is highly competitive, and rejection is common. Developing a thick skin and the ability to bounce back from setbacks is essential for long-term success.
Continuous learning: Stay updated with the latest trends, technologies, and techniques in the film industry. Attend workshops, read books, and watch films to expand your knowledge and improve your craft.
By focusing on these aspects, you’ll be well-equipped to succeed in the film industry or majoring in film.
GOD BLESS.
James.
To succeed in the film industry or majoring in film, you need to focus on several key aspects. Here is a detailed breakdown of the essential elements:
Passion and dedication: A strong passion for filmmaking is crucial. It will help you stay motivated and committed to your goals, even during challenging times.
Knowledge and understanding of film theory: Gaining a solid foundation in film theory, history, and criticism will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the art form and help you develop your unique style.
Technical skills: Familiarize yourself with various filmmaking techniques, such as cinematography, lighting, sound design, and editing. This knowledge will enable you to create high-quality films and collaborate effectively with other professionals in the industry.
Creative storytelling: Develop your ability to tell compelling stories through visuals and narratives. This includes scriptwriting, character development, and understanding the structure of a story.
Networking and collaboration: Building relationships with other filmmakers, actors, and industry professionals is essential for success. Attend film festivals, workshops, and networking events to meet like-minded individuals and potential collaborators.
Practical experience: Gain hands-on experience by working on various film projects, either as a director, cinematographer, editor, or in other roles. This will help you develop your skills and build a portfolio to showcase your talents.
Flexibility and adaptability: The film industry can be unpredictable, so it’s crucial to be adaptable and open to new ideas, technologies, and opportunities.
Business acumen: Understand the business side of the film industry, including budgeting, marketing, and distribution. This knowledge will help you navigate the industry more effectively and make informed decisions.
Persistence and resilience: The film industry is highly competitive, and rejection is common. Developing a thick skin and the ability to bounce back from setbacks is essential for long-term success.
Continuous learning: Stay updated with the latest trends, technologies, and techniques in the film industry. Attend workshops, read books, and watch films to expand your knowledge and improve your craft.
By focusing on these aspects, you’ll be well-equipped to succeed in the film industry or majoring in film.
GOD BLESS.
James.
Michael L. Mizrahi
locations department worker
5
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Michael L.’s Answer
Are you passionate about filmmaking? You need that. Other than that the things I needed to succeed in film really have nothing to do with film. What I mean is, it takes a person of principles, like humility, patience to learn, perseverance, collaborative, working well with others, being teachable, knowing that rejection is not personal, no short cuts ever, being honest, even when it doesn't serve me and I might not get what I want. Things like that, that I didn't learn in film school. Keep your principles that's how you will survive filmmaking and anything else. The only Zen you get in filmmaking is the Zen you bring with you, all the other stuff you learn in school, or while on set. I'd say do it while you're young, when you're willing to make it your life. You'll find friends in that world. And remember that you need days off. You need to completely disconnect from filmmaking and live your life. Don't open work emails on a Friday night, it could ruin your weekend, wait till Sunday. One last piece of advise, stay out of the bars.
Sainte Jose DeLude
Film Director
1
Answer
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Sainte Jose’s Answer
Get a foot in the door any which way you can. Don’t take no for an answer. Don’t give up. Don’t take rejection personally. Work hard. Make friends. Depending on what part of the film industry you’re interested in, could provide more specific advice.
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1179
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Madd !
I'd be happy to let you know about the acting end of things as one of your tags indicates you are interested in acting. During and after college, I had a fourteen year career in acting and than a huge gap during which I switched careers. I than reentered the acting in 2018, so I think I can address your concerns whether it be in theatre, film or TV.
No one can tell you how to be a "success" in any of the creative fields. It takes a lot of education, practicing skills, networking, contacts, being in the right place in the right time. It's chance. Eighty percent of the acting work I obtained was because I knew the right people. I've pursued it both in Hollywood and New York City. I hesitate to say, but when I analyze it, that is how it went. You also can't depend on that either and you'll have to know how to sell yourself in an interview as well as in an audition.
The entertainment field will take up a lot of your time and you have to be interested in it enough to make it a daily life. It's what you bring to the work that will make you successful. I would definitely advise going the academic route for film and depending on which aspect of it you want to do, I would suggest at least a Bachelors for acting or directing and a Masters if you have the means to do so.
Get as much experience as you can now through high school projects and community projects. The more experience you bring to your college studies, the better. Polish your collaborative skills also, because the film industry, also TV and theatre, is work that involves many people to put out the final project. Get an understanding of what the various people do on a film and have a heads up for when you work on your student films in college.
Your mind set will also be an element that can attract success, both personal and professional success. Establish why you want to go into film and look at it as a business. It can be fun and glamorous, but it is also very stressful, demanding and boring at times, too. It will depend on what you bring to your work.
Take your classes seriously, study hard and strive for good grades now and in college. Be active with projects and watch a lot of film using your analytical skills. I think you'll do great things !
I hope that this has been helpful to you and I wish you all the best with school and your career !
I'd be happy to let you know about the acting end of things as one of your tags indicates you are interested in acting. During and after college, I had a fourteen year career in acting and than a huge gap during which I switched careers. I than reentered the acting in 2018, so I think I can address your concerns whether it be in theatre, film or TV.
No one can tell you how to be a "success" in any of the creative fields. It takes a lot of education, practicing skills, networking, contacts, being in the right place in the right time. It's chance. Eighty percent of the acting work I obtained was because I knew the right people. I've pursued it both in Hollywood and New York City. I hesitate to say, but when I analyze it, that is how it went. You also can't depend on that either and you'll have to know how to sell yourself in an interview as well as in an audition.
The entertainment field will take up a lot of your time and you have to be interested in it enough to make it a daily life. It's what you bring to the work that will make you successful. I would definitely advise going the academic route for film and depending on which aspect of it you want to do, I would suggest at least a Bachelors for acting or directing and a Masters if you have the means to do so.
Get as much experience as you can now through high school projects and community projects. The more experience you bring to your college studies, the better. Polish your collaborative skills also, because the film industry, also TV and theatre, is work that involves many people to put out the final project. Get an understanding of what the various people do on a film and have a heads up for when you work on your student films in college.
Your mind set will also be an element that can attract success, both personal and professional success. Establish why you want to go into film and look at it as a business. It can be fun and glamorous, but it is also very stressful, demanding and boring at times, too. It will depend on what you bring to your work.
Take your classes seriously, study hard and strive for good grades now and in college. Be active with projects and watch a lot of film using your analytical skills. I think you'll do great things !
I hope that this has been helpful to you and I wish you all the best with school and your career !