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Basic Tips For Student Filmmakers

By Eliza Mendoza


People who study film are usually passionate about it. They want to know about the process, both in theory and in practise. However when it comes to breaking into the film industry passion is not enough. With a few simple tips it is possible for student filmmakers to build up experience and to give themselves the best chance of making it in the film industry.

The first thing to think about is the kind of film you want to do. For some people they may wish to work in a specific genre in the future. At an early stage it can be difficult to do certain genres. For example period pieces are often difficult due to the need for authenticity while science fiction can often require a large budget.

Whether you are an actor, a scriptwriter, a director or all of the above making your own passion project it is vital that you watch films. It may sound obvious but you need to look at how a scene is effective or why an actor, director or writer makes certain choices. There is often the theory that this leads to people becoming disillusioned as bad films make would be filmmakers despair due to their existence while the good ones make them think they could never produce anything as good.

Therefore it is vital to study the genre you want to be a part of. In some cases your influence may come from outside the genre as well. For example when filming Citizen Kane it was said that Orson Welles watched the John Ford western Stagecoach over a hundred times in order to learn how to direct effectively.

Another good way to develop as a student filmmaker is to look beyond your course. Going on work experience at film magazines, doing extra work or being a runner on a set can allow you to get more of an idea of how the business works. Furthermore it is often an effective way of making connections that can often be useful for later projects.

It should be stated that not all students long to be Tarantino. Equally there are some who simply wish to work in film. The crucial thing for students in this case is to find extra work, runner work and anything else that allows them to develop experience.

While the theory is important practise is vital too. As well as making your own work during a course it helps to get work experience as well. Whether it is other student productions or a professional film set you can learn more about the craft of making a film. Furthermore it is a good way to establish connections that are often useful when it comes to making your own productions.

As student filmmakers it is also vital you find the right course. There are many accredited courses that can help you develop your knowledge of the theory of film as well as learn more about the craft and creating work. With the right amount of both theory and practise you can eventually develop experience and get the full benefit from your studies.




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