# data[].attributes.body
I will attend Pierce College for 2 years to learn about the basics and the film making process. After that I will transfer to a 4 year college

# data[].attributes.body
I will finish college and earn a Bachelor's Degree in film and video production that will take me 4 years. While I am at college I will make my own projects and get internships

# data[].attributes.body
After college I will start making my own films and join group films. I will work with other people in the industry that can help me and attend every movie event that I can.

# data[].attributes.body
I will Join a film crew seeking help to gain experience. Then I sign up as assistant producer to see how production works and help the director to see if I can get more involved in the film production.

# data[].attributes.body
After a couple years of getting my name known and gaining the right experience I will buy my own equipment and start making my own films and hire my own crew then shoot it,edit, and market my films

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Download Article

Download Article

If you've ever seen an incredible film and thought "I want to be a part of making something like that someday," you're in the right place. Filmmaking is a creative industry with a ton of career opportunities-from cinematography to directing to screenwriting to creating sound effects. No matter what aspect of filmmaking you're interested in, we can walk you through what it takes to become a filmmaker. Read on to learn how you get started in the film industry.

1. Take a film class or enroll in film school. Not only will you learn a lot about the craft, but you will also make connections with others that are interested in making movies. You may even be able to find work on a film crew through your classmates or professors.

Many community colleges offer courses in film that you could sign up for if you aren't ready to enroll in film school.

2. Study writing, theatre, art, or another related field. People on film crews sometimes have varied backgrounds, such as in writing, theatre, or art. Consider taking classes in these subjects to broaden your knowledge and prepare you for becoming a filmmaker.

3. Research films. You should watch a variety of movies to get ideas and tips for your own film. Choose movies from different genres and different eras. Pay attention to details such as:

What do you like about a film?

What makes a movie believable?

What makes a strong character?

How are props used successfully?

How does the location impact or enhance the film?

4. Find a mentor. Speak to someone who has experience with filmmaking. Ask them what tips or tricks they have for you. Ask to tag along when they shoot one of their own movies so you can see firsthand what works and what doesn't.

You may be able to find a mentor in film school. Ask a classmate who has experience or one of your professors to mentor you. Alternatively, once you gain experience on a film crew, you may be able to find a mentor through your work.

Become a gaffer if you have electrical experience. The gaffer is in charge of lighting for the movie. They are also the head electrician and are in charge of ensuring there is adequate power on the set and that all cables and cords are properly placed.

Crews often also have boom operators to man the microphones, so if you are interested in ensuring the sound for the film is top-notch, become a boom operator.

1. Get the proper equipment. At the very least, you will need a camera. Don't worry about purchasing one that is top of the line, but instead choose something of good quality at an affordable price. You'll have plenty of time to upgrade in the future.

If your camera doesn't have a good microphone, you may also want to purchase boom mics so that the actors' voices come through loud and clear.

2. Come up with an idea for a short film. Choose an idea for your first film based on something you are both passionate and knowledgeable about. Get inspiration from the real world, even if your film will be sci-fi or fantasy. The audience should still be able to relate to the issues and connect to the characters.

Focus on content. What's in your film is more important than the equipment you shoot your film with. Remember to keep your focus on the content of the film and create a story that other people want to see and can identify with.

3. Choose your film crew. Making a film takes an entire crew to keep things running smoothly. Select people to fill the roles that you cannot, such as producer, director, scriptwriter, camera operator, gaffer, boom operator, costume coordinator, art director, technical producer, and actors.

If you've taken film classes, see if any of your classmates are interested in joining your film crew. You can also post notices at school or online to find people willing to become part of the crew.

Don't be afraid to ask your crew for help. You're not expected to know how to do everything, and your crew is there to support you and help you execute your vision.

Add New Question

Is this something I can make a living out of?

If you put your heart into it, yes. Enter your film in film festivals and choose your steps front there.

After I am done with my film, how can I get it played on the television?

Promote yourself on any media sites that you can, like YouTube, Facebook, etc. You may have to invest a little money and have a partner to help you out with it that understands the industry.

Can I tell my members to pay money when I need backing on a movie project?

If you are just starting out, you need to build a following before expecting people to invest in you. If you have a good enough idea, you may be able to present it to your members along with a plan of action for how you will carry out your vision, and you may be able to drum up some support.

See more answers
Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

↑ Kendall Payne. Writer, Director, & Stand-up Comedian. Expert Interview. 3 April 2020.

This article was co-authored by Kendall Payne and by wikiHow staff writer, Sophia Latorre. Kendall Payne is a Writer, Director, and Stand-up Comedian based in Brooklyn, New York. Kendall specializes in directing, writing, and producing comedic short films. Her films have screened at Indie Short Fest, Brooklyn Comedy Collective, Channel 101 NY, and 8 Ball TV. She has also written and directed content for the Netflix is a Joke social channels and has written marketing scripts for Between Two Ferns: The Movie, Astronomy Club, Wine Country, Bash Brothers, Stand Up Specials and more. Kendall runs an IRL internet comedy show at Caveat called Extremely Online, and a comedy show for @ssholes called Sugarp!ss at Easy Lover. She studied at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre and at New York University (NYU) Tisch in the TV Writing Certificate Program. This article has been viewed 93,407 times.

Updated: September 29, 2022

Becoming a filmmaker might take a lot of hard work, but it can be a fun and rewarding career if you enjoy being creative. To learn some of the basics of filming, enroll in film school or take a film class, or study a related film like writing or art. To get hands-on experience, search online for movies that are filming near you, and try to join the film crew. Keep in mind that you might have to start in an entry-level position, but you'll gain valuable knowledge from being on set. You can also make your own short films and movies in your free time! Read on for tips on learning filmmaking tricks from the movies you watch!

Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 93,407 times.

Bashar BinHimd

"I always ask myself where I should start, and I couldn't answer because I had no idea. So I looked it up, and this article organized everything I needed to know into steps, which helped a lot." ..." more

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How to Be a Filmmaker (with Pictures) - wikiHow

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
If you've ever seen an incredible film and thought "I want to be a part of making something like that someday," you're in the right place. Filmmaking is a creative industry with a ton of career opportunities-from cinematography to...