How to get into filmmaking by camden wattsOne of the most popular posts on my blog this year is How to Get Into Filmmaking. Seems a lot of folks are searching for those answers — like I was eons ago. It can be tough to figure out where to start because the industry is pretty huge.

When you’re dreaming about a life in filmmaking (but haven’t jumped in yet), it can be easy to pine for the roles you know about. You see actors walk the red carpet. You hear directors talking about their decisions as a filmmaker. You know about the executive producers who … well, you get the idea. You see those people and hear their titles, and assume that one of those roles is right for you.

But there are many, many people involved in filmmaking, especially at that level. Just sit through the end credits the next time you watch a big budget film. It’s a long, impressive list full of people who helped that film get made.

There are also indie films being made by small, dedicated groups of people. Not every film has to be a huge production. You can go make a film by yourself with your cell phone. Feel me?

The point is this: if you’re dreaming of becoming a filmmaker, then stop dreaming and start doing it. Find out what role you want to play in the industry. Then go learn how to do it well.

In the meantime, here’s a little advice I found online titled 10 Tips for Kids Who Want to Be Filmmakers (via Indy Mogul). It’s a short, fun way to get more ideas on getting started. Enjoy!