Movie making?

Question

Hi, I've always been interested in making movies, I also want to be a writer, do you think those to things fit together?

Anyways, I was wondering how you actually become a movie maker.

Money? Do you need a lot of it? Do you need a college education for it (or writting)?

Do you start out small, like shorts and gradually become higher?

How do people who direct movies (like theatrical) do you have to be known or could not even have really much experince with actually making a movie, but people like it anyways?

Do you have to use your own money, or have help with other people too.

Since I want to write, should I just try and give my books or short stories to movie makers, (or show makers.). Do I need an agent or something? And how do some moive makers become so big, do they have tips or something, or are they just lucky, or really good and also lucky?

Thanks for any help!

Answer 1

You don't really need any college education per say to become a movie maker, however it would most definitely improve your chances in making it big in the industry. If you were thinking of doing the video-graphy as well then yes you would need a few years of college under your belt.

you can choose to use your your own money for a film (which is incredibly expensive and most likely don't have) you can sell your work and get funding for your film.
You generally start small (as you would in most careers) but if you do really well and come up with creative and unique ideas you'll be golden.
As for choosing to to write short stories over screen plays, I think that all depends on you.

Try Both!

Answer 2

I am currently a film student. I also do some writing as well. The two fields go together very well. Although I would suggest focusing on one rather than both. I say this because one can lead to the other. Lets say you write. Get you an agent and sell a script you can sometimes for go a fee for say being able to observe the filming of said script. May or may not work but as with anything you never know until you try. There are many doors through which one can enter into the film world. But from all I have seen having your own money and good credit is a heaven sent. This will allow you to get some of the basic gear needed to do your own independent movie. Its also good to get some schooling under your belt. Although some of the most influential people in film today never went to school at all for film. So yes some luck is involved but all luck is is you through your dedication being in the right place at the right time. Networking is also important. This allows you to learn new ideas and possibly hook up with other like minded people. Who knows you may meet someone who knows someone, who knows someone....lol. Hey my info is there so hit me up maybe we can hook up. I got some really good ideas.

Answer 3

First off, you need an education

Universities usually offer Film courses (Both Appreciation and production) as well as creative writing courses.

Usually, if you want a job right after you grad. Start temping, even if it's a shitty job. Because eventually someone is going to notice that you have this education and they might start bumping you up.

I'm a film writer, and I can tell you that for legality reasons you cannot simply send them a book or script. If they say no to you and lets say make a similar movie with the book still there they could be sued. So they will never accept it unless you're in a contract.

Any more questions: [e-mail]

Answer 4

Start with a literary agent..maybe all you really want to do is to write...and they'll tell you if your any good...

Film School is kind of a must, because its like Law School..they won't pay attention to you if you didnt "pay your dues"...Law school is expensive...because they know you'll make it back practicing Law...I know that kinda stinks...but ...well you know..

There are ways to get on the crew, but sometimes you won't get paid...which is a drag...but you get priceless experience and you get your face and name seen ...

Once you do that for a bit...there are positions such as "second director" and the like...which is a great position to jump to the feature position.

(George Lucas was Steven Spielberg's second unit director on all the Indiana Jones movies)

Initially, making a movie using your own money is a good idea because it shows you can work within a budget...

Just my opinion...

Thanks!!!

Answer 5

my brother is going to school in oxford mississippi for a film degree, check it out online.