filmmaker!

[johnnybravo]

i've been wanting to work in the film industry for years now, and i would like to become a filmmaker when im older. do u know where i can learn to make movies? prefably not film schools as they cost too much money. if so, do you know a way i could go to a film school without having too pay the full cost, for example, getting a grant or something?

[joko]

contact the schools an act for prospectuses on their degree courses, and contact ucas - these should both help you figure out the procedures. you local council may be able to help too.

films schools are largely like any other college and you get your fees paid and get a student loan - to be paid back when you start earning.

unless you have a family member who can give you a leg up there is no other way and even then you really do need to learn the trade and skills involved.

if there was a quick way everyone would be doing it

[theo_wyvern]

see if you can get a job as a runner etc with a film company and work your way up - you'll learn more through experience than a course !

[gammaray]

If your determined not to go down the film school route, then read as much as you can on the teqhnique of film making - then make your own. Directors Sam Rami did just this with a cheap "home movie" version of "The Evil Dead" He showed it to various studios and production companies until one (Renaissance Pictures) gave him the change to make a bigger version (still very low budget by todays standards). A It's a similar story for Tobe Hooper. Texas chainsaw massacre started life as a 16mm student film. It now has cult status, and it's director has gone on to direct other mainstream movies.

[snook]

All good advice (previous answers, that is). I definitely think it would be worth getting a job, any job, with a film crew. I did some work on a few films/TV episodes some years ago and I can tell you just being around a set you learn all sorts of skills, or at least get close enough to them to appreciate their importance and the part they play in the whole production. You'll learn stuff there that a course could never teach (though I don't doubt they have their value too).

[joko]

i agree on getting some kind of job, but you will need to learn techniques - most crew won't appreciate a runner asking hundreds of questions and asking for demo on things while they are busy, some will be happy to help but not all - you are there to help them not the other way round - so some basic knowledge is important.

gammarays examples are the exception rather than the rule - if you wait for a lucky break...you will have a long wait

as i said film schools are no more expensive that any other colleges - but there are also shorter 'overall' courses available - check out your local education centre or adult learning centre - where you can learn the basics at least.

books are a good idea, for reference, absorbing and double checking things - paticularly technical stuff, where the slightest miscalculation can mess everything up.

the amount of times i have seen runners who know nothing pretending to know lots, they get asked to do something and pretend they know how, don't ask anyone, and then completely mess it up. thats why most runners end up doing only that - running around fetching things, making tea, carrying things, tidying, driving people etc etc

i don't want to have to explain every little detail to someone - i might as well do it myself then - i expect members of the crew to have general knowledge of the industry

you could always do the two simulataneously.
and always ask for help if you are unsure - never just blunder on - you will just annoy everyone - people don't mind helping out from time to time, and would rather you asked than made a mistake

[teamcool]

I went to university and rather wish I hadnt. I did me degree in film and media production and although it taught me some vital techniques i now know i would have benefitted from 3 years on the job training. Since graduating last july, I have worked for a local videographer who has 22yrs production experience and he has taught me more in 8months than i learned in 3years at university. I have worked as camera operator and assistant editor on over 30 productions and my cv is looking alot better. What aspect of film-making do you want to get involved in? (e.g. camera, sound, directing etc) you need to know this before you seek any employment or training.

[joko]

teamcool - problem is, you wouldn't have been given those jobs or opportunities without the degree.

if you'd asked with no education they'd have told you to go and get one.

they need people who have studied and trained in these things - there is too much scope for cack ups if you go with an unskilled person.

I agree with you though, i have learnt more out of college than in - frustrated artists do not make the best tutors, and some tutors misunderstand what a tutor is supposed to do - i.e, they wait for you to fail before they pull you up and correct you instead of teaching you the correct way in the first place and ensuring you do it that way throughout. they will also find fault with everything when you are just experimenting with things and it doesn't come out perfect. i'd rather experiment in college when it doesn't affect anyone, than do it on the job and wreck something