Filmmaking Career Insights

Introduction

• Questioning the traditional view of what it means to be a filmmaker.
• Importance of defining your own path in filmmaking.

Personal Journey

• Started making videos as a kid in Chicago's Ravenswood neighborhood.
• High school & college projects turned into film opportunities.
• Early work led to first paid gig (wedding) through connections.

Getting Started in Filmmaking

• Key Steps for Beginners:
  • Continuous creation with available gear (even a phone).
  • Focus on connecting with people and building a network.
  • Aim to get hired for a paid gig and gain referrals.

Early Experiences

• First wedding gig for $300, followed by an $800 wedding opportunity.
• Importance of promoting work on social media to attract more clients.
• Spec Ads: Create fake commercials to build portfolio (e.g., instant coffee ad).

Technical Skills

• Shooting Frame Rates:
  • Standard for cinematic practice is 24 frames per second (fps).
  • Shutter speed should be double the frame rate (e.g., 1/48 for 24 fps).
• Exposure Basics:
  • Understand highlights, mid-tones, and shadows.
  • Avoid overexposing highlights, as it appears unprofessional.

Audio Considerations

• Importance of managing audio levels to avoid distortion/peaking.
• Use headphones to monitor audio during shoots.
• Emotional impact of music in film—carefully choose music to enhance storytelling.

Music Licensing

• Recommended music licensing service: Musicbed.
• Importance of quality music for emotional connection in films.
• Special code for a free month at Musicbed.

Building Your Community

• Emphasize the importance of networking in the filmmaking industry.
• Engage with Facebook groups, online courses, and in-person events.
• Be creative in reaching out to others in the industry.

Collaboration and Portfolio Building

• Work with friends on projects to create a strong portfolio.
• Mutual benefit in collaborating—help each other grow.

Editing Skills

• Focus on learning editing software (e.g., Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, DaVinci Resolve).
• Practice consistently to become proficient in editing.
• Experiment with different editing styles to increase creativity.

Marketing Yourself

• Create a website to showcase work and attract clients.
• Consider using a CRM for managing client relationships and contracts.
• Choose a clean delivery system for client video products (e.g., Vimeo, Frame.io).

Finding Your Unique Voice

• Lean into what makes you different as a filmmaker.
• Explore various art forms for inspiration beyond traditional filmmaking.
• Break conventional rules once you understand them to stand out.

Conclusion

• Engage deeply in both the creative and business aspects of filmmaking.