Understanding The Professional Film-Making Career Path

Professional film making is famously hard to get into. Not only does it require immense practical and technical knowledge but it also demands years of careful networking and portfolio building.

That said, becoming a filmmaker is easier than it has ever been before. Advances in technology have made equipment far more accessible while online platforms allow for truly independent distribution to large audiences.

So is now the time to start your career in film making? And what will you need to do?

Learn Your Craft

While the business side of things is certainly important, the first thing any aspiring film maker needs to do is learn their craft. Networking, marketing, and financing may be vital to completing a production but without the craft you won’t even know how to start one.

The best way to learn is by doing. The internet has countless excellent film-making resources to help you with everything from buying budget cameras to editing and colour grading.

Of course, it’s almost impossible to make a film single-handedly so you’ll need to find some like-minded people willing to work on the project with you. Even with a handful of actors and two or three people behind the scenes you’ll probably find that everyone has to wear more than a few hats.

Big budget films have concept artists, gaffers, costume departments, and even on-sight catering. For a first-time budget project you’ll have to cover all of that yourself or else find clever solutions for working on a budget.

While that might sound stressful, it’s an excellent way to learn every part of the process. In the long run, first hand experience of these roles will help you become the leader that any great film maker needs to be.

Should You Get a Degree?

Getting a degree for a creative discipline is always a tricky proposition. While not a necessity, there are certainly some advantages to having a film-making degree, not least of which is the access you’ll gain to professional equipment to learn with.

Film school can also provide structure, mentorship, and – perhaps most importantly – connections. Many people start their professional film making careers by working with classmates who later move into the industry. That network can be incredibly valuable when you’re trying to find your first real opportunities.

However, it’s not essential. Plenty of successful filmmakers are self-taught, having built their skills through independent projects and online learning. If you’re motivated and consistent, you can develop the same core abilities without a formal education.

At the end of the day, it’s a personal choice. For some, it’s better to take the time to focus on independent work. Others massively benefit from a more guided entry into the film world. 

Of course, whatever path you take, don’t expect anything to happen unless you make it happen yourself. One of the biggest pitfalls film studies students fall into is thinking their degree will carry them into a job. It won’t. A degree can provide opportunities but you’re still the one who has to make the most of them. You’ll still need to put the work in, you’ll still need to learn the craft, and you’ll still need to make a portfolio.

Speaking of which…

What Makes a Good Filmmaking Portfolio?

There’s no simple answer to this question. That’s because it depends so much on who you’re sending it to.

For example, if you’re applying for a grant to make your next film then you’ll want examples of work that shows you know how to work with a budget. After all, these committees never want to feel they’re wasting their money.

If you’re applying for a job then look at the specifics of the job. Unless you’re very lucky, you’re extremely unlikely to jump right into a director’s seat. Your best option is to focus on some other area of production like editing or cinematography. Whichever option you pick, that’s what you build your portfolio around.

Last but not least, be prepared not to make it into the professional film industry. These roles are some of the most competitive in the world and there are countless talented filmmakers who never get their Hollywood shot. But that doesn’t mean you’re wasting your time with filmmaking.

As we said at the start, it’s never been easier to make money as a filmmaker. You could put your skills to work as a freelance videographer. Or else build an online following of your own via social media.

When all’s said and done, if you have a passion for film then the most important thing you can do is make films and refine your skillset.