When approaching an art form for the first time, everything may seem a bit overwhelming at first because it’s just a lot of things to take in. Maybe you don’t know where to start, or how to process all this new information, it happens to the best of us!  teenAGE is here to make that a little easier for you in our #TAFilmWeek. In today’s article, we’ll be listing 10 tips for beginner filmmakers. 

 Let’s get started!

1) Explore those that came before you

 This may not be everyone’s first choice but it’s very ideal for you to be aware of those filmmakers that came before your time, the ones that helped shaped the film industry in Jamaica. Get familiar with their work, analyze their work, learn how they started out in the industry, read about what worked for them and what didn’t. The goal of this is to develop that frame of mind that gets you thinking like a filmmaker. 

2) Make the effort to go to your local screenings and film festivals

 It’s very important to go to these events and get the live experience. Chances are you’ll end up finding other beginners just like you. If you see an established filmmaker just liming around don’t be afraid to talk with them and share your story. Just knowing that there are young persons interested in the same stuff as them makes them excited. These events usually give you the chance to speak upfront with filmmakers, screenwriters and directors. Don’t be afraid to ask as many questions as you can, because it’s only once in a while you find so many filmmakers in one sitting. 

3) Conceptualize: identify the issue, identify your purpose, identify how you’re going to address it

 When it comes on to filmmaking, there is a thought process that occurs before the actual filming. No one likes cliches, especially in the film industry so it’s always good to spend adequate time developing your concept. This is the art industry, and of course topics have been reused and redone but its important for you as the artist to ensure that you’re adding more to the ongoing conversation. Nobody wants to hear the same thing over and over again. This is where the creativity that everyone speaks so fondly of, comes in. Think of unique ways to bring your issue across so that the public finds it refreshing.

4) Shaky camera

Let’s get a little technical. No one likes a shaky camera! When watching a film, a shaky shot causes disconnection from the viewer to the screen. Naturally once someone is looking at something, the eyes try their best to focus to the best of its ability. So be very cautious of the shaky camera!!

5) LightingNot only does the lighting affect the overall quality of the video, it also affects the mood of the video so pay close attention! Get familiar with light and shadow and play around with your lighting a bit. Maybe you want to go for a theatrical effect, it’s up to you!

6) Experiment

You usually find yourself experimenting with different techniques and styles when you’re just starting out. Do not rush that phase. Its good for your developmental growth. Don’t be discouraged if you still find yourself in the experimental phase when you think you should’ve developed your style already. To each his own and in due time you’ll find your style.

7) Equipment

When you’re just starting out, there is no need to get too caught up in the nitty gritty of film equipment. Don’t worry that you cant afford the latest pro camcorder or the tripod stand. Want a tripod stand but can’t afford it? DIY! Find cheap alternatives. Never let it hinder your passion. Read our extended article on equipment

here.

8) Learn to take criticismThe art world is a harsh place so it’s important for you to learn how to take criticism well. As artists, we all have this attachment to whatever we create. While it is quite normal to be sensitive about your art, you need to get to that stage where your emotions are put to the side. Whether bad or good criticism, it’s still constructive criticism. A good critique is able to tell you why they don’t like your film, whether they are knowledgeable in the film world or not, they should be able to say why they don’t like your work. If after someone has been unnecessarily rude to you about your work and you ask them why they don’t like it and they say “I just don’t like it” IGNORE THEM. 

9) Practice

Don’t be ashamed of constantly having to recheck the same YouTube video. Learn from the internet and teach yourself. Develop that dependency and discipline. Set aside a couple hours a week to learning certain editing skills or familiarizing yourself with different editing software. 

10) Be patient with yourself!What you’re doing is learning a skill and these things don’t come by easy. It takes hard work and dedication. Be patient and don’t be so hard on yourself. Give yourself room to make mistakes and understand that everything is a process and it won’t happen overnight.