Being a filmmaker is a lifelong journey that is full of excitement and frustrations, and if you have yet to embark on yours, it can be tricky knowing where to start. What do you need to know about the craft and the industry? What are the first steps you need to take and what kinds of challenges are you going to face once you make them? Well, to give you a better idea of what you're in for, director Rubidium Wu answers many of these questions in the video below. Check it out!

"It's nice to have creative control, it's nice to be in charge, but that comes with this huge weight of responsibility."

Every filmmaker's journey is going to look different. Some go to film school, some don't. Some have friends in the industry who get them meetings, some have to claw their way onto sets. Regardless of where or who you are or what assets you do or don't have, Wu's advice will definitely help you. Here are a few takeaways from the video:

  • Find a mentor
  • Understand how much work actually goes into it
  • Make a small film
  • Get feedback and be open to it
  • Put your work online

One thing I particularly liked in the video was when Wu says that new filmmakers should not only put some part of themselves into their work, but they should get something out of it, too. This is so important if you want to protect your passion for filmmaking, because if you're not putting your heart, your ideas, or some piece of yourself into your films, you may not have much of a personal connection to it. If you don't get anything out of making your films, whether it's a sense of accomplishment, pride, or wisdom, then you might quickly run out of steam for the next project.

What are some pieces of advice you'd share with a newcomer about starting a career in filmmaking? Let us know down in the comments.

Source: Crimson Engine

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