Contacts Are Worth It

I started extra work on films in November 2007 on a Lifetime movie called "Queen Sized". I then learned a lot about film and got to know a lot of the crew I worked with. So I asked them how they got crew and all had different answers. Then a few told me where production offices were for next films filming in town. So that's what I did for the next 2 years! Did extra work and learned more about filmmaking and met people who are now some great contacts. Also put resumes in at production offices and emailed resumes to production coordinators. Was looking for paid work to get picked up. I did get on a few indie gigs down south and learned a lot down there. I then finally learned about a year later than the only way to really get in film is by a contact.

Thursday, March 4, 2010, I got asked by a contact I met as an extra on a film to put my resume in a production office, and he'd put a word in for me. Friday, March 5, 2010 I get a call to do an interview. I go interview to be a VFX PA (Visual Effects Production Assistant). Friday, March 12, 2010, I am told that I got the job. It was all through a contact I got the job.

So anyone out there still struggling to get into the film industry, do not give up! Don't quit because it's so hard (it is). I've known people that have quit because it was so difficult. I've waited for 2 years of getting in and now I'm in. So the wait is worth it. You just need to learn how to make contacts. As I did, do extra work, crew on indie films for pay and no pay. Intern might not work for yourself, but it works for you trying to get somewhere. Work very hard and ask questions and they will see how bad you want to get into the industry. If you are an indie filmmaker then keep making indie films. Even if you don't have much to make it, keep doing it.

So one huge thing I have learned is: Contacts ARE worth it! You might think differently when trying hard and fail a few times, but do not give up. You will get there, so push to the limit and pass the limit and trust me... you will get where you want to be!

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Ideas, Writing, and Funding

So from the title of the blog I have a few things I'd like to share with you. Any filmmakers out there reading this or writers, let me say one thing and hang on to this. When you come up with an original idea from your own mind, hang on to that idea for ever. Hollywood always likes to cheat making movies (i.e. Based on book, legend, someone's life, historical point in time). We just don't see many creative ideas these days anymore. I think the only director is Christopher Nolan. His own ideas of Memento, Prestige, and new film this July titled Inception. I myself have a few creative ideas and a few based on something. But it is hard to think of something new and original that would be worth the watch. So keep thinking on an idea and I promise you'll get there. Just remember to write it down immediately when you have your idea!

If you're a writer then you should be set. If you're not you don't have to find a writer. If you can't write dialogue don't freak out just yet. Write a full out detailed story, concept, and characters, and see how much you can get in there. You will come up with dialogue, may not be the best but write it down. Then try writing your script. You might not get far or feel bad with dialogue but write something down. Then when you have your first draft get some feedback and all this will improve your writing. Or find a writer to co-write it. Not re-write your script but co-write. I myself came up with an idea and had someone to write it. I had all the ideas other than the writer and he suggested I should write it. It took me about a week to start writing it. I learned I had a lot more information of writing it than anyone else. I got the story very clean in there. Now I'm just looking for a co-writer to revise the script and help me clean up the dialogue. So all beginner writers keep at it!

Funding is a very tough process unless you really know people. I haven't had any projects funded before. I've done a lot of free films but have had plans this year of 2010 to start making sure my films get funded. I've found an amazing site that helps anyone out with projects and I strongly encourage you to look at it. Kick Starter at www.kickstarter.com Kick Starter is an amazing funding site. You put a project in for music, film, art, any project you want to do and you can start getting money for it without paying anyone back. But the catch is you must have an invite to start your project. Now I did some research and I got an invite. I'm not going to tell you but do some research on how to get an invite as I did, and you will learn how to get one.

Leave your comments if you have any questions. Follow me on twitter at twitter.com/mattram23 and twitter.com/ramsaurfilms

I learned about Kick Starter from these two filmmakers twitter.com/zakforsman and twitter.com/tedhope you can follow kick starter at twitter.com/kickstarter