ASK & DISCUSS INDEX

8 years, 10 months ago - Dan Selakovich

I think anyone responding to this would say, "because I love it." And let's face it, unless you truly love some aspect of filmmaking, you're in for a world of hurt. It's hard enough even if you DO love it.

I got into editing because I found a true love, and knack for it, at film school. And about 5 years before film school, I took a writing class and found that I loved that, too. And in-between, I worked in the camera dept. on regional commercials. I liked operating camera, but didn't have the passion for it that one needs to make it a career.

What am I trying to say? I guess I created opportunities for myself that by saying "yes" to everything. "Dan, can you operate an Arri III?" "No" was the true answer, but I said I could, and took 5 days to learn the damn thing, and rented a gear head and practiced with it for 8 hours a day. I pulled it off come shoot day. I never passed up any filmmaking opportunity in those early days. On the first feature I edited, the director was let go after his first cut. The producer informed me that I was going to direct additional scenes and pick-ups to make the film work. I didn't say, "no, I've never directed (professionally, anyway)." It went on to make a little money, and I was pigeon-holed as someone who could fix a movie. I've been doing that, mostly, since 1986. The downside is, I work uncredited on films in trouble. Always. But, hey, it's work. Through those experiences, I found that I love working with actors and am pretty good at directing them. And to take a bad film and make it good through editing is something I'm pretty good at.

Find an aspect you love by trying different things. Film school is the best way, but there are others.

I've never really been in your position, though. I can't remember a time when I didn't want to be a filmmaker. I wrote my first script in 1978. Filmmaking is all I've ever wanted to do, so I didn't have to fight a "real" career, and have been lucky enough to make a living at it--for the most part!

You don't mention what you want to do. Surely you have some inkling. If you want to be a writer, write a page a day. In 3-4 months, you'll have a script. That doesn't take a lot of time. If you want to act, take an acting class at night. Most actors have 2 jobs: acting and ___________. They do it, and so can you. If you want to direct, get a digital camera and some editing software and get started. Digital is cheap and easy.

8 years, 10 months ago - Paddy Robinson-Griffin

I never knew, I've changed direction so many times, and I'm OK with that. I get bored quickly, but skills you bring from one side of life can apply well to another. I've brought techniques and suppliers form live events into film which has saved a lot of cash, I've brought IT skills into the live events, I've used Project Management skills to plan and budget features. I think it can be unhelpful to define yourself as a single thing, you miss out on the richness of discovery.

8 years, 10 months ago - John Lubran

It's been an organic process for me. Became a roadie for top bands which taught me to drive an articulated lorry, film with a camera and edit video. Bought a Hi8 edit vcr and a few cheap production tools and found my self getting paid to make low budget films of every genre. Learned a lot about direction and structure.

Got enough money together to build what was at the time a fully broadcast standard production and post production facility based on Betacam SP. It cost loads but was in great demand. The combination of abilities, facilities and creative ideas in not just the art of film and TV but also the 'width" of its potential applications has kept me going for over 30 years.

I was lucky with my timing though. Back then it was a much more monopolised and costly entry ticket. Today it's all about ideas and craft (which if an inherent skill can be acquired overnight). So now much easier and cheaper to get into but somewhat harder to make a decent living whilst do it. There's tons of it about but the money's diluted. My advice is, if one has the nouse for it; start at the top!