ASK & DISCUSS INDEX

8 years, 6 months ago - Dan Selakovich

Since no one has answered, I think you have your answer. The most basic qualifier for any job is the ability to get there. That's the easy part.

If you want to make films, do what you can where you are. After all, Spielberg started with a movie camera and a handful of friends in his back yard. Think of what you can do with your limitations. That's how all indie films get done anyway.

8 years, 6 months ago - Lee 'Wozy' Warren

That's me too - started with a movie camera and a handful of friends in my back yard.

8 years, 6 months ago - John Lubran

I imagine that had I not chosen to leave a vibrant and happening arts and media scene in London in my twenties and set up as an indipendent video producer in the remote hills of Mid Wales, in my thirties, I might have done more. I managed to scrape together enough to buy what was then an up and coming technology (Prosumcer versions of Video 8 and Hi8). Understanding both the market limitations and potentials of such, I concentrated my business model on the niche market access portals for the format, and my own idiosyncratic nature, that corosponded with a symbiotic need. The specific opportunities at that time, that included the new fangled possibilities and technical challenges of broadcast low profile and video diary programmes, differ from those of today, but the principle remains the same. There's a fair few newer fangled opportunities today that have yet to be over exploited.

Every thing in life is connected, by many more pathways than linear percpectives can divine on their own. Dan and Wozy's take on it hits the nail on it's head; If the spirit is truly willing the connectivity between the far Hills of rural Wales and International Productions, sometimes involving the great and the good, is very doable. Rise to it Sean and it's certain that you'll have a great time on that road, regardless of succeeding or failing in the business measure of it. One thing leads to another even if in unexpected ways. It's the quality and traction of earnest intent that makes the difference. Go Sean go!

8 years, 6 months ago - Jane Sanger

As usual great advice from the experienced guys. You don't say what you are studying??? In your holidays look for work on here and in star now , crewcallnow and Last minute jobs in film and tv, a Facebook site you could join. Even as a runner many producers will pay your travel expenses. I don't know your experience or what job you are aiming for(director?), but the more experience you have the better for your own eventual films.
When you write for the jobs sound positive, show your enthusiasm, be flexible and willing, then easy to be around on set and you'll soon rise and possibly meet others nearer to you.
If you friend request me on www.facebook.com/Filmby.lumino I have 4,300 people in all aspects of the industry on my business site from all over the country. So stick a post on there looking for other young people in Leeds area to collaborate in making a short film. Can't promise but you might get a reply from someone.

8 years, 6 months ago - Jane Sanger

Ps I've just thought there is a big film school at York uni, my nephew is studying film there. Is that nearer? You could stick a notice on their info board saying you were willing to help free in exchange for fares and food on anything???or ask for collaborators?

8 years, 6 months ago - Ray Brady

If you need some cinematic inspiration Sean, check out the films made by the great John Cassavetes, made originally at home with the help of friends, teaching each other how to light, film and record sound so that they were useful when not before the camera acting. For more local inspiration look at the films of Shane Meadows, he made thirty or so short films with his mates in Nottingham before breaking into feature films. Sometimes making a name for yourself working making inexpensive passion motivated projects might then enable you to find the paid work that you ideally would like. If locally there is presently nothing going on, use that as a positive starting point, you will not be alone in your aspirations, spend time identifying possible local collaborators, ally and get busy.

8 years, 6 months ago - Alève Mine

Sean, at least in the UK there is an industry, including tax incentives, and that's where you are. Make use of that. Over here, not only is there no (noncorporate nonadvertisement) industry in my region, but there is no such industry in the whole entire country. Which brings us to the question: how to build an industry from scratch.

8 years, 6 months ago - Jamie Kennerley

Sean, there's a few production companies in Bradford. Get in touch with them and offer your services as a runner for free maybe? I'm in Manchester (although most of my work is in London) where there's shit loads of going on. Also Leeds. Don't you have a mate there you could stay with? Try and do some running at the Northern Film School there - I did. Good luck!