Filmmaking is a really dynamic area of study that has many angles, many approaches and many career levels.
If you're a young Filmmaker/ movie lover who aspires to work behind the camera, and do either directorial work or actual filmmaking here's a little guidance for you. A little kick start to get you in motion.

The best way to break into Filmmaking is to learn by doing, while getting some practical theory and technical knowledge under your belt.

Being Ahead of The Curve: 
With the advent of companies like RED (cameras) nailing the digital camera market and creating 4, 5k cameras that are completely affordable and filmic, as a young and new Filmmaker you really have to keep up-to-date with technology so that you're ahead of the curve. 

Finding a good Filmmaking school will be a part of your challenge. Not everyone can afford classed at NYU. But, the idea is to find a similar curriculum in your area and study everything from the Screen Trade, Adaptation, Cinematography, Videography, Scoring to Script Writing. To understand Filmmaking, you should be armed with broad knowledge of the trade in general.
As a Director, it's easier to tell others what to do, convincingly, when you've done it yourself.
You can be a more intuitive Director, if you've been an actor. You can be a better Director if you at least understand screenwriting and scoring a film. Going to a good school will give you a well-rounded understanding of your craft as a whole.

If you've never used a certain type of camera or film, then you don't have those elements as a point-of-reference in your tool box. If you've never written a script or a story, then you won't understand how to communicate and speak the language of a screen writer. Learning the film industry is like trying to learn world history. It has many parts and young filmmakers cannot simply get away with learning just one part of it, whether in school, or behind the camera in your backyard.

Investing in Your Passion:  If you're thinking about being a filmmaker you must ask yourself, how much are you willing to invest in your craft? Are you willing to devote your entire life to it?
Have you learned a great deal and feel like you're ready for the next step without formal training?
If you're thinking you're good enough to just go out there and "do it" then don't let anyone stop you.
Not everyone does well in school or with learning that involves dedication and an investment in time & money.
But, I truly feel you may regret that decision. True, you can learn on the spot by watching others. I've done it with many passions I'm half-invested in, but truthfully, I always feel like I'm missing something. 

As an example, on a  simpler level we all love photography to a degree. Some of us take amazing photos, we understand composition and even may know the basics of aperture and shutter speeds. But, think about how much better you'd be if you understood the true mechanics of Depth-of-Field. Think about how much better you'd be if you knew the mechanics that make a camera work. Or, if you're a musician and are able to sight-read versus playing by ear.
There a certain levels we must all aspire to. Understand all of the intricacies of creating your vision so that you can get closer to manifesting it on film. What you see in your mind's eye will be easier to create if you know how to get what you want, and how to get it technically.

For little quickies to wet your appetite and see if you really want to delve into it...Samuel French offers great books on Filmmaking and they're all pretty inexpensive and well-organized.
http://www.samuelfrench.com/store/index.php/cPath/215

But, the best training is to train in an accredited school, intern and work with people, touch and feel the equipment, and understand the business from the inside out.
Since Summer is coming,  get yourself an internship with a local film, video company or ad agency.
If you have a friend in New York or LA, think about moving in with them for the summer and getting some real life experience in places known for their industries in film and acting.

There is no fast track. Remember, there are guys out there who have been doing it for years, so the idea is to put passion into it and let your love of films drive you. Think about it as your life's work, not a career.
If you think about it as work, then it will feel like a job.
It should be an extension of who you are. You just do what you do, and people notice it. You don't create FOR the masses you create as an extension of yourself first, then you decide whether you want to be narrow or wide in focus. That means you ask yourself, do I want to be like George Lucas, Spielberg, Fellini, or a little known director who comes out of nowhere like Danny Boyle. Do you want to direct mega blockbusters or create art films and B-movies for fine arts theaters? 
That is a direction guided only by one thing...your heart.

If you already own a decent camera and equipment, you can certainly start by working and creating something every day. Get out your ideas and learn by doing. You'll thousands upon thousands of young Filmmakers are simply doing it on YouTube. Many of you are young students, out of film school and ready to work, but obstacles  like financing equipment or a project and lack of direction can clutter your mind and impede progress. Get out there and seek projects. Create projects by letting others be a part of your vision. Give others a chance to be a part of what you're doing. Find writing partners, actor friends from local schools or even your school. Offer pro-bono projects to local rock bands & charity organizations. Use your imagination and do what is true to your heart.....All the world's a stage!


If you have some examples of your work that you're really proud of you can pre-register on our site at www.AuditionPortal.com where you can post a film short, a trailer, clip,  bio and photo for free. Its a great way to be seen by other Filmmakers, Actors who may want to work with you, or screenwriters who may want to pitch a script or project to you.


-Paul Brighton
Director/Co-Founder/Actor/Talent Scout
www.AuditionPortal.Com

The Scream Heard Around the World!

When this whole American Idol season started a few months ago I was enamored with Danny. Held him in the highest regard. I don't know, maybe it was his story, or his deceased young wife that tugged on my heartstrings? Regardless, I was quick to say he was my favorite, the winner, the guy who's records I'd buy. But lately, and especially after last night, I'm not feeling Danny so much anymore. Yeah, he's got a great voice, but the choices he's making lead me to believe he'll continue to make bad choices, even when he's in control of his career, post AI. 

I call it "The Scream Heard Around the World!'

Danny decided to sing "Dream On" by Aerosmith, and from note-one, I pulled out the pillow I was resting on from under my head.

What was I preparing for? Was there to be a message flashing across the bottom of my screen that Afghanistan was invading America? Was it that President Obama was caught in a love tryst with Nancy Pelosi? No, I was preparing for something much more serious. Danny was about to do the scream at the end of "Dream On." And I, in great anticipation of this about-to-be fallen hero's poor song choice, clenched my jaw, stuck my head in the pillow as deep as I could to muffle the sound...and screamed along with him..."noooooooooo!" "Make it stop, make it stop!" I yelled this repeatedly, trying to cover the sound of Danny's screech. But no, there it lingered like a mother wailing for a long lost child– like a bloodied child running in the house after scraping both knees, like a...well you get it! When it was over I looked at the screen and literally watched a stunned audience and the judges meander their way out of saying everything but "That really sucked, Danny."

Why did it happen? Why did Danny pick that song. It's just beyond comprehension.

I give him props for trying, but Dude, Dog, Cat, try it in your own soundproof bathroom, not with 40 million people watching.

I enjoyed the rest of the performances, and thought they all did a great job this week.

But I expect the final two will be Adam and Allison. When it came down to it, I think Allison definitely stole Danny's thunder, and at this stage she may have knocked Danny right out.

For that I give Adam props, for raising the bar for Allison and providing her with a little healthy competition. The should really record a track together, even though duets are kinds cheesy these days. My ear for duets will never be the same after being traumatized by Huey Lewis & Gwenneth Paltrow's "Crusin."  But maybe Allison & Adam will change my mind.

Let's see what happens tonight!

Paul Brighton

www.auditionportal.com