Note: there are two updates to this story. The next one is about the effect this letter had (he was hired as a paid intern) and the final one is about what said intern has been up to since graduation. ]
Recently I received an email from a friend’s younger brother. KN, whom I had never met, contacted me wondering if I could offer him an internship. Unfortunately, I don’t have work for an intern, and if I did, right now I don’t have the means to hire one. (Don’t get me started on the intern controversy!)
Here now is KN’s email, which he graciously allowed me to use for the blog. I’m omitting the first two paragraphs wherein he showed himself to be polite (he watched my films and commented thoughtfully on them), resourceful, and eager.
…Your documentary has caught my interest, I had never truly considered that there were people out their who had devoted their whole life to projects they would never see to completion. It’s such a spectacular, almost romantic, concept in the fast paced society I have grown up in.
As for myself, I have a strong passion for writing and dream of becoming a screenwriter. However, I have began to dabble in independent production, trying to self teach Final Cut Pro and other basics in lighting and cinematography. It would mean so much to me if you could share your experience starting out in the film industry as I have no idea what to expect as a pre-amateur filmmaker.
Thank you for your time,
KN
Hi KN
Thanks for taking the time to watch my films and write such kind words about them. I’m glad you enjoyed them.
First, I must tell you, I’m not really in the film industry. I’m not a player and I’m not someone with tons of industry contacts. I know a few editors and cinematographers and directors, most of them NYC-based.
That being said, I am a filmmaker and I guess I do know a thing or two about making films.
I always loved films, but artistically, I started out as a writer of short stories. I then drifted into screenwriting, and then made my first film 8 1/2 x 11, which was really where I learned about MAKING films. It was my film school. One big lesson learned: work with the best people you can and try to learn from them. Watch what they do and how they do it. Talk to them. Don’t be afraid to show your ignorance, it’s the only way you’ll learn how to do something the right way.
I think learning how to tell a story is the most important part of filmmaking. I personally think the best filmmakers are usually good writers. They know what makes a story and character compelling. You can create the most eyepopping visuals in the world , but if you don’t know how to tell a story, it’s just candy.
The big challenge is figuring out how to tell a story visually, with moving pictures. I think this is a lifelong task. Watch other films. And watch the ones that move you again and again. Try to figure out what the filmmaker is doing that’s making you love that film.
Nowadays, one person can do it all. Write, shoot, direct, edit. I think it’s good to know these skills, but I think it’s best if you can work with people who specialize. When that’s all they do, they really know their stuff. And when that’s all they do, they are good collaborators, and film, despite the digital revolution, is still a collaborative effort.
So there’s that. But I must say, if I were young and was interested in film, I think I’d just get a camera and make a film. I would give it my best effort, but I wouldn’t necessarily expect it to be a masterpiece. You will make a lot of mistakes. And that’s okay. The next time you do it you will do it better. And the next time better still. As you make them, and show them to your friends, people will want to work on them with you. You will have a crew of people you can call on for feedback and help. Be good to these people and never forget them.
Okay, this was a bit of a ramble. I apologize. I do wish I had some work for you, but at the moment I don’t.
If you have specific questions, feel free to ask. Also, consider subscribing to my blog.
Or like the Facebook page. On the blog I write about all sorts of things related to the documentary I’m making, but there are many posts about the art of filmmaking. (click the “Process,” “editing,” and “cinematography” tags.)
Best,
David
For a much more snarky missive to a young filmmaker, read this.
[Note: There is an update to this story.]