How To Get Started As A Filmmaker If You Have No Connections - Jason Satterlund

Summary

This transcript follows the journey of a filmmaker who faced early challenges and resistance due to his religious upbringing and lack of guidance in the industry. Despite these obstacles, his passion for film pushed him to explore any opportunity, from working for free on small sets to creating fan films. Through hard work and perseverance, he learned the value of integrity and networking. He shares insights on how building relationships and maintaining a strong work ethic can lead to success in the unpredictable world of filmmaking, emphasizing that there is no clear path, only the pursuit of opportunity.

Takeaways

• 😀 Filmmaking was a passion from an early age, but it was hindered by a religious upbringing that considered movies as evil.
• 😀 The speaker's father did not understand the passion for film, as he was a machinist with no connection to the creative industry.
• 😀 The speaker first discovered filmmaking through a chance encounter with a grip truck, which sparked a lifelong desire to pursue film.
• 😀 Despite a lack of access to cameras and equipment, the speaker used a tape recorder to create stories, even writing a novel in grade school.
• 😀 The speaker's first real opportunity in filmmaking came after they got their driver's license and borrowed equipment from a public cable access station.
• 😀 The speaker's college education in communications did not directly help them break into filmmaking, and they were unaware of internships or film festivals.
• 😀 After graduation, the speaker worked a dead-end job for two years and became depressed about not being closer to their filmmaking goals.
• 😀 A move to Nashville gave the speaker the chance to work in the film industry, but they still faced the challenge of having no connections or guidance.
• 😀 The speaker's approach was to take any opportunity to observe others in the industry and learn, even without being paid at first.
• 😀 The importance of integrity in filmmaking is emphasized—working with people who are trustworthy and dependable is key to success in the industry.
• 😀 The speaker highlights the role of fan films in advancing one's career by allowing filmmakers to get their work seen by a larger audience and open doors to bigger opportunities.

Q & A

How did the speaker's family view films and Hollywood?

The speaker's mother was very religious, and films were considered 'evil' and 'tools of the devil.' Hollywood was seen as the 'lion's den,' where the speaker believed they would lose their soul. The father, being a machinist, didn't understand the filmmaking world either.

What was the speaker's first exposure to film production?

The speaker's first exposure to film production was when they saw a grip truck on the beach. They recognized it as being related to filmmaking, and the sight of the equipment made them feel like they were witnessing magic, sparking their desire to pursue filmmaking.

How did the speaker start learning about filmmaking despite limited resources?

Due to a lack of access to film equipment and resources, the speaker began recording their stories on a tape recorder. Once they got their driver's license, they borrowed a camera from a public cable access station, which was their first step into filmmaking.

What challenges did the speaker face in their early filmmaking career?

The speaker faced several challenges, including not knowing anyone in the industry, not having a mentor, and lacking knowledge about internships or film festivals. After college, they worked a dead-end job for two years before moving to Nashville to pursue film, still without a clear plan.

What was the speaker's approach to getting into the filmmaking industry?

The speaker was persistent and desperate to get into filmmaking. They worked as a waiter while trying to find work in the industry, offering to assist on sets without pay just to gain experience. Eventually, this led to a paid opportunity on a film set.

How did the speaker's first paid film opportunity unfold?

After weeks of offering to observe a filmmaker's work, the speaker was eventually invited to assist on a shoot for $50 a day. Despite working long hours in a small crew, it was a pivotal experience that fueled their determination to continue pursuing filmmaking.

What is the speaker's view on the path to becoming a filmmaker?

The speaker believes there is no clear, defined path to filmmaking like there is for other professions such as doctors or lawyers. Instead, filmmakers must grab any opportunity that comes their way and be adaptable in their journey, as the path is not linear.

What role do fan films play in the speaker's career?

Fan films have played a significant role in the speaker's career, offering a way to get their work seen by audiences. The speaker highlights how fan films can help filmmakers showcase their skills, attract attention, and open doors to bigger projects.

How do fan films help filmmakers gain visibility in the industry?

Fan films help filmmakers get their work in front of people who are already familiar with the franchise, increasing the likelihood of their work being viewed. The speaker notes that fan films have led to successful careers for many filmmakers, such as the director of '10 Cloverfield Lane,' who made a fan film about the video game Portal.

What is the importance of integrity in the film industry, according to the speaker?

The speaker emphasizes the importance of integrity in the film industry, noting that working with people who are talented and reliable is more valuable than a fancy demo reel or website. Integrity helps build lasting relationships and trust, which are crucial for long-term success in the industry.