2.) What questions would you like to ask Jane Mills
about the obstacles filmmakers face when making a film and the ways they do or
dont challenge stereotypes?
No question here - but I answered this in my response to
BCS Year 9 Students that you may like to look at this.]
* How does someone start
off in this industry?
Easy to answer maybe not quite so easy to
do. But this is what I recommend:
1. Make films, see films, make films, see
films, make films, see films, make
films, see films.
And then see and make some more.
2. Beg, borrow or do (almost) anything to
get a digital camera and start making movies! Get your school to include
cineliteracy (which is the study and analysis of film as well as film
production) in the syllabus several schools do.
3. Watch movies on television, in the cinema
and on video and DVD - and don't let anyone tell you you're wasting time. You
can learn from even the most popular and mainstream movies. In fact, they are a
good way to learn. Analyse individual scenes work out not just WHAT the
filmmakers did and which techniques they used but WHY they used
them.
4. And then make movies and see movies, make
movies and see movies and then watch and make some
more!
5. If you go to TAFE or Uni, you can look for a
media/communications/ film/screen course. If you're interested in documentaries
you might like to think about studying anthropology.
But, of course, plenty of filmmakers never
go to TAFE or UNI. Keep your eyes open and try to find a job that is related
maybe a local camera store?
I started work after I left Uni (with a
history degree) as a researcher research skills are VERY important in film
production. I then worked as a researcher for a television program and also did
some journalism. So I'd say I became a filmmaker and a film writer thanks to
learning how to research and write.
6. If you have a "show reel" of short movies
you have made or worked on, a film company in the future is going to be more
interested in you than in someone who can't demonstrate that they were interested
enough to actually MAKE one.
7. Did I mention it's important to watch and
see as many movies as possible?
[end of part 3 - see next email for part
4]
