Resources: Starting Out
A guide to what others have recommended for those that are now entering the culture industries.
And so begins another regular HFF column. I am calling this “Resources” and it is meant to be tools you can use. The idea is that are basic topics we keep coming back to and it is those topics I will cover under “Resources”.
I know “Resources” is not a particularly original name but I like calling things what they actually are. I like walking around with a bag so you can gather things along the way, and I have been doing that here. Most are harvested from our garden, aka FilmStack. I suspect you will have some links — perhaps even of your own — to contribute to this bouquet. Please do add to the list in the comment section below.
As I started prepping different posts of “Resources” — yes, I have about 20 or so brewing but not yet at the five bullet registered — I noticed the term was already being used at Dear Producer. Consider this an homage. A grateful thanks to all the work that is done over there. Let’s get started…
And please let me know if you think this is a good idea for a monthly addition to the HFF buffet by leaving a comment of giving the post a heart below. Thanks.
You know someone entering the business and you haven’t been able to persuade them to do otherwise. What are you going to tell them? What advice you are going to give them? Are you going to recommend anything to help them prepare? Here are a few resources I have been able to stumble upon.
1
Start reading. Here’s a great list:
Books. Remember those? Think of them like a computer stuck on a single channel. You put it down or turn it off, but it is on the same channel when you come back. Now picture your shelf with 50 such “computers” sitting on the shelf; it looks pretty great. And you will always have something to do. Go buy every book on this list and you will have a great career. EZPZ.
Producer Mark Vahradian put it together with the Producers United team.
2
Know the proper set etiquette and terms:
It’s not surprising this is one of FILMMAKER’s most read posts of all time. When I left film school, I literally did not know what a production assistant was. Granted I may have missed something as I was in and out pretty quick, but still I could have used this article.
https://filmmakermagazine.com/92534-the-seven-arts-of-working-in-film/
Indiewire did a similar post on the vernacular:
https://www.indiewire.com/features/commentary/film-set-terminology-phrases-to-know-1235123765/
And for writers, this is indispensable:
https://www.villagevoice.com/i-will-not-read-your-fucking-script/
3
Maybe you want to consider becoming an EXECUTIVE…
No judgement here; not everyone can be maker. Some of us better serve facilitating. It can still be quite creavive. I may be done there, but I’ve been there.
When I lived in the corporate studio world, I sincerely hoped it could be a place capable of change, a world that welcomed bold voices. I was in it for maybe what was the best minute, at least of my lifetime. I still think executives could be a secret power for ambitiously authored work, but they have to be willing to push, and maybe I fear that doesn’t go with the territory. I used to tell my team that if they really wanted me get a project greenlit, they needed to say they’d be willing to quit if we didn’t. None of them ever did, not once in my 5.5 years. Shows to go you.
4
What should you write to help launch your screenwriting career?
5
Experience the step by step process of making your movie — without actually making your movie…
Not everyone should work their way up like I did. I truly benefited from my three years as a Production Assistant. Ditto on then climbing the ladder until I was producing regularly. Some people should just go out and make a movie and learn from there. Seriously. And you probably know which group you best belong to.
Producer Cory Cavin contacted me about the podcast he and his director Roland Ellis were doing, Dream Baby Dream. They really are taking you through each step. I am impressed.
This post is free, so I encourage you to share it with anyone beginning their career. I can give things away all the time just because some of you compensate me for all this work. Thank you. Your generosity makes it better for all of us.
I have written a bit on this subject myself too…
You’d know that of course, if you are already a subscriber. Are you? Perhaps it is time to become one.
What else does a newbie need to know?
Dream Baby Dream sounds good. A female Uncut Gems is exactly the right idea! To this list of resources I would add my book, Yes You Can - How to Make a Movie for Almost No Money.
These are all great. My recs are practical producer tips I learned from making my first short this week: In-person communication is best. Don't be afraid to ask questions (even about set lingo!). Building a crew means finding the balance between talent/skill and kindness/affordability/and whatever good vibes you want to have on set. Never underestimate the power of good catering/crafty.