While a love for films is often what drives budding actors and directors toward breaking into the filmmaking industry, it is just as often not enough to land them a spot in front of, or behind, the camera. So then, what does it take to get recognized in an industry already saturated with wannabes? These five awesome tips from experienced entrepreneur and movie buff Louis Hernandez Jr should get you on the right road to Hollywood.
1. Learn to See Beyond the Screen
Even though you absolutely love movies and have seen your favorite flicks multiple times, it doesn’t mean you fully comprehend everything that went into making those particular films memorable. Instead of getting lost in the plot and the actors on the big screen, learn to really immerse yourself in the film. Listen to the musical score and how it brings out an emotion. Look at the lighting and special effects. Any great film is more than just great acting, and that’s perhaps the most important tip you can be given. Learn to see beyond the screen.
2. Choose Your School Wisely
While there are a number of schools for actors and filmmakers, not all are equal, and some are, for lack of a nicer way to say it, a waste of money. A school doesn’t need to be expensive, although most are, to offer you the foundation you need. Take time to check out the top-rated schools on The Hollywood Reporter before deciding on which you’d like to attend.
3. Get Ready for Rejection
There are few actors and/or directors who haven’t been rejected more times than they have fingers and toes – if you’re counting, that is! These 20 celebrities were rejected but they didn’t let that stop them from going on to becoming some of the most famous actors of all times. Learn early on that rejection is part of the game and sometimes that rejection is simply a form letter sent to everyone on their first, second and subsequent attempts at getting noticed. It is not always a reflection of your talent, so keep that in mind and keep at it!
4. Land an Assistant’s Job
Sometimes school isn’t enough. In fact, filmmaking or acting school usually is just where you learn the basics. The real way to break into the field of filmmaking is to land a job as a Production Assistant, or the assistant to an assistant, and so forth. Interning is one way to get a better picture of what all goes into making films and you can learn a lot by working with seasoned professionals. No, the pay isn’t great, but the learning experience is worth its weight in gold.
5. Get Those Indie Films Out There!
Finally, you know you are going to act in or direct (or both!) an indie production, so make sure to have it digitally mastered. Shoot it well and when the final cut is ready and you are happy with the results, see how to get the number of copies needed for distribution.
Bear in mind that the major corporations are not the only people who should get a copy of your flick. Why not get it out to movie reviewers and critics as well? Ask them to review your movie and also submit copies to film festivals wherever possible. Who knows, your film just might be the next big winner at an indie festival. Wouldn’t that be nice? Keep these five tips in mind and anything is possible – even Cannes!