This past year, I accomplished my goal and shot my first short film. It was such an empowering feeling as well as a great learning experience. I feel like I went from screenwriter to filmmaker and partially feel the need to shift my mentality to write what I know I can shoot (while still writing things intended for bigger budgets. established production companies. etc.). I also find myself pondering how I'm going to continue leveling in to 2022 and beyond. The jump from strictly screenwriter to filmmaker seemed like such a level-up moment for me, I find myself asking what's next? "What should I do to make my next film bigger and better? Do I save up and get better equipment? Do I find collaborators in my area (Des Moines, Iowa) and work together? Do I upgrade editing software?" I keep wondering what I should do to keep pushing the envelope and move forward with the hopes of breaking into this industry.
I think about it like this: if I never break into Hollywood or sell a script or get a professional writing gig, would I be happy just writing things I know I could make? At the end of the day, I think I'd be happy doing all of this for the love of storytelling, but at the same time, I want to continue striving for bigger goals.
How do you plan to level up for the rest of 2021 and in to 2022?
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Congrats on a major milestone! The fact that you think about pushing the envelope makes it probable that you'll do exactly that. Exciting journey ahead.
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You are wise to broaden your professional experience. I learned, early on, that every skill you can add to your portfolio makes you a more essential part of any team, and opens up unexpected opportunities. Learning new software, making shorts and videos for YouTube, making gaming videos...anything you can do to get more experience is a plus.
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Congrats! If you keep your focus on continuing to tell stories that mean something to you while creating a brand, that is the main thing that matters. Also don't stress about film gear and software because there are so many practical tools out there that helps us as indie filmmakers. The days of breaking into Hollywood are honestly outdated. Directing your energy into crafting the stories you want to tell and films you want to make while building your brand/business is are the things you have the most control over.
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This is great, Trey! I plan on expanding my network further in the new year, and writing non-stop (more so).
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exciting. Congratulations!
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Trey, congratulations on making your first short film!
Me, I'm a bit like you in that I'm happy to keep writing screenplays just for the love of storytelling...but as far as leveling up, I'm trying to expand my own network. And one of the ways I'm working to add to this network is to look to IMDB Pro to find producers and/or directors who might want to check out what I've written.
Plus: I'm back to putting up my own YouTube videos.
But congratulations to you, Trey...and all the VERY BEST to you!
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David Bass Thank you so much! Always gotta push to get better... I'm excited for the future!
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Mike Romoth Thank you for the kind words! I totally agree... I do podcasts, videos (content and editing), so along with screenwriting and the nuts-and-bolts filmmaking, I hope I can lend my skillset to a more established, future Hollywood production somehow one day.
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Adam Howell I've been giving a lot of thought lately to the idea of "dodging Hollywood." The idea of creating something powerful and compelling from a storytelling standpoint but also tapping in to the audience perspective in order to get that popularity piece that will keep people talking about your project. Ultimately, I love storytelling and plan on continue focusing my energy on stories that I find important. Hopefully that passion will spark something!
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James Welday Thanks! Good luck with everything! Might I suggest, if possible, to attend something like the ScreenCraft Writers Summit or the Austin Film Fest... I've met a lot of awesome people through these events that I still keep in contact with.
Erik Meyers Thank you!
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Jim Boston, thank you for the kind words! IMDB Pro is something I definitely need to look in to.
Trey Alessio much appreciated, I'm definitely looking into next year's festival.
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The last point you made is pretty powerful! My idea of the industry is pretty similar. I view success as being respected for what I'm good at and being happy with what I'm doing. I'm leveling up the remaining of the year and next year by literally writing every day. I'm obsessed with comedy and have a knack for children's animation. I'm finding that scheduling time to write episodes and smash out show ideas is motivating and keeps me on my toes!!
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I'm going to start by finishing the two scripts I'm currently working on. My TV pilot is almost done, and I've written 15-20% of my feature film.
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Nice!
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Rashika, I'm glad it resonated with you! In the end, as long as we're happy, that's all that really matters. Good luck with everything! Keep leveling up!
Evelyne, that's awesome! Good luck with everything!
Trey Alessio, thanks! So far, my short script was pretty well received. I hope it goes well for my other scripts.