Alexander Lash's Lounge Discussions

I'm not a student, but where are you?

Kevin- Thank you for the connection. I am not currently enrolled as I just finished up my education last semester. I would love to help if you'll have me. I am trying to get as much experience on/off set as possible.

Sounds cool, but I'm also a recent graduate.

Hey man! i'm a student filmmaker and I'm interested in hearing more. I'm at John Paul the Great University in San Diego, California. I'm also the founder and owner of Zen Garden Productions, a small production company. Check out our website to see our past work. http://www.zengardenproductions.com

I'm currently not in a position to get into features now seeing as I graduated from college a few months ago, but I have been and am currently using short films to work my way up, so to speak. I have a ton of ideas and projects that are long-term for a variety of reasons. So I'm working on the simpler stuff for the time being. Some stories work better as shorts, others as features, and others as TV/web series. How much do you want to/are you able to say about the characters, the story, and all that? If it's a fairly complex situation, you may wish to serialize it. If it's more straightforward, then perhaps a one-shot film is best (unless you feel like the film REALLY needs a sequel—but be careful about that, since most sequels and the like nowadays seem rather unnecessary, a lesson Hollywood may never learn). Sorry if it seems like I'm rambling, just wanted to add my two or three cents.

Don't think you're too young. Justin Chambers graduated from college and then made Broken Roads. He's 26 yrs old and his second feature is in post. We're all different, and if you feel you need more time to learn, that's good. But don't blame your age. Age has nothing to do with it.

Oh no, I wasn't saying I was too young at all. I'm sorry if that was implied. I just haven't had the time or resources to fully get into features yet, really. You are correct, it's different for everyone.

I just don't want you to sell yourself short. It's tough getting into features. but anyone can do it. go at your own pace.

Of course, of course. That's what I've been trying to do. I think I'll know when it's time.

I was lucky enough that my high school (Annandale High School in Northern Virginia) offered an International Baccalaureate Film class in both Junior and Senior year. There was had a great mix of studying classic films as well as making your own.

I have spent countless hours on the internet. The web is overflowing with information. If you're interested in searching for specific information regarding the craft, that's probably the place to start. If you're looking for something more disciplined, than signing up for some kind of a course of some kind would be beneficial.

I made my first film when I was 16 for a U.S. Government class. I've never really stopped since. Just do, and be humble and surround yourself with people who will do a great job with their tasks. If you need any pointers, or just want to hear a few stories, hit me up.

My director on Bike Shop TV just showed me a short clip edited by a local 16 year old he's thinking of mentoring. It was awesome! There are, of course, always issues surrounding employing minors, which it's a producer's job to address. I'm hoping we can have him come in to cut episodes of Bike Shop TV's first full season. I'd encourage any producer, especially indies, to bring in interns whenever available. You have to surround them with veterans who can, and are willing to, mentor them in the mechanics of whatever they're asked to do, but its good for them and good for the production. It's especially good for the producer to connect with bright young minds who will grow into outstanding professionals ready for future projects.

Charles, I wish I had the opportunity of being an intern with a working director right after film school. I don't think I would have made so many mistakes as I did while producing and directing my first few projects outside of school. That kind of one on one support would have been too valuable for me.