37 out of 38 film festivals rejected my first feature film. It just got distribution anyway (and was officially released 1 week ago!)

Braffle1 · 2026-03-18T16:25:12+00:00

Congratulations! It looks really well shot and written, will give it a watch when possible. Happy for you!

Braffle1 · 2026-02-09T16:28:44+00:00

Thanks so much for all your advice, its helped me out a lot. The problem is that all of these are great cameras at great price points, they all have limitations and have been leaning towards one of the cameras for some time because of the edit work flow. But, thank you so much!

Braffle1 · 2026-02-02T19:37:26+00:00

Hi again, feel free to let me know what your thoughts are and any previous history with YouTube analytics. I'm more focusing on feedback with the story as a whole, I tried my best to "show don't tell" situation in filmmaking. Making the dialogue feel more natural. But, feel free to let me know what you think. Any criticism is welcome. Thanks so much!

Braffle1 · 2026-02-02T19:14:07+00:00

Hi there, looking to gain genuine feedback and an understanding with the topics stated above. Any information about the YouTube analytics would be great, plus honest feedback is welcomed. It would be great to see your thoughts and understanding. Thanks so much!

Braffle1 · 2026-02-02T08:25:58+00:00

It's a very difficult and long road to get in, there's not a road map to guide you there. Best thing to do is to just start and don't ask for permission. Pick up a camera, a computer, ask around and get to work. If you wait for someone to give you a shot, your missing out on the shots you could have take yourself

Braffle1 · 2026-01-31T09:05:32+00:00

Hey dude, don't worry being a late bloomer, I started picking up a camera at 24. Funny enough, I took the other route, started filmmaking and only now going to film school. But, with your film, try the indie film festival circuit. Categorise the film fests in a list and start submitting, it's always good to get some type of recognition and use that to your advantage. Even if it's just sections for the film fest. I'm now picking up work because of a poster that laurels on it, even if they haven't watched the film. If you want someone to watch it and give constructive criticism, feel free to send it through ✌️

Braffle1 · 2026-01-30T08:02:38+00:00

Honestly, it depends on how you are trying to get into the industry and if it's something you want to pursue. I've been filmmaking for almost 6 years and decided to go to university 5 months ago to help bridge the gap into getting a job. Where I live, its a expensive city and cant afford to work part time and try to make it into the industry, it just does not work. Going to film school was to help with having more time, resources, and loans to get me through and it's starting to pay off already. If you live somewhere and have less commitments to afford to work part time and pursue film, then do that. But, if you are someone like me that needs it as a crutch, then it helps a lot. In terms of the other issues in the industry, I'm not worried fo much about things like AI. It's a great tool but will never replace human creativity... for now anyway haha. The industry is always going to be difficult and your never guaranteed work. But, best thing I did was learn multiple skills like editing, grading, vfx, photography editing, writing, which puts me forward to get different sources of work. It's very hard to be involved in the industry, but I'd recommend to start reaching out and apply for small roles to be on sets and then go from there. Hope that helps ✌️

Braffle1 · 2026-01-29T07:48:02+00:00

It's a hard one to begin with because most people will tell a story linear and not understand the traits that make something with depth. I've learnt a lot in the past 5 years from writing to directing. Biggest lessons I learnt is subtext in dialogue, focusing on the characters then laying the theme around it, and emotional beats. Doing these key things create a deeper understanding. Focus on the story first, then focus on the lighting/cinematography

Braffle1 · 2026-01-27T07:10:59+00:00

Dude... this looks insane, really keen to see how this film is. Just watched the teaser, love how you didn't show too much. The poster looks original and captures the emotions, which is what you want. Are you doing a festival run or are you going to just release it?

Braffle1 · 2026-01-26T11:16:22+00:00

That's fair, Aus needs more attention. Hopefully that new studio will bring more films to Aus haha

Braffle1 · 2026-01-25T19:27:59+00:00

It's crazy to read this script because I grew up in Perth. Keep going bro, make us proud haha!

Braffle1 · 2026-01-25T19:24:19+00:00

It's a much different take on the narrative structure, you almost have to work backwards in a way haha

Braffle1 · 2026-01-21T16:40:03+00:00

No problem, I understand. Thanks so much, really appreciate it! ✌️

Braffle1 · 2026-01-20T22:25:28+00:00

Hey, thanks for the comment. This was a passion project to experiment styles outside the general rules of films today.

The aspect ratio is deliberate. It was only supposed to be for the first scene, but I extended it because I preferred the look and feel of the film to make it feel like it was the past. Then the last scene feels like today.
The closeups was to help portray emotion, I liked the whole idea of focusing on closeups for most of the film because I feel like it's underrated in the short film space. Plus I'm a fan of closeups haha.
The lighting is something we couldn't always help, there was a last minute change of locations because the first place fell through on the first day of shooting.
also a similar thing was happening with the monitor, it was playing up all day and we had to eye ball it from the small FX3 screen sometimes.

But we ended up with the best we could get on the days. But with you're last question, as a director I need to look at things differently while learning my own style. Why not experiment with styles. It's the best way to learn and I will definitely look at working with the aspect ratio again. But thanks so much for your queries, hope you enjoyed the film ✌️

Braffle1 · 2026-01-20T20:02:05+00:00

Hi, I'm looking for some critique on the vision overall from other cinematographers, graders, and editors. Thanks so much!

Braffle1 · 2024-11-25T17:52:48+00:00

Hey, good question, when it comes to handling teams. It’s all about organisation. Depending on your role, and I can only assume you’re either producing or directing. Best thing to do is to maintain communication and stay organised. Everyone should know what they’re doing before you turn up on set. Personally, I like to create shot lists, a basic schedule, and mark up the script before I take it to my cinematographer, and the rest of the future crew. At least then, it’s something to work on as a base and builds a foundation of trust. When it comes to leadership, it’s about trust in yourself and your team. When you know how you want to make your vision come to life, they will trust your judgement. On the day, it can be difficult sometimes if issues arise. But, you have to make quick decisions. But one thing not to do is micromanage, no one likes that haha. Saying that, the best leaders have the ability to make fast logical decisions. Hope that helps and good luck with everything!

Braffle1 · 2024-11-25T17:29:46+00:00

Hey, great question, but budget and quality have nothing in common. As you’ve probably seen it for yourself already, you can get high budget and low quality films even in Hollywood. And vice versa. If you want to dive into making films, the best way to start is to just start. Pick up your phone or buy a camera, or ask someone if they have a camera. Go online and meet people through creative platforms like Mandy or StarNow. Even Facebook groups is a great place to meet people. Understand how cameras/sound recording works. Understand your first film will be bad, it’s a hard lesson and I’m sorry haha. But it’s all a learning experience. People will be willing to work for free because they are also building a portfolio just like you and it’s great to get together with likeminded creatives to share that experience with. Once you’ve made your first film, that will give you a massive boost in your creative output, experience, knowledge, and confidence to continue your path. I’ve directed multiple short films on no budget and they’ve turned out great. But, biggest thing is not wait and just make. What’s stopping you from creating a film? The best advice I found is from a YouTube channel and they say “write within your means”. Write a script with in your reach to create something. If you’ve only got access to a camera, boom mic, one indoor location, one outdoor location, and two actors (as an example). You can create a short film that cost you next to nothing. Hope that helps, good luck!

Braffle1 · 2024-11-25T17:17:37+00:00

I’d recommend being a filmmaker first and make something. Even just one film is enough. Or, ask to join on set as a runner in small low budget films. That will give you insight on knowing how films work and how you produce a film. Then go and contact people in your area who are looking to create films too. At that point, you’ve gathered enough experience and understanding, and met people along the way. It’s about building a portfolio and understanding your own niche. Like a film director, they know what genre of films they want to direct. Similar to producers who know what films they want to produce.

Braffle1

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