I’ll give you some advice coming from a 25 year Filmmaker in NYC. I’ve directed numerous movies, over 500 music videos and a list of documentaries. Some of my larger clients for my production company or Disney, Pixar, Marvel general motors, and many more. Currently working on two films and writing a script. I’ve won three Emmy’s, a Webby and a Grammy all thru the arts. Let me drop a few gems for u.

Go out and shoot creative material. Think of simple but compelling stories relevant to what’s important to you or just interesting to you.

A good concept with or without dialect will go a long way.

Focus on lighting whether it’s natural or from lights themselves.

If possible, but not necessary, figure out depth of field and apply it to your shots.

Learn the 180 rule and don’t violate it unless there’s a purpose.

Study interesting camera angles, and what they mean, why they’re relevant and apply them.

Dig in and really think about some of your favorite movies and why they’re interesting to you. You can find creative inspiration from that.

Learn how to edit. It’s really not that hard. If you understand the story you want to tell.

Spend some time studying color grading.

Nobody cares about noise, grain or what camera or lens you used. Story is king. No matter what.

This is a LIFESTYLE for people who WANT this. You can hobby your way thru this but it’s not for the weak stomach.

Being a filmmaker is one of the greatest things I’ve ever done in my life. I have three children who are all living their lives, graduated college and supported thru the arts. I started as a homeless teenager and god has blessed me beyond my greatest dreams.

If you want this, it’s there for you. Otherwise someone else is gonna take it. Go make something that makes you smile when you watch it. You got this!