How to do (independent) film-making as a professional career?

[CorleoneArt]

I would love to do film-making as a career, I have always had a passion for it and find it is the only thing that allows me to be creative. I AM NOT TALKING ABOUT HOLLYWOOD BIG BUDGET FILMS! I'm not saying I want to be the next Quentin Tarantino or James Cameron, but I would love to have the same job as the people who make documentary films such as 'Sharkwater' and 'The Dirties'. I am not talking about my films being in cinemas! I am saying, I want to make films that would be entered in indie film festivals like Slamdance Film Festival, etc. Like Rob Stewart (Sharkwater) and Matt Johnson (The Dirties). So what I am talking about is about: How to be an independent film-maker (small group of people) as a career? It is a topic that allows me to be extremely determined and motivated, and for me it's all I want to do. Please be honest in your answers. Thanks.

Also, what qualifications are needed to be a standard film-maker?
I struggle with Science and Maths, but am strong on the English and Literature front. Could this be a problem? Thanks alot.

[John P]

The short answer is, as Nike says, "Just do it". As an independent person in any career you are your own master, and how far you succeed is up to your personality. Once you have made the movies you have to sell them - nobody is going to offer you a monthly salary.

[Roberto Blake]

Dive right in. Use websites like Videomaker.com to learn online for free about equipment, software, work flows and best practices and get free resources. Use Amazon to get great book recommendations and even free Ebooks on Film Making. Watch what independents are doing on Youtube and friend people on Facebook that are in to hair, makeup, lighting, cinematography and acting who have an genuine interest in film and the industry.

The age of the internet and social media is an independent filmmakers dream and you should really take advantage of it.

Science and Math are not really an issue, you have accountants and other professionals for those things. Film Making is about understanding, storytelling, composition and lighting as well as audio. If you can get those things down then you will be fine.

[Balfour]

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