10 Minute Film School

When I first wanted to try my hand at Filmmaking, I was inspired by a book called ‘Rebel without a Crew’ by Filmmaker Robert Rodriguez. Rodriguez believed that everything you need to know about filmmaking, can be learnt in 10 minutes.

I decided instead of spending my time and money at Film School. I would just buy a camera, and learn how to use it. This approach has given me a well rounded understanding of the filmmaking process. I can film, I can edit, I’ve become aware of how to craft a story, out of raw footage.

I have a strong belief that anyone, regardless of age, gender, race and in particular EDUCATION OR SOCIAL STATUS can and should be encouraged to make films.

I really hate the way filmmaking is mythologised by certain individuals, and even institutions, as a gift, something you are born with.
BullSh#t! Like anything, it takes time to develop a style, to learn the language of cinema, what works and what doesn’t.

If you want to make films, just do it, grab a camera, and start small. You will be surprised how film savvy you really are, after the hours and hours of viewing you have done through your life.

In Australia we have Film Funding, but I think unfortunately these funding agencies are set up in a way that doesn’t encourage creativity. I think in a lot of cases, the forms and procedures in place are quite daunting for most, and the guidelines for what can and can’t be funded, don’t really leave a lot of room for passionate self starters. Their productions are so bloated and outdated, they cannot conceive the idea of a one person film crew. ‘Online video’ is like a magic word for them!

Richard Wolstencroft, Festival Director of the Melbourne Underground Film Festival, best sums up why, despite government funding, most Australian films are unwatchable pap:

The Australian film industry is a cliquey, cultural elitist affair where the main industry players are more concerned with their government funded pay cheques while they reject and ignore the blood, sweat and tears of the independent filmmaker.

Now in theory these bureaucrats always have to exist in some form. The main problem we have with this ‘cabal’ is that they only fund, exhibit, distribute and promote essentially government supporting polite, safe, slice of life, coming of age dramas and comedies.

Diversity of voice is what we need, rather than the same tired nonsense from filmmakers whose last creative spark was a dull comedy in the mid eighties. Get our drift. Just because these old hat filmmakers know how to schmooze, invite industry staff to dinner, employ the right lawyers etc. doesn’t mean their projects are good.

The funding bodies need to hunt out new talent like avid scouts and help them through the imposing bureaucracy that deters a lot of creative individuals from entering the hallowed halls of government funding. Unusual, new, creative voices are ready now to speak.