CAPSTONE

By Jack Kornum
What does it take to become a successful
filmmaker?

MY
ESSENTIAL
QUESTION
Why do I want to become a filmmaker?
Ever since I was a little kid, I’ve had a strong passion for film. Not
only a love for watching movies, but making my own as well.

Movies are not just entertainment to me, I’ve always analyzed

director’s unique styles as well as appreciate details that may go
unnoticed to the average viewer. I value the work of cinematographers,
editors, and screenwriters because I know how much planning and
preparation is behind every single frame.
Why do I want to become a filmmaker? (continued)

In Grade 2, I won an iPad in a raffle. At the time I enjoyed watching

movies, but after winning the iPad I became obsessed with everything
about filmmaking.

I began binge-watching behind the scenes videos on Youtube, which

inspired me to start making movies of my own. I downloaded iMovie and
began practicing techniques I saw in the videos. This lead to a hobby
in making short films with my friends, which continued into more
advanced amateur filmmaking today. I switch genres frequently, to
challenge myself with different styles of filmmaking.
I’VE EXPERIMENTED WITH

COMEDY
DRAMA
WESTERN
Due to COVID, I was unable to make a new short film for Capstone
like I had planned. However, here’s a previous short film of
mine for an example.
What does a
filmmaker do?
Aside from the obvious name, filmmakers
are in charge of making, leading, and
developing movie productions.

Filmmaking comes with a wide array of

jobs, including the following...
 DIRECTOR:
● The director is the storyteller.

● They are in charge of every

creative aspect from
development all the way to
post-production.

● They must ensure the film’s

story is delivered through the
actors’ performances and the
onscreen visuals.
 PRODUCER:
● The producer runs the business
side of filmmaking.

● They find financing, hire the

crew, and often help the
screenwriter develop the script.

● The producer is also involved

from the beginning development
all the way to post-production,
weighing into the process with
the director and providing input
at every stage.
 SCREENWRITER:
● The screenwriter writes the film’s
screenplay, which includes all
characters, scenes and dialogue.

● Before writing the first draft, they

start with a treatment which lays
out the structure of the story and
all plot points.

● Following the first draft, the

screenwriter makes multiple
revisions until the script is ready
for the screen.
 CINEMATOGRAPHER:
● The cinematographer captures the
director’s vision, as well as
expresses the screenwriter’s script
through the onscreen visuals.

● They are responsible for creating

the look, colour, lighting, and
framing for every single shot in
the movie.
What are the first steps you should
take before expecting success in
filmmaking?
 BUILD SOFT
SKILLS
HARD
SKILLS

A
➔ PITCHING
➔ COMMUNICATION
➔ WRITING & VISUAL
➔ LEADERSHIP
STORYTELLING
➔ TIME MANAGEMENT
➔ EDITING

DIVERSE
EXPERTISE

Building a diverse range of

SKILL SET soft & hard skills improves

your filmmaking abilities, as
well as opens up more doors in
the industry.
DITCH THE IDEA OF OVERNIGHT SUCCESS
Ditching the idea of “overnight success” is a
must. Overnight success, especially in the
world of filmmaking, is an unrealistic
expectation. Majority of the time, obtaining
success in the film industry is the result of
years of hard work. Accepting that you’ll be
making small amounts of progress over a long
period of time is a mandatory first step.

Filmmaking takes perseverance, success isn’t

immediately on the table.
 FIND A SIDE HUSTLE
Finding a way to make steady income while
pursuing the film industry is always
recommended.

Filmmaking is a difficult career to get into,

especially right off the bat out of school, so
a profitable side hustle is encouraged to
have at first.
HONE YOUR CRAFT & FIND YOUR STYLE
Not only is talent needed to succeed, but your
work must be unique and unlike any others in
order to stand out as a filmmaker. Finding an
artistic style specific to you will come more
naturally if you devote time to honing your
craft. The best way to develop your own style is
by making short films on a regular basis, as
they’re easy to experiment with without any
risks.

Experimentation is key.
BUILD A NETWORK
It is significantly less difficult to enter the
world of filmmaking if you’ve been recommended
by established filmmakers. Making connections
puts you in a better position of landing a job
than freelance work will. You can begin
networking by seeking out events that writers
and producers attend. Searching for Q&A’s and
film screenings in your area is a great start.

Most importantly, be patient. There is no way of

telling how long it will take to build yourself
a notable network, but showing commitment will
put yourself on the radar.
STAY OUTSIDE YOUR COMFORT ZONE
As unappealing as this may sound, it is
important to stay outside your comfort zone as a
filmmaker. The place where the most progress is
made is in between comfortable and stressed. It's
critical to take risks, you’re not improving
yourself if you’re constantly comfortable.

A moderate amount of stress will only help you

grow as a filmmaker.
FILM SCHOOL
Film School is optional to become a filmmaker, and that's for a reason. It’s not
useless. You can gain more knowledge, possibly open up more opportunities for a
career, and maybe make some connections. However, there’s a chance none of that
will happen and you’ve now spent thousands on tuition for a degree that’s
nearly useless. Film degrees are “useless” because the industry prioritizes
work experience over any kind of schooling, and if you end up finding film
school didn’t provide you with connections, you’ll most likely give up on film
overall while also being in student debt.
 I went into this project hoping to come out with a
definitive answer on how to become successful in
the world of filmmaking. In reality, there is no
guarantee of success. You could attend 4 years at a
prestigious film school, but in the industry you
still won’t make anything above a fast food salary
if you don’t have the connections.
I’ve determined the only qualities that are truly
needed to be successful have nothing to do with
having an extensive knowledge of film, nothing to
do with having an expertise in a certain field, but
all to do with commitment and if you have something
unique to offer. You must be worth attracting
attention. If you follow the same rules and
recommendations like every other aspiring
filmmaker, how do you expect to stand out. If you
MY can’t handle the obstacles you face when pursuing
filmmaking, then it’s not for you. The filmmakers
ESSENTIAL who have reached success faced the same roadblocks,
but they kept their head up and stuck with it.
QUESTION
 BIBLIOGRAPHY

https://filmmakerfre https://www.careersi http://filmlifelab.co

edom.com/blog/path-t nfilm.com/film-caree m/soft-skills-need-
o-filmmaking-succes rs/ career-film-industr
s
y/