Producing a Filmmaker
The first steps to make a dream come true
Growing up you would always find me in front of the television watching a show or a movie, but it wasn’t just the story that immersed me into what I was watching, it was also the aspects that went into the production. One of the best gifts I was given by my family was a portable dvd player, where I would often watch movies in my bed, in the car, etc. and I would sometimes rewatch certain scenes to understand why the director did what they did, or how the editing was done, and the aspects that went into a shot. I also grew up with a camera in my hands all the time, often recording family Christmas gatherings or family functions and make talk show inspired videos with my brother. As I got older, I grew an interest in being able to tell a story, but it was high school that introduced me into being able to turn those stories into motion pictures. It was high school that solidified my passion and strive for wanting to make a career that it led me to pursue filmmaking at Montclair State University. My academic goals at Montclair State University is to graduate within four to five years, maintaining a grade point average of 3.5 or above. To accomplish this goal, I need to allow myself to not procrastinate, study hard, turn in homework on time, pay attention in class and take hand written, detailed notes in class and allow myself to be able to turn a screen off and do work. To build my personal brand, I am currently a filmmaker for some small businesses and also being an editor to some of my friends for their YouTube channels. Though I do plan on continuing to build my brand more by joining a some clubs, getting internships, and volunteering myself to those who are working on their own short films, while also continuing on making my own.
I have always believed that any type of art being produced has a way to express ones thoughts, ideas, or beliefs. Growing up I was always surrounded with art, my family would always visit museums, have days where we would gather and make art together, or they would hang my artwork up that I made for art class; I would often have my art displayed in malls or the school. I have always been interested in the digital world, but it wasn’t until I got into high school where I had the option to do art digitally and grow into liking it so much that I decided I wanted to continue my study after high school. I fell in love and was able to grasp the lesson that it would become second nature to me. I felt that with digital arts, I was good at being able to express myself and be able to share a story that could allow others to connect with. I was able to think creatively in a whole different way, that paper at times wouldn’t allow me to be able to. A project that I think truly showed a side of myself was a project I had to do during my senior year in high school. I made a music video to the song, “Who You Are,” by Jessie J. I felt that I could relate to the song and create a video where often at times our biggest enemy is ourselves and that our truest friends are the ones that will help pick you right back up.
In ten to fifteen years, I hope to be a successful filmmaker. I hope to be a well known director, screenwriter, editor and producer. With a goal so big, in such a competitive industry, I have to be able to work hard and stand out. I need to allow myself to stand out from other applicants and to do that, I need to be able to get invested and involved with extracurricular activities. During my time in college, I plan to be in some clubs that Montclair State University provides, while also getting involved with some internships to help broaden my knowledge in the industry as well as make connections with people, allowing me to develop important skills that can last me through my career. Along with being in clubs and internships, I plan to submit short films into film festivals that can allow me to get my name out into the public. Also to just make short films during my free time, so that I may continue practicing my skills and experiment with different programs and techniques, which will allow me to strengthen and broaden my knowledge. The first official short film I ever made was for my Filmmaking class during the 2020 Fall semester. I had to combat against a world wide pandemic, whilst also being able to maintain social distancing. Due to a change of events, I had to be able to compromise. I had learned that plans change and to be ready for the unexpected. I had to come up with a new plan, where I had to become both characters. I was able to adjust to the unexpected and this has allowed me to be able to grow and produce and end project that I am proud of.
Grit, defined by the Merriam-Webster dictionary, means to have “firmness of mind or spirit: unyielding courage in the face of hardship or danger. Often at times people associate grit by five different characteristics: courage, conscientiousness, perseverance, resilience, and passions. I would like to believe I have a lot of grit, I acknowledge that I do have many weaknesses and flaws. I often face self-sabotaging behaviors, that prevent me from being able to reach my full potential. I need to be able to identify the negatives that prevent me from being able to accomplish tasks so that I can reach my dreams. I am the type of person that once I have my mind set on something, I will try and try again until have accomplished my goals.
