GETTING STARTED
As a big fan of your work, and certainly of "The X-Files" series and movie (I've got them both on DVD =]), I'm wondering if you might have any advice for me.
I'm 17 years old with one year left to go at school, from the U.K., and would love to have a career in the film and television industry. I've been making short films for a few years now, and writing scripts, as well as taking part in related school activities and productions, etc., and it's only made me more determined to break into the industry.
I'm just wondering how you got into the industry and if you have any advice for me on how I might do this also?
Steven
United Kingdom
If you're interested in writing and directing -- and it sounds like you are -- then I'd say you're already off to a great start. It seems obvious, but the most important thing is to practice your craft, regardless of whether anyone is paying you for it. Many aspiring filmmakers I meet seem more interested in how to get an agent than how to become better filmmakers. So the first thing I would tell you is to keep doing what you're doing.
Beyond that, the advice becomes more complicated. Are you interested in making movies or television? Do you want to work in the U.K. or the United States?
I actually was a reporter, then decided to change careers and moved to Los Angeles to study at the American Film Institute. "The X-Files" ended up being my first real job after film school.
I don't necessarily think you have to attend film school -- although there are many excellent programs -- but I do think it's useful to be in a community of filmmakers, whether that's in Los Angeles, New York or London. Your peers can provide you with advice, contacts and constructive criticism that will help you both professionally and creatively.
If this is what you really want, then don't give up. This is a competitive and sometimes unfair business that can dishearten just about anyone. But from what I've observed, there is no quality more important than perserverance. Have faith in your own potential and look at every rejection as another opportunity to improve.
I'm 17 years old with one year left to go at school, from the U.K., and would love to have a career in the film and television industry. I've been making short films for a few years now, and writing scripts, as well as taking part in related school activities and productions, etc., and it's only made me more determined to break into the industry.
I'm just wondering how you got into the industry and if you have any advice for me on how I might do this also?
Steven
United Kingdom
If you're interested in writing and directing -- and it sounds like you are -- then I'd say you're already off to a great start. It seems obvious, but the most important thing is to practice your craft, regardless of whether anyone is paying you for it. Many aspiring filmmakers I meet seem more interested in how to get an agent than how to become better filmmakers. So the first thing I would tell you is to keep doing what you're doing.
Beyond that, the advice becomes more complicated. Are you interested in making movies or television? Do you want to work in the U.K. or the United States?
I actually was a reporter, then decided to change careers and moved to Los Angeles to study at the American Film Institute. "The X-Files" ended up being my first real job after film school.
I don't necessarily think you have to attend film school -- although there are many excellent programs -- but I do think it's useful to be in a community of filmmakers, whether that's in Los Angeles, New York or London. Your peers can provide you with advice, contacts and constructive criticism that will help you both professionally and creatively.
If this is what you really want, then don't give up. This is a competitive and sometimes unfair business that can dishearten just about anyone. But from what I've observed, there is no quality more important than perserverance. Have faith in your own potential and look at every rejection as another opportunity to improve.
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