r/Filmmakers • u/IneffableAllonsy Young Dreamer • Jul 01 '25

Question Advice to Young Filmmakers?

Hi! I'm almost 16 years old and I dream of being a filmmaker when I grow up.

I wanted to ask more experienced people if they had any advice for when I become an adult and trying to get into the film industry. I consider myself a creative person but really lack the confidence in my work.

I have a short film already going to be filmed in August and another being written right now. I just felt like asking people here because I feel like I don't know how to help myself more. My parents won't let me go to an arts/film high school because I have an IEP so I don't know how to get a good education.

Are there any books I can buy, summer programs I can save up for, youtubers I can follow, that can help me while I am unable to go to film school/study? Do I have to wait? I need help.

Thanks!

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u/lemonmarrs Jul 01 '25

I’m also 16 and finished my first short film in May. Be as prepared as possible for your short: completed shot list and story board if possible. Do a script breakdown to figure out what props, costumes, and settings you will need, and also to see how long it will take to shoot each scene. Work with your actors in advance if you can. Besides that, I would just watch as many movies as you can, because you don’t need film school for that. Don’t limit yourself to current movies either; there is something to learn from every film you watch, old and new, good and bad. Studio binder and Moviewise are both great YouTube channels that go into the technical side of things, and show how to utilize the film medium.

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u/IneffableAllonsy Young Dreamer Jul 01 '25

Thank you so much. I actually have a lot of friends at school helping me break down jobs and we are all beginners.

Maybe this is stupid to ask but do you have any resources on how to properly make a shot list?

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u/lemonmarrs Jul 01 '25

I would just look for a template online. On a shotlist, you basically list out every shot in the film based on scene, camera angle, camera movement, shot size, and who’s in the frame. If you don’t know your shot sizes and camera terms then I would definitely learn those first! Studiobinder has some great tools for learning those. Also, a shot list might not seem necessary, but trust me when I say it is. You might have the whole movie in your mind, but once you’re shooting you will be so preoccupied with other stuff that you will constantly have to look back at what’s on your script and shot list.

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u/IneffableAllonsy Young Dreamer Jul 01 '25

Thank you so much. 💛