The All Girl's Film Challenge was like any other film challenge, except for it was all girls. Boys were allowed to be in actors but not on the crew/production team (director, filming, editor, etc).
Our film was good in that it was nicely edited and most of the film's video was great, camera angle and all of that. Our film wasn't all that great in that we had problems with having enough footage and making sure our story line was clear. It was not very clear that these were two best friends who got into a fight and one of them ended up dying in a crash a little after before they were able to make up, which leads to a regret that this person would have to learn to live with.
Our film was good in that it was nicely edited and most of the film's video was great, camera angle and all of that. Our film wasn't all that great in that we had problems with having enough footage and making sure our story line was clear. It was not very clear that these were two best friends who got into a fight and one of them ended up dying in a crash a little after before they were able to make up, which leads to a regret that this person would have to learn to live with.
After making our video, with it's good and bad qualities, it was sent in. What we went to a couple days ago was the networking and showing of our videos. We got to talk to professional filmmakers that are women, make connection, and talk to other filmmakers our own age.
It was an amazing experience and I can't wait to make a film and go to this networking trip again. I learned so much from it. I learned a few main things; 1: Get a mentor and make connections 2: Use your resources 3: You have no excuses 4: Don't take any crap.
They stressed the importance of getting a mentor and making connections, they said it was very important to get out there and get advice and all of that. They pointed out that if we needed music or actor/actresses, go to the theater kids or the music kids. Most of them would love to help out with a film, who knows who might see this film. By saying we have no excuses, what they mean is that women are more respected than they used to be. We're able to do more. Lastly, don't take any crap. I forget exactly what they said about this one, but it's still good advice.
When listening to these professional women, I thought of a few new film ideas and really feel motivated to do this. I've been very on the fence about what I want to do but now I know that, even if its just a hobby, I want to make films. If I have time, if I can find people, and most important if I have an idea I'm going to do it. I have most of the materials, I have a school that would let me borrow the rest, I have plenty of locations to film at, I just need to do it.
That was another piece of advice they gave us, even if it seems like it's going to end up horrible, just do it. Who knows how it'll turn out, until you finish it. Plus, most people's first films aren't the greatest. It's just a starting point.
The professional's also told us to go look at another person's talk about filming, his experiences, and how to make low-budget films. Although I haven't finished watching him yet, he does seem to have some great ideas and good advice.
But besides looking at these professionals and getting their advice, we got advice and were able to give advice to each other. I wasn't aware of this, but all filmmakers were told to come to the front of the room and talk about their experience with film making. It was fun being able to talk about my video and give some advice. I have to admit though, I was so nervous. I was shaking like a chihuahua, thankfully that wasn't noticeable.
Beside's being able to talk about our films, and get advice, we met some really neat people. One person I met who had colored hair and piercings had said, when asked why she makes videos, she explained that people don't think she, or people who look like her, are professional. She wants to prove that they are. She pointed out that many people wouldn't believe that she was a full christian because she has piercings and colored hair, but she is. I thought she was a very inspiring person, I had the same thoughts as her. Just because you have colored hair or piercings or tattoo's doesn't mean that you're not professional, or that you're not a hard worker.
Here's a video of the panel of professional women who came to talk to us:
It was an amazing experience and I can't wait to make a film and go to this networking trip again. I learned so much from it. I learned a few main things; 1: Get a mentor and make connections 2: Use your resources 3: You have no excuses 4: Don't take any crap.
They stressed the importance of getting a mentor and making connections, they said it was very important to get out there and get advice and all of that. They pointed out that if we needed music or actor/actresses, go to the theater kids or the music kids. Most of them would love to help out with a film, who knows who might see this film. By saying we have no excuses, what they mean is that women are more respected than they used to be. We're able to do more. Lastly, don't take any crap. I forget exactly what they said about this one, but it's still good advice.
When listening to these professional women, I thought of a few new film ideas and really feel motivated to do this. I've been very on the fence about what I want to do but now I know that, even if its just a hobby, I want to make films. If I have time, if I can find people, and most important if I have an idea I'm going to do it. I have most of the materials, I have a school that would let me borrow the rest, I have plenty of locations to film at, I just need to do it.
That was another piece of advice they gave us, even if it seems like it's going to end up horrible, just do it. Who knows how it'll turn out, until you finish it. Plus, most people's first films aren't the greatest. It's just a starting point.
The professional's also told us to go look at another person's talk about filming, his experiences, and how to make low-budget films. Although I haven't finished watching him yet, he does seem to have some great ideas and good advice.
But besides looking at these professionals and getting their advice, we got advice and were able to give advice to each other. I wasn't aware of this, but all filmmakers were told to come to the front of the room and talk about their experience with film making. It was fun being able to talk about my video and give some advice. I have to admit though, I was so nervous. I was shaking like a chihuahua, thankfully that wasn't noticeable.
Beside's being able to talk about our films, and get advice, we met some really neat people. One person I met who had colored hair and piercings had said, when asked why she makes videos, she explained that people don't think she, or people who look like her, are professional. She wants to prove that they are. She pointed out that many people wouldn't believe that she was a full christian because she has piercings and colored hair, but she is. I thought she was a very inspiring person, I had the same thoughts as her. Just because you have colored hair or piercings or tattoo's doesn't mean that you're not professional, or that you're not a hard worker.
Here's a video of the panel of professional women who came to talk to us:
As I was sitting here, listening to them talk, I felt inspired and I know I have probably used that word many MANY times, but it's true. I was or I am inspired by them. I now have many ideas for films I want to make and are beginning to work on creating them, figuring out who I could talk to to help with equipment, editing, actor/actresses, music, and all of that.