Hey everyone! I'm new to this site and basically I've been interested in film my whole life, but it was just recently that I got the guts to actually try and pursue a career in filmmaking. I'm currently a student in Chicago and I'm taking a few classes in film/video. I know close to nothing about filmmaking but I'm doing my research and I'm really eager to get started on some ideas I have. So, if anyone has any advice on how to get funding for a film or start a film production company I'd really appreciate it. Thanks!

welcome

Hey welcome to the site! I'm from Chicago (but currently going to school in Boston), where are you going to school there?

Oh and in response to your question on getting funding for a film, try looking researching and finding some grants, particularly ones that might be interested in the type of movie you want to make (some grants want certain types of genre movie that reflect certain social issues). Check out the iFP/Chicago Production Fund (www.ifp.org) - they can provide up to $85,000 for a movie to be shot with 16mm or 35mm film less than 22 minutes.

Thank you so much for welcoming me to the site. I really appreciate the grant suggestion. I'll definitely look into that because I do have a couple of films I'm interested in making that touch on certain issues. It's worth a shot.

Oh, and in response to your question Trespasser, I'm going to the School of the Art Institute. I came to the school to paint now it looks like I'm trying to make films. Right now, I'm not too crazy about the film class I'm in but I won't let that discourage me from pursuing filmmaking. Thanks again for the warm welcomes and advice.

Welcome Gloria

The single best bit of advice I can give to anyone who's looking to start out in filmmaking (not that I'm exactly qualified) is this: JUMP RIGHT IN! Read up on the few basics (rule of thirds, composition, 180° rule) and then just go for it. Don't hesitate. You'll hate your first few things (unless you're naturally gifted) but you'll have a lot of fun making them, and learn an amazing amount. I did a feature for my first film, and it took three years. I would not recommend that. Do a few shorts

i love painting!!!