Okay, i just turned 17.  I need help.  For my age, I've been told my writing style is somewhat unique and matured.  I have had a yearning to make movies and write for them since I was 10 years of age.  I have no contacts, no money, etc.  I was raised in a rather poor neighborhood of town.  I've never been able to afford a camera, let alone afford film school.  This isn't even my computer.  I just check this site regularly at school.  Now comes my problem.  How the hell do I get off the ground?  If anyone can help, it'd be greatly appreciated.

Get a job or borrow equipment.  Or hand write it!  That's what I used to do!

Check ebay for cameras. You might not get DV quality, but you'll have a start with a cheap VHS-C, perhaps. Computers would be the same way. You might not be able to afford the top-notch stuff, but you can get some systems that will do the job and if they're a couple years old, you'll get them cheap. Windows 2000 will run most programs as well as XP Pro.

thanks guys.  that was pretty helpful.  i need to get started

anyone here made it in hollywood?

I have interest all over the place, but only one short actually picked up anywhere. The only other thing I've had made was a 72 page script that got chopped to 35 minutes for some guys in Australia. No pay, but got a DVD copy of the finished product.

I never touched a computer until my senior year of high school and, when I did, it wasn't for script writing.  I used a Royal typewriter for writing... that or a binder with looseleaf.  If you can't write effectively with pen and paper, then a computer isn't going to help you.


Phil

I figured he wanted a computer for movie editing.

Quoted from George Willson No pay, but got a DVD copy of the finished product.

That must be fun getting to see your script on the big screen.

All 26 inches of it.    I posted the file around here awhile back, but I haven't re-uploaded in awhile. However, we're digressing from the topic at hand.

We tend to do that around here george, don't we?

Yeah, we do. I only mentioned it because I wanted to beat Wesley to the punch.  

Sorry for my first post, it wasn't much help.

I used a VHS-C camera for several years during my early days as a filmmaker.  They're probably cheap on ebay, just be sure to get one that has an adapter that can be plugged into a wall, because those batteries are expensive from what I remember.  

Editing the video on a computer is a different task and unfortunately, pricey.  I had to capture the video from the VCR onto my miniDV camera then capture it into the computer.  There's a wire out there that will let you connect your VCR directly to the computer, but I think that's around 80-100 bucks.

As for editing software, Windows Movie Maker is free.  It's not that great, but since you're starting out I don't think you need any of the expensive shtuff.

i actually live in los angeles county.  so im busting myself to try and get myself seen.  i actually (believe it or not) lounge around the lots of universal to see how things are done.  but thats about it.  i just need to get there.  my dream since i was a kid is to make movies.  but u guys are a bunch of help.  more help than i have found on the internet ANYWHERE

Yeah, we're cool like that

You lounge around the lots of Universal? Goodness, I'm kind of surprised you're having trouble. But then again, being in the heart of everything I guess they're happy with the talent they have. Big business tends to get comfortable like that, and let's face it, movies are big business.

i basically watch them do a lot of the good stuff.  so i mean, im waiting for the right time to pounce on someone =) and have them hook me up.  there are advantages to living here, ill say that.  its just those guys are intimidating lol

oh yea, i have a short out on the site now.  its called rose.  check it out.  i need honest feedback.  thanks

i wrote it by hand.  went to the library and typed it up.  thanks for the advice greg

If you can get into the lots, why not try getting a job there.  Even being a gopher would help you.


Phil

Oh God! You lounge around the lots of universal studios? If I were you I insisted on get a job in there! I insisted on and on, and on...Puf..on and on...

A person like you succeeds in doing the dreams in reality!

good luck
Helio

Guys!  I got a camera.  It's pretty big though.  It records directly on tape and it's old but who cares.  I have a VCR.

Wow, going old school there.  But congrats!  They're still durable!

it's actually all i could afford =)