Setting Goals & Taking Action
One of the most important things we should do is set practical goals. Instead of waiting for the perfect moment, commit to making a short five-minute film or another small project. It may seem minor, but actually doing it will push you forward.
Many people talk about getting funding, but how many have actually applied for funding opportunities? Have you entered industry competitions like the NFVF (National Film and Video Foundation) grants? The reality is that funding is not guaranteed, so instead of relying on it, assume you won’t get it—then figure out how to make a film without it.
Ask yourself:
- Can I shoot in my house or another available space?
- Can I use my own resources creatively?
- Can I collaborate with friends who are also trying to build their portfolios?
Personally, I’ve shot multiple projects in my mother’s house with the help of friends. At some point, she even got tired of us shooting there! But that’s the mindset—use what you have and make it work.
Becoming a Jack-of-All-Trades vs. Specializing
There’s always a debate between focusing on one skill versus being a jack-of-all-trades. I believe in being versatile—especially in industries where job opportunities are scarce.
Our parents’ generation had one career for life, but today, the reality is different. The next generation will likely need to juggle multiple careers at once. This is why having multiple skills makes you indispensable.
For example:
- If you’re an actor, learning to write scripts can help you create opportunities for yourself.
- If you’re a writer, learning to direct can help you bring your ideas to life without depending on others.
The industry is tough, and unemployment is high, so having multiple skills makes you more employable. If you expect to finish college, get a job, and retire comfortably, you might be in for a shock. We’ve seen graduates with engineering degrees struggling to find work—having just one skill isn’t enough anymore.
Master One Skill, Then Expand
While being versatile is important, you need to master at least one skill first. Once you become good at one thing, then start expanding:
- Focus on writing for six months, then start learning about directing.
- Learn how to shoot, then start experimenting with editing.
This way, you don’t rely on others to make your project happen.
For me, I prefer handling multiple aspects of my films because I’ve been disappointed too many times. I’ve had experiences where I counted on people—but they bailed, partied, or simply didn’t take it seriously. That’s why I developed trust issues and learned how to edit, shoot, and manage projects myself.
Making Yourself Valuable in the Industry
Many people believe that once they graduate, they’ll immediately get hired. But in reality, many film school graduates struggle to find work because they lack practical experience.
I know people who run sound engineering companies but refuse to hire fresh graduates. Why? Because they believe students don’t know anything—and often, they’re right.
Film school teaches theory, but in the real world, you need to know how to execute. Many companies don’t have time to train new graduates, so they prefer hiring people with practical skills.
This is why you should:
- Learn multiple skills to make yourself employable.
- Gain practical experience rather than relying on a degree alone.
- Take initiative instead of waiting for job opportunities to come to you.
When applying for jobs, having multiple skills sets you apart. Instead of just being a “writer” or a “camera operator,” imagine applying as:
✔ A writer
✔ A director
✔ A producer
✔ A video editor
This increases your chances of getting hired or even allows you to start your own business.
Final Thoughts
The industry is competitive, and jobs are limited. The number of graduates far exceeds the number of opportunities available, so you need to adapt and stand out.
- Set small, achievable goals to keep progressing.
- Assume you won’t get funding and find a way to create anyway.
- Master one skill, then expand into others.
- Make yourself indispensable by learning multiple disciplines.
The more versatile you are, the more valuable you become. Start today! 🚀
