Expert: Phil Nemy - 5/21/2007

Question
So, I'm fourteen years old and I've been making movies digitally since I was 10... I recently made a big 35 minute movie (a spoof of Charlie's Angels) for my school along with a five minute speech to the some 600 students, and I've already gotten more than twenty short independent films made.  Most are cheesy, but I had to start somewhere.  I'm currently in the pre-production stage of a new sci-fi movie as a summer project.  I've looked at different websites and services that allow you to market your movies online and stuff.  My parents are supportive of me and are trying to help me get through school and find the right college and film school, but I'm just not certain where I should go from here?  Do I need to get a movie out there to draw audiences or what?  I really want to be recognized as a very talented young teen, but I also want to start my career early.. (seeing as how I already have)....  What should I do?  Am I going to fast?

Answer
Colby,

Thanks for writing. And good for you! I admire your tenacity to go after what you want which is to make films.

if you want to be taken seriously, then you need to get "proper" training. Can you read a bunch of books about filmmaking and learn from them? Yes, but there is no one there to guide you along the way. So, I'd recommend that you enroll in a top-notch film school to get the real training you need to move you from being a talented amateur, to a skilled, knowledgeable and talented pro.

Once you've finished high school, consider enrolling in one of the following film schools: Univ of Texas At Austin Radio, Television and Film program, Univ of Southern Cal Film School, Univ of Calfornia at Los Angeles Film School, New York University Fil School, or Columbia University Film School. I believe these schools have the best training for a would-be film director like yourself.

Hope this helps! Good luck!

Phil