need a little help

[smudge_emma]

i would absolutely love to work in the movies. Its a dream of mine-ive always had a highly active and vivid imagination it doesnt stop-i was considering maybe a career in directing, screenwriting or something like that-im 20 with A levels in film studies, english and communications. Does anyone have any ideas or suggestions as to where i can go from here or whether these are just pipe dreams? thanks

[slimfandango]

Lots of other people do too, but so what? You may just be better than them, and so what if you try and it doesn't work?
Like anything else though, it requires a lot of hard work, but film seems like the best form of expression mankind has ever known.
Notorious that you need to get in at the very bottom, as a runner, etc etc.
Learn basic techniques on a camcorder.
Make short films, publish them on the net. Good luck!
Yours, quentin.

[Scarlett]

I would go to University and study Film. Either a theoretical film course, or, probably more suitable for you, a practical film making course. Canterbury (Christchurch University College) does a great one, in Film, Radio and TV studies. You can do a joint honours if you like, and do English or something too. It is very hard to get a job in film, but they are out there.My friend wanted to be a film editor, so he moved to London after his degree (and MA) and had to work in a newsagent for the first few years to make ends meet, and offered himself for work experience. He is now a full time film editor on all the big feature films. But it was hard for him. If you want to direct, that is in a way easier! You can be doing this now. You can also try to get funding to make films, from Arts Council/Lottery/Princes Trust. You could also subscribe to swscreen.co.uk (south west screen). They send out weekly bulletins with lots of courses, opportunities and funding available. There might be one for your area if you are not near London/Bristol. BBC talent also run competitions and courses.  

The main thing is to KEEP being creative and something will come along. Get a DV camera and an editing program for your P.C, and just keep making movies!!

[slimfandango]

Oh yes, and remember who gave you this advice, if you become mr big movie director.

[Booldawg]

no, its not a pipe dream. A colleague I work with did an Open University course in script-writing. At the time she was 40 and has 3 kids.

After the course she went on to the Hollyoaks script-writing team and now produces Hollyoaks, so it can be more than just a dream.

Most people in TV etc, start off by being a 'runner' at their local studios, a runner is basically 'get this' 'get that' but thats how alot of them start off, Zoe Ball started off as a runner at Carlton in Nottingham, OK, she had a famous dad that wouldve helped her along the way though!