What A Filmmaker At Humanist Films Wishes They Had Known Before Entering the Filmmaking Industry
Ming, a filmmaker at Humanist Films, advises aspiring filmmakers to "learn every trade craft," echoing Akira Kurosawa's belief that a director should understand every army role. This holistic approach, exemplified by independent photojournalists who "tell amazing stories" solo, allows filmmakers to be effective leaders, even working independently, and to produce high-quality work.
Film Production, Independent Filmmaking, Multidisciplinary Skills, Teamwork and Collaboration, Adaptability and Resourcefulness
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Ming Lai
Filmmaker
Humanist Films
UCLA
CSULB, M.A., English
English
Arts, Entertainment & Media
Creative
None Applicable
Video Highlights
1. To become a well-rounded filmmaker, gain experience in various aspects of film production such as editing, cinematography, sound design, and producing. This will provide a deeper understanding of the filmmaking process and enhance your skills as a director or any other chosen role.
2. Independent filmmaking often requires wearing multiple hats. Learn to be self-sufficient and capable of handling various tasks, from shooting and editing to producing and distributing your work.
3. Study the works of accomplished filmmakers and learn from their experiences. Akira Kurosawa's approach of mastering all aspects of filmmaking before focusing on directing is a valuable example to follow.
Transcript
What have you learned about this role that you wish someone would have told you before you entered the industry?
A long time ago, I read the autobiography of Akira Kurosawa, a legendary Japanese filmmaker. In his autobiography, he wrote that filmmaking is like war; it's highly complex.
A director is like a general, but to be a good general, you have to know every role in the army. When Kurosawa started in filmmaking, he literally began as an assistant director. Back then, you apprenticed in different fields before becoming a director.
He would learn editing, set building, and writing. He went on to produce, learning each trade craft to a high level before becoming a director. This in turn informed him on how to be an effective and powerful director.
When young people say they want to be a director or cinematographer, I tell them to make short films and do everything. Learn every trade craft, including cinematography, even if you don't plan to be a cinematographer. Learn to edit and oversee. If you can do music, that's great. Oversee music, sound design, sound mixing, produce, write, and direct.
By doing every role, you learn different things that inform your craft. Even if you're just an editor or a cinematographer, the ones at the highest level know a lot about all the other roles. This informs their craft.
For an independent filmmaker trying to make it on their own, this knowledge is invaluable. No one can stop you; you can make it happen yourself. I've always admired photojournalists or video journalists, like conflict photographers, who go out on their own to create a story.
They do it with just a backpack and tell major stories about war, conflict, or social unrest. To me, that was a great model. It made me realize that while filmmaking usually involves giant teams, a photojournalist goes out alone and tells an amazing story.
I took that to heart in my own filmmaking. By learning different crafts, I can either do it myself or, when leading a team, I know how to work with other experts. I think it's valuable in both ways.
Advizer Personal Links
humanistfilms.com, craftofspeed.com, visionsofwarriors.com