I received the following question on my YouTube channel. “Bro I have to be a script writer and film director. Which will be good for learning first?” I can’t exactly tell which way to choose or how to start one’s journey into learning filmmaking, but I can share how it unfolded for me. Maybe in hearing my story, you’ll notice what excites you most. Or what doesn’t?
How to Start Learning Filmmaking Without a Map
For me, it began with writing. It is always my home. Then came photography, the thrill of capturing the story in a frame. But soon I wanted more than still frames, and that curiosity pulled me into cinematography. Once I had moving images, I needed to stitch them together, so I learned editing. Editing then opened the door to directing, working with actors, and many of the other art forms in it. I still feel like I have a lot more left to learn. Directing pushed me toward marketing, which doesn’t exactly spell art. But eventually, it gave me a new perspective. Producing came last, at least so far, helping me see how all the pieces are held together.
None of this was planned. Each step revealed itself only after I took the one before. Curiosity guided me forward, even through doubt. Looking back, perhaps that is what learning really is, putting one foot in front of another, trusting that the path becomes visible.
That is how I started learning filmmaking. At least what I discovered. There isn’t one fixed way. Don’t follow my path, or anyone else’s. When I’ve tried to do that, it felt restrictive. Instead, pay attention to what excites you and what you keep circling back to, even when no one asks you to. If no one was watching what you did, what step you took, would you still do it? Mistakes will be your best teachers. Not always pleasant, but reliable.
When Structure Helps: How to Start Learning Filmmaking Through Film School
And if starting to learn filmmaking on your own feels overwhelming, film school can provide structure. I have written previously on if we can even learn filmmaking. For me, film school offered a framework to answer questions I couldn’t find answers to on my own. Sometimes that support can give you just enough ground and confidence in yourself to explore. Do you think structure might help you? Or do you prefer to wander a bit first? Choose accordingly.
After finishing my first feature, Munnariv, I realised how little I understood about the business and marketing side of filmmaking. That gap led me to study Film Production Management at Neo Film School in Kochi. It gave me answers. And also new questions. Which meant I was back where I’d started, learning through curiosity, mistakes, and practice.
If film school is too prohibitive in terms of time or money constraints, then buy a book on filmmaking and study from that. If you buy just one book to learn the craft of filmmaking, then my recommendation has always been On Film-making by Alexander Mackendrick. A bit on the pricier side, but way cheaper than a film school, and worth every rupee.
So, How Do You Start Learning Filmmaking?
This is what I’ve come to believe about how to start learning filmmaking: curiosity and mistakes are the best teachers. Wherever you begin, it’s enough. The path reveals itself as you walk it. What’s the step in front of you right now? What do you feel drawn to? Do that? Wishing you the very best.
