21/05/2025
So You Wanna Be a Filmmaker? Welcome to the Chaos (and Glory):
So, you’ve decided to become a filmmaker? Congratulations! You’ve just signed up for a lifetime subscription to sleepless nights, camera envy, and explaining to your aunt why you’re not “just going to get a real job.”
But seriously—being a filmmaker is one of the most chaotic, frustrating, expensive, yet beautifully rewarding paths you can choose. Especially if you're Gen Z, raised on TikTok transitions, Netflix marathons, and YouTube tutorials, you've got creativity in your DNA (and probably 12 unfinished scripts on your Notes app).
Let’s break it down.
1. The Idea Phase: AKA “This Would Make a Sick Movie, Right?”
You’re walking down the street, listening to Burna Boy, and BAM—it hits you. A plot so good, even Christopher Nolan would call you for notes. You rush home, open your laptop, and start typing… until you get distracted by a meme. Classic Gen Z multitasking.
Pro tip: Write your idea down. All of it. Even if it’s just “A guy turns into a goat at night but only on weekdays.” You never know—someone once greenlit Sharknado.
2. The Script: Where Dreams Go to Die (and Get Rewritten 12 Times)
Scriptwriting is like dating—fun at first, but soon you’re crying into your jollof rice because nothing’s working. Dialogue sounds stiff, plot holes are everywhere, and your villain somehow became the most likeable character.
Don’t worry. This is normal. Rewrite, revise, repeat. Get feedback from friends (not just the ones who say “It’s perfect!”). Remember: even Jordan Peele had to rewrite Get Out multiple times.
3. Shooting: When You Become a Human Power Bank
Ah, production days. You’ll be directing, producing, lighting, feeding people, and maybe even acting—sometimes all at once. Your DP will call in sick, your lead actor might show up late, and your mic will pick up every barking dog in a 5km radius.
Still, you’ll look around and realize—you’re making a movie. That’s pretty insane.
4. Post-Production: The Art of Fixing Everything in Editing
This is where the real magic (and madness) happens. You’ll spend hours cutting scenes, syncing audio, and wondering why you thought a drone shot of an uncompleted building was necessary.
But when the final cut comes together? Goosebumps. Pure, cinematic goosebumps.
5. The Premiere (Even If It’s Just on Instagram)
Whether you’re screening at a film festival, YouTube, or on a projector in your cousin’s backyard—celebrate! You did what many only dream of. Share your work. Promote it like you’re Beyoncé’s PR manager. And start planning your next project.
Final Words from Your Chaotic Film Friend:
Filmmaking isn’t just lights, camera, action—it’s sweat, persistence, and a love for telling stories that won’t shut up in your head. Gen Z is rewriting the rules. So grab your camera (or phone), tell your story, and remember: every great filmmaker started with zero budget, too much ambition, and a lot of coffee.
Now go make movie magic.
