How to become an experimental filmmaker

How to become an Experimental Filmmaker

Becoming an experimental filmmaker requires creativity, passion, and a combination of education, practice, and immersion in the avant-garde film community. Here are possible pathways to the career:

High School Diploma or Equivalent
Earn a high school diploma or equivalent. High school education provides a foundation in basic communication and organizational skills, and it lays the groundwork for further learning.

Self-Education
Study influential experimental filmmakers and their work. Read books, watch experimental films, and analyze different styles and techniques. Notable works by filmmakers like Stan Brakhage, Maya Deren, and Kenneth Anger can be particularly instructive.

Bachelor's or Master’s Degree in Film Production or a Related Field
Many aspiring experimental filmmakers choose to pursue an undergraduate or graduate degree in film production or screenwriting. These programs provide a comprehensive education in filmmaking techniques, theory, history, and practical skills. Students may learn about screenwriting, directing, cinematography, editing, sound design, production management, and other aspects of film production.

Alternative degree options include fine arts, visual and performing arts, or multimedia arts. Many programs in these disciplines emphasize experimentation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the integration of different art forms, all of which are elements vital to successful experimental filmmaking. Schools offering such programs include the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), the School of Visual Arts (SVA), the Pratt Institute, the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA), and the University of California Berkeley – Department of Art Practice.

Film School
Attending a dedicated film school or film program can provide intensive hands-on training and mentorship from industry professionals. Film schools often offer specialized courses, workshops, and access to state-of-the-art equipment and facilities for students to develop their skills and create portfolio-worthy projects. Some well-known film schools include the American Film Institute (AFI), New York University (NYU) Tisch School of the Arts, and the University of Southern California (USC) School of Cinematic Arts.

Online Courses and Workshops
For those unable to pursue a traditional degree or attend a dedicated film school, there are numerous online courses, workshops, and tutorials available that cover various aspects of filmmaking. Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, Skillshare, and MasterClass offer courses taught by industry professionals on topics such as screenwriting, directing, cinematography, editing, and more.

Create Your Own Projects
Start making short experimental films, using whatever equipment you have. The focus should be on exploring new ideas, techniques, and styles rather than producing polished final products.

Compile a portfolio of your work. This can include short films, animations, video art, and other multimedia projects. A strong portfolio is crucial for showcasing your skills and style.

Engage with the Experimental Film Community
Submit your work to film festivals that focus on experimental and avant-garde cinema. Festivals like the Ann Arbor Film Festival, Oberhausen International Short Film Festival, and Experiments in Cinema are excellent platforms.

Attend film screenings, festivals, and industry events to meet other filmmakers and artists. Networking can lead to collaborations and opportunities to showcase your work.

Seek Funding and Support
Apply for grants and fellowships offered by arts foundations, film institutes, and government bodies. Organizations like the Guggenheim Foundation, National Endowment for the Arts, and local arts councils provide funding for experimental projects.

Apply for artist residencies that offer time, space, and resources to focus on your work. Residencies provide a supportive environment to develop and complete projects.

Collaborate and Innovate
Collaborate with artists from other disciplines such as music, visual arts, and performance art. This can lead to innovative projects that blend different art forms.

Continuously push the boundaries of your work by experimenting with new techniques, ideas, and technologies. Stay open to evolving your style and approach.

Promote Your Work
Use social media and online platforms to share your work and build an audience. Platforms like Instagram, YouTube, Vimeo, and specific Facebook groups can be good places to connect with like-minded creators and reach a broader audience.

Create a personal website to showcase your portfolio, provide contact information, and share updates about your projects and screenings.

Stay Inspired and Persistent
Stay informed about new developments in film and art. Attend workshops, read industry publications, and keep experimenting with new ideas.

The path of an experimental filmmaker can be challenging. Stay committed to your vision and keep creating, even in the face of setbacks.

Certifications
While certifications may not be as prevalent in experimental filmmaking as in other fields, the recognition and validation of one's work within the community, as well as opportunities for continued learning and development, are key factors in establishing oneself as an accomplished experimental filmmaker. Here are some credentials that may be pursued by these filmmakers:

• Artist Residencies and Fellowships – Participating in artist residencies or fellowships focused on experimental media arts can provide valuable training, mentorship, and networking opportunities. Some residencies offer certificates or acknowledgments upon completion, which can serve as a credential in the field.
• Software Training and Certifications – Many experimental filmmakers use industry-standard software for editing, visual effects, and other post-production tasks. Software companies like Adobe (Adobe Premiere Pro, Adobe After Effects), Apple (Final Cut Pro), Avid (Avid Media Composer), and Blackmagic Design (DaVinci Resolve) offer training programs and certifications to validate proficiency in their software tools.
• Animation and Visual Effects – Animation techniques and visual effects are often used in experimental films. Software certifications like Blender, Cinema 4D, or even basic stop-motion can be useful.
• Film Festival Awards – Winning awards or receiving recognition at prestigious film festivals that specialize in experimental cinema can be a form of certification. Festival laurels and accolades can add credibility to your work and help establish your reputation as an experimental filmmaker.

Professional Organizations
There are several professional organizations and associations dedicated to supporting experimental filmmakers and promoting avant-garde cinema. These organizations provide resources, networking opportunities, and advocacy for filmmakers working in the experimental realm. Here are a few notable examples:

• The Film-Makers' Cooperative – Founded in 1962, The Film-Makers' Cooperative is a New York-based artist-run organization that serves as a distribution center for experimental and avant-garde films. It provides resources for filmmakers to distribute their work and offers screenings, workshops, and educational programs.
• Experimental Film Society (EFS) – The Experimental Film Society is an international collective of filmmakers dedicated to the creation and promotion of experimental cinema. Based in Ireland, EFS supports its members through production grants, screenings, and collaborations with other artists and organizations.
• Flicker Alley – Flicker Alley is a distribution company specializing in rare and restored silent films, classic cinema, and avant-garde works. It provides a platform for experimental filmmakers to distribute and showcase their films to a wider audience.
• Center for Visual Music (CVM) – The Center for Visual Music is a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation, study, and promotion of visual music and abstract cinema. CVM offers resources, screenings, and exhibitions focused on experimental animation and visual music.
• Experiments in Cinema – Experiments in Cinema is an annual film festival and non-profit organization based in Albuquerque, New Mexico. It is dedicated to showcasing and promoting experimental and avant-garde cinema from around the world, and hosts screenings, workshops, and artist residencies.
• Other Cinema – Other Cinema, a long-running experimental film series based in San Francisco, is dedicated to showcasing avant-garde and underground cinema. The series hosts screenings, performances, and discussions with filmmakers and artists.
• Sundance Institute – The Sundance Institute, a non-profit organization founded by Robert Redford, is committed to the growth of independent artists. The Institute is driven by its programs that discover and support filmmakers, theater artists, and composers from all over the world.
• Independent Filmmaker Project (IFP) – IFP, the US’s oldest filmmakers' non-profit, believes independent films broaden the palette of cinema, seed culture with new ideas, and foster activism.
• Film Independent – This is a non-profit arts organization that champions the independent filmmaker.