Breaking into the Film Industry: Making the Final Cut.

The creative industries are notoriously difficult to get into and to get your work noticed by the right people. Whether it is Film, Photography, Advertising or Illustration, a lot of people aspiring to be a creative are met with the same reaction. "You're best getting a proper job". "Too many people want to be one of those". "It's too hard to get into." And that's just your careers advisor at school! You're family will be concerned as there is not a lot of money to be made starting out..if any at all. But that is no reason to give it all up if it's something you really want to do.

But they are right. If you're not willing to graft then it is better to get a 'proper job'. They're also right when they say too many people are trying to get work. There are hundreds of courses that dump a load of graduates each year into the world of job seeking. Not to mention the countless freelancers. And they definitely weren't wrong when they tried talking you out of it for financial reasons. It is very costly to have the appropriate equipment. Filmmakers need a high spec camera, a tripod, editing software, Lighting equipment, Sound stuff...the list goes on and on.

Signals Media Arts Centre provides award winning expertise in filmmaking, scriptwriting, photography and post production through their range of adult courses and professional workshops. They can also give a helping hand when it comes to equipment hire and studio space. But before you take a look at our website-http://www.signals.org.uk/

Here are a few tips for budding Spielbergs, Tarantino's and Theroux's.

• Immerse Yourself: Practice making as many short films as you can. A great film can be 15 minutes long or 15 seconds long. Watch as many films of all genres, of all styles for inspiration and knowledge of the kind of stuff being made out there.

• Market Yourself: "It's not what you know, it's who you know". Well in truth, the more you know and the better you are then naturally more people will get to know you. Enter into competitions, go to local film festivals and screenings, collaborate with other local creatives. Do what you can to get your name about.

• Better Yourself: Do a course to improve on areas you're not as competent in. If you're a great scriptwriter but feel you can't put your ideas into action, attend a camera workshop. Or you may be brilliant at shooting and editing but don't have the skills to make a script exciting enough to show off your filmmaking talents. Signals Media Art Centre have courses to make you a master of all trades. Click here to see more info.

Good luck!