7 Tips on How to Get into the Philippine Film Industry

When I graduated from college or film school, there is always this fear and overwhelming thoughts of how and what should be my next move? I would have a plan and a goal but there will always be this doubt that I'll make it, that it will go well. I didn't know if this step, this path will take me to where I need to be. But after a few months since my graduation, I surprisingly landed on the job I never expected I would be in. If you've ever had those thoughts, then you're not alone. 

Recently, I’ve been asked by a couple of friends, about how to get into the film industry here in the Philippines. They expressed they don't know where to start. I never thought I would be asked as such, but it got me thinking about how I even ended up here.

In the set of Tayo, Sa Huling Buwan Ng Taon (Us, At the End of the Year) as a Script Con. Photo by Dayne Garcia.

I'm a filmmaker, currently a Creative Associate in an independent production company and an assistant to a Director. I've worked in the industry for three years and directed several short films.

I thought about what I learned so far, especially from fellow filmmakers who I have the pleasure to work with, and decided I would like to share it. I hope this will help those who are wondering how to start their filmmaking career.

1. Learn (and continue to learn)

Learning is a continuous process. The key to learning filmmaking is experience. When you're in that space of getting your hands dirty and your mind running, you get to learn what to do and what not to do. You get to learn the flow of things, and what you like to do and how you like to do things as a filmmaker. 

Okay, it has been in talks about whether or not to go to film school. That’s actually a whole other post. But for me personally, it really depends on you, your situation, and your goals. If you want to learn from mentors, getting insights from your batch mates, and experiment on testing grounds, then go ahead to film school or even a workshop. But at the same time, you can learn as equal to what you can learn in film school through Youtube, practicing, and going out there & create.

Knowledge, experience and work ethics can get you anywhere. Because when you continue to gain them, you may be lucky; preparing yourself meets good opportunities. You need to always be hungry to learn even if you're already in the industry. As what one producer said to me, in every project, it's always going to be a different experience. You'll be working with different crew members, different actors, different scripts, different scenarios, different locations, and the list goes on. You'll feel like a beginner again and again, and that's kind of exciting, right?

On the set of Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral. Photo by Pong Ignacio

2. Don’t be afraid to start from the bottom

Most people start from the bottom. Those who became good directors at such an early stage are pretty lucky, driven, and skilled, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make it too. 

A lot of filmmakers I know started from small positions, most especially Production Assistants. That’s where I started. Now three years later, I’m a Creative Associate and have started directing a couple of concepts (music videos, & online series). It’s actually a good thing to start in this position especially when you’re new in the business because this is the time where you’ll gain new experiences (Tip#1), where you’re able to observe the flow of production and to observe the people around you and how they work.

3. Try new job positions

One of my mentors from film school encouraged us to try different job positions. We're all aware that the majority of us in the batch want to be Directors, but as we have to assign ourselves different positions to help in each other's films, we're given a chance to explore our potentials. I didn't know I would be an Assistant Director to numerous short films during my time in film school. I realized it's my knack for organizing things that they tend to be choose me for the part. 

Even in the industry, I was given an opportunity to be Script Continuity. I kind of enjoyed it, but at the same time, it was a whole new level of experience (Like it's a whole different level of difficulty). I get to learn and appreciate the importance of Script Continuity.

Do try and explore different positions. You never know, you might like it or find that you're really good at it.

On the set of Tayo Sa Huling Buwan Ng Taon (Us, At The End of the Year), as Script Con. Photo by Dayne Garcia

4. Always Do Your Best

In any position you’re in, always do your best. Keep that in mind. "I want to be the best production assistant." 

Why? When you are seen and known to be hardworking and good at what you do, people would want to work with you again, which equals to more gigs and experiences (which goes back to Tip#1).

I have seen some of my interns and newbie production assistants turn from little doe-eyed students to script supervisors or part of the Art Department. They listen, observe, learn, and do their best. I’m pretty proud of them.

5. Remember to Take Care of Yourself (Don’t burn yourself out)

A little warning, it’s not always happy-go-lucky in a production set, it’ll be stressful and there’ll be people who'll, what you call, “power trip” on you, most especially when you’re new. Don’t let them bring you down. Ignore them as best as you can. Do what they say, but don’t make yourself small. Take it from me who started off feeling small around the veterans. All I do is smile and wave. When I need to stand my ground, I respectfully do that and look where it got me. You need to learn how and when to draw the line. Those same people who look down on me have become respectful friends and connections. 

But please, remember to always check in with yourself. Not only physically, but also emotionally and mentally. Trust me. Somewhere in the middle of working as a PA in my first ever feature, I asked myself if I still want to do this. It was a joke I tell people, but in truth, I never expected how draining it is during that time.

You know yourself better. So another fair warning, you have to be physically, mentally, and emotionally prepared for this. You’ll hear those three words again and again. I have to admit I’m not completely strong, but I have learned enough to strengthen myself when I need to. 

I think by this time when I say it’s stressful, I’m really not putting it lightly. You’ve got to prepare yourself. Well, you’re in the real world, you’re supposed to be.

On the set of Tayo, Sa Huling Buwan Ng Taon (Us, At the End of the Year). Photo by Dayne Garcia

6. Always Create

There will be times where it's going to be hard to get a gig, or you would have some lull time especially if you're a freelancer. Even when you're part of a production company like me, there will be times where you are always under the same position, doing the same things, and you are aching to do something else. 

It's very useful to have a side project, to create something of your own. It's a way for you to continuously practice and improve your skills and your knowledge. Like if you want to be an editor, you can actually practice your editing skills by creating what we call fan music videos. You get clips of your favorite shows or movies and create a music video. Back then, I was creating these kinds of videos. I really enjoy doing it. Soon, viewers would make requests. I could've earned something from that (haha). But if you want to also professionally build your portfolio, you can be like Lucas Herger who gathers stock footage and creates a video based on poems he just read. 

Just do it. Create. Learn. Get passionate. Join film competitions. Get your friends to create something with you. Share it with the world. You'll never know where your creations can take you. When you build your portfolio and you're able to grab an opportunity, those big-timers can see that you have a passion for creating.

7. Connections. Connections. Connections

This is the most important tip ever. This has been reiterated by mentors and fellow filmmakers. Connections are very important. I have heard countless humble beginnings by fellow filmmakers on how they got to where they are now because of connections and with the help of Tips #1, 2 & 4.

The best places to find connections are film festivals, workshops, and projects.

There was one time I missed a film festival because of film school and one of our mentors, Sir Mark Gary, asked "Why? I'd rather you go to that film festival than here" He explained that I could've gotten, you've guessed it, connections. Perhaps, as you linger around the crowd, you would bump into a well-known producer and you have the opportunity to pitch a concept or be invited to join one of their projects.

What's also worse was I know a mentor from a workshop I've been to who's going to the said festival as well. He invited me, and I didn't go. He could've introduced me to good producers or directors.

Lesson learned, although, I'm thankful for where I am now. 

Us, Production Assistants with Director Jerrold Tarog on the last shooting day of Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral

Bonus: Find a Mentor

Other than learning the flow and system of production and finding connections, it's a bonus to find a good mentor. I'm currently an assistant and apprentice of Director Jerrold Tarog. Every mentor has their ways of teaching you. Most of the time, I have to ask questions and properly observe how he directs. It's really eye-opening and pretty helpful because you have a direct person who you can consult to and discuss. Someone who will guide you to where you want to be. 

I've heard one fellow filmmaker who got her cinematographer apprenticeship by joining her mentor's workshop and ask him personally if she can be his apprentice. This girl had the guts, but she got the apprenticeship! I've also had an intern who consulted me on what should her next steps be. She wants to be a cinematographer. I told her these tips, but I ultimately recommended her to get a mentor. She actually did and under a veteran! 

But know this, it doesn't have to really be a super well-known filmmaker. Anyone who has a good enough experience in their field can be your mentor.

My mentor/boss, Director Jerrold Tarog on the last shooting day of Goyo

Filmmaking takes guts

I think you got the whole gist of this. To truly be in this industry, you need to have your best foot forward, to be passionate, and to be brave. You need to prepare yourself to meet the right opportunities and the right connections. It will take showing your best skills, and working etiquette.  

So go out there! Create. Learn. Share. Rest. And Repeat. 

If you have questions or comments, feel free to leave them below. If you want to learn more about my filmography, check out my website.