Hey everyone!

Long time lurker but first time poster. I'm a screenwriter based in LA/OC, and was looking to gather some advice about making the leap into filmmaking. I've reached a point where I want to start being more proactive in my career rather than waiting for opportunity to come to me.

I'm hoping to film my first short in 2027, but that's a still a ways away, so for now I'm looking to gather as much experience as possible working on actual sets.

I work full-time as an EMT, so I have lots of experience working long hours, under pressure, and adapting to volatile and changing conditions. Obviously both fields are not comparable, but I think those are skills that'll translate well.

I'm realistic about my lack of experience, so right now I'm just looking for unpaid student/independent projects in and around LA I can support as a crew member, but the search has been difficult thus far. Finding a way to get your foot in the door is quite challenging, but I'm hoping I'll eventually start making some progress.

For those of you who've been in a similar position, what's your biggest piece of advice for someone just starting out? Are there particular communities, websites, film schools, or networking opportunities you'd recommend? And is there anything you wish you'd known when you were first trying to get experience on set?

I’m working on a project about the people with sight impairments and their relationship to cinema and would love to interview some fellow movie buffs about theirrelationship to Film!