There was a lot of helpful advice dispensed at yesterdays panel discussion. Successful director Phil Hawkins chaired the session and a group of industry professionals talked about their experiences on becoming a freelance filmmaker. These included....

Mercedes Crescenti the funder of Mercedes Crescenti TV. She began her career as a runner at the BBC and graduated to head up production for the Current Affairs department, producing a wide range of programme, from BAFTA nominated documentaries to live broadcasts. Over the past few years, Mercedes has worked for independent companies shooting award-winning television commercials for multinational brands.

Richard Bodgers has composed and produced music for over 1000 commissions, including global TV and cinema ad campaigns for brands such as Bentley motors, Mercedes, Tomb raider and Hoover. He has also written original scores for computer games and films.

Paul Kondras a production designer and art director with a background in theatre.

And Ollie Pillon who is fairly new to the industry after graduating from Manchester Met two years ago. He's now an assistant director and editor after beginning his career as a runner.

Phil and the rest the group had recently worked on a Manchester-made feature film called Being Sold which is due to be released early next year. 

Everyone agreed that being a runner was a good way of getting into the industry. If you're eager to learn and can make yourself indispensable then you will hopefully progress. It's a great way to learn about the industry. An ability to drive is a useful skill to have as a runner. It's not a necessity but will make you more hireable.

Working on short films is a good way to acquire new skills and get your work out there quickly. If you can get your work shown in one of the many film festivals around the world then that's a good way of marketing yourself. There are also still avenues for funding, even in this financial climate.

Another great positive for being freelance is the freedom to do your own thing, up to a certain point. Everyone agreed that it can be a little daunting if a constant supply of work isn't flowing in. You just have to keep publicising yourself and be as proactive as possible and you will hopefully find more work.

The best piece of advice was to just go for it. If you have an idea, for a film or business, then you can make it happen. If you have the passion and the commitment to get into the film industry, give it a go. Be as confident as you can be and introduce yourself to other professionals. There is a lot going on, in and around Manchester for the freelance filmmaker in terms of projects and networking events and with MediaCityUK opening in the coming year the future seems bright for the freelance filmmaker.

And if that wasn't enough advice for you our Digital Reporter Dan Shannon caught up with Phil after the panel. They talked funding opportunites, the different routes into the industry and those all important characteristics you need to make it.

Rob Birchall
Digital Reporter