Keeping with his low-key, humble demeanor, Jackson filmmaker Damien Blaylock stopped by the Jackson Free Press office wearing a button-down shirt and jeans, and entertained himself with a children’s book until we began our interview. He gave us tips on getting into the industry, entering film festivals and how well bread pudding works after a night of drinking. Here are Blaylock’s thoughts on becoming a successful filmmaker.
• Don’t take theory classes. Take classes where you actually get to hold the camera. The more hands-on, the better.
• Know what you’re good at: editing, lighting, camera operating.
• Try to learn as much as you can so you can be more independent.
• Make films about what you know, but don’t be too proud to take work so you can pay the rent.
• Before you start filming, you need to write and research your topic so you have structure and foundation.
• Make sure you have a project that has a foreseeable end in sight.
• You don’t have to move to New York in order to make good films. You can use your connections to find treasures in your own backyard.
• Work with people you like, not just people with money. It helps things run smoother and keeps the process enjoyable and relaxed.
• Once your film is done, choose a film festival in a nice location, so you can travel there.
• Start-up costs are becoming more affordable, and you need to have nice equipment to get started. Consider it an investment.
• Don’t be afraid to promote yourself.
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The Mississippi Free Press produced this story through the MFP Solutions Lab, supported by the Solutions Journalism Network. This series digs into Mississippi’s systemic issues and sheds light on responses to them in other communities. Beyond just reporting on problems, these stories interrogate their causes and inspect potential solutions.