When I decided to tell my story through animation, I wasn’t starting completely from scratch—I had five years of experience learning about the business side of the entertainment industry. During those five years, I spent three focusing specifically on film and two on animation, immersing myself in the craft. Even with that background, stepping into the creative side of your own project feels nerve-wracking, like entering unfamiliar territory, despite the experience.

I don’t draw, and I didn’t have formal filmmaking training. But I’ve learned that storytelling isn’t about doing everything yourself—it’s about bringing together the right people, building a vision, and trusting the process.

The Turning Point: Building a Film and a Team

As I developed my animated short, The Timid Bunny, I realized that success wouldn’t come from mastering every aspect of filmmaking—it would come from collaboration. The story of Tony, a track star overcoming betrayal to reclaim his passion, reflected themes that resonated deeply with me. While I can’t bring this vision to life alone, I didn’t need to.

Instead of focusing on what I can’t do, I leaned into what I could: writing a compelling story, communicating my vision, and building a team to handle the rest. I’m not fully managing the business side, but I’ve been building my team alongside the film’s development, piece by piece.

Breaking It Down: How I Got Started

• Define the Vision: I began with the story’s heart—Tony’s journey of resilience and self-discovery—and made sure every element stayed true to that.
• Build the Right Team: I focused on finding collaborators who are willing to constantly understand my vision and bring their unique expertise to the project.
• Learn Through Collaboration: Working with others has taught me as much about filmmaking as years of independent research did, if not more.

The Lesson

You don’t need to know everything to create something meaningful. By leaning on your strengths and surrounding yourself with the right people, you can bring your story to life. If you’re curious about how I’ve built confidence and navigated the industry without a filmmaking background, be sure to keep an eye out for that. Visit my page here on Stage 32, where I have journal entries dedicated to the development of my project.

How to Build Confidence and Break Barriers Without a Filmmaking Background

If you’re reading this, you’ve hopefully already taken the first step toward understanding how to bring your story to life without a traditional filmmaking background. In Embracing Your Strengths to Tell Your Story, I shared how I’m leveraging my strengths, building a team, and starting my journey in animation. Now, let’s dive deeper into how I continue to build confidence and navigate the filmmaking industry as a first-time storyteller.

Stepping into animation as a storyteller, rather than an artist, felt like navigating uncharted territory. However, over the last three years, I’ve learned that filmmaking is inherently collaborative. You don’t need to manage every detail; instead, you need to focus on building a vision and trusting your team to help bring it to life.

Building Confidence Through Teamwork and Action

• Start with Your Strengths: Writing is where I felt most confident, so I began there, crafting a script that reflected my vision.
• Be Open to Learning: Immersing myself in film and animation taught me to adapt, ask questions, and trust the expertise of my collaborators.
• Ask for Help: Building a team has been as important as building the film itself. Every person brings something valuable to the table.

Navigating the Industry as a First-Time Filmmaker

Breaking into filmmaking without a traditional background can be daunting. But I continue to discover that authenticity goes a long way. When I speak about The Timid Bunny?, I focus on why the story matters, not on what I don’t know.

Some of the best advice I’ve received so far is to think creatively about resources. For example, I’ve attended local 5k races to connect with coordinators, built support through platforms like Stage 32, attended neighborhood lounge events, and handed out cards every time I spoke to someone. I’ve also focused on fundraising. Additionally, I prepare as best as I can, and if I’m not fully prepared, I understand that it’s still valuable to be present, ask questions, and take feedback during conversations with industry leaders or people who can open doors to opportunities. Staying grounded in my passion for both the story and the business, those conversations have reminded me that enthusiasm and preparation can open doors.

What I’ve Learned

• Your Vision Is Enough: You don’t have to know everything—your unique perspective is your most valuable asset.
• Collaboration Is Essential: Filmmaking is a team effort. Surround yourself with people who share your passion and complement your strengths.
• Celebrate Progress: Every step forward—whether it’s finishing a script or finding a collaborator—is worth acknowledging.

Final Thought

There’s no “right way” to start your filmmaking journey. Whether you’re building a team, refining your story, or learning along the way, your unique path is valid. You don’t need to have all the answers to begin. With passion, collaboration, and a clear vision, you can bring your story to life.

By the way, let me know in the comments what you’re working on and how it’s going. I look forward to hearing about what you have planned. Thank you for reading, and I look forward to the next one. See you around!

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