Introduction

My name is Jason True, and for as long as I can remember, I’ve carried an undying dream of becoming a filmmaker. Life, work, and a slew of excuses often stood in the way, leaving me with only glimpses of that dream. One of those glimpses came through making YouTube travel videos, a modest outlet for my cinematic aspirations.

Then came 2020, a year that reshaped the course of my life (not just because of COVID). I found myself at the Orlando Independent Filmmakers’ Film Festival, watching my wife shine as the lead actress in one of the short films. In the midst of that darkened theater, something stirred within me. I realized, right then and there, that I wanted to take the plunge into filmmaking, not just as a passing hobby but as a full-fledged passion. Despite a few initial setbacks (mainly not completing a script in time), about a year and a half ago, my son and I co-wrote a script that caught the eye of OIF, and we were off on an exhilarating journey.

What I didn’t know is transitioning from YouTube travel videos to the intricate world of narrative and documentary filmmaking would be a humbling adventure, one that forced me to rethink my approach entirely. In this blog, I’ll share my personal journey—the triumphs, the missteps, and the invaluable lessons that reshaped my perspective on filmmaking. This is a story of determination, growth, and the relentless pursuit of a lifelong dream.

The Gear Obsession

I made a common mistake that many aspiring filmmakers fall victim to—I became obsessed with gear. I spent countless hours watching gear reviews, comparisons, and tutorials, and I ended up buying an array of expensive equipment without a clear plan or any practical experience. It’s like trying to learn to drive by purchasing a high-performance sports car before even getting on a bicycle.

My Gear Purchasing Mistakes

Two short films and a year and a half later, I can look back and see how many gear purchasing mistakes I made. The truth is, gear alone doesn’t make you a filmmaker; it’s your creativity, storytelling, and understanding of the fundamentals of filmmaking that truly matter. Here are some of the mistakes I made:

1. Neglecting the Basics: Instead of focusing on the fundamentals, I was obsessed with having the latest camera and accessories. I neglected to learn about composition, lighting, continuity, and other crucial aspects of cinematic storytelling.
2. Overlooking Pre-production: I jumped into projects without proper planning or pre-production. A well-structured script, storyboarding, and shot planning are essential for a successful film, regardless of the gear you use.
3. Ignoring Budget Constraints: I underestimated the importance of budgeting and ended up spending more money than necessary. It’s crucial to work within your means and make the best of the equipment you have.

The iPhone Epiphany

My turning point came when circumstances beyond my control forced me to shoot my second project using just my iPhone. At first, I was apprehensive, but this experience taught me a valuable lesson. I had to focus on the core elements of filmmaking that truly mattered: composition, lighting, continuity, and storytelling.

Winning Best Picture with an iPhone

Surprisingly, my short film “Colors of Love,” shot entirely on my iPhone, ended up winning the Best Picture award at the Orlando Independent Filmmakers AURA Challenge Film Festival. This achievement reaffirmed my belief in the importance of mastering the basics of filmmaking before investing in expensive equipment. Here’s how I managed to create a cinematic masterpiece with my smartphone:

1. Composition: I paid meticulous attention to framing and composition. Being intentional about applying the rule of thirds, leading lines, and visual balance, which helped me create visually pleasing shots.
2. Lighting: Natural lighting and DIY lighting setups became my best friends. I experimented with different light sources and techniques to achieve the desired mood for each scene.
3. Continuity: I planned out my shots to ensure continuity in editing and to make sure that our time usage was efficient. This eliminated the need for reshoots considering our shoot was dependent on a very small window of time in our location at a working hospital.
4. Storytelling: I focused on crafting a compelling story with relatable characters and emotional depth. Good storytelling is the backbone of any successful film.

Best Approaches to Using Your Cell Phone for Filmmaking

1. Invest in Accessories: While you don’t need an expensive camera, investing in smartphone filmmaking accessories like gimbals, external microphones, and lens attachments can significantly improve the quality of your footage.
2. Use Manual Mode: Most smartphones offer manual camera settings, allowing you to control exposure, focus, and white balance. Learning to use these settings will give you more creative control. You can also make use of 3rd party camera apps. I am partial to FilmicPro.
3. Edit Wisely: Post-production is where you can enhance your footage. Use video editing software to fine-tune color correction, audio, and add special effects to create a polished final product.
4. Practice, Practice, Practice: Filmmaking is a skill that improves with practice. Experiment with different shooting techniques, angles, and storytelling styles to hone your craft.

Here are some of my favorite pieces of equipment for mobile filmmaking:

My favorite mobile gimbal: https://amzn.to/3rs637q

My favorite Filmmaking case for mobile: https://amzn.to/3t22qFz

My favorite anamorphic lens for mobile: https://amzn.to/468bXtl

Conclusion

My journey from YouTube travel videos to becoming an award-winning filmmaker has been a rollercoaster ride filled with mistakes and valuable lessons. The most important lesson I learned is that filmmaking is not about the gear you have but about your creativity, storytelling, and understanding of the basics. So, if you’re just starting out as a filmmaker, remember to focus on the essentials, and you’ll be surprised by what you can achieve, even with just a smartphone in your hand.