One thing I’ve learned is there’s no single “right” way to break into filmmaking—everyone carves out their own journey. For me, it started with weddings, corporate video freelancing, and taking on any project I could, then slowly growing into bigger opportunities. Along the way I’ve done client work, documentaries, and recently video editing has lead me to now developing my own feature films. It’s been anything but a straight line, but every step has taught me something valuable. I’d love to hear about your path. Which route are you taking (or planning to take) into the industry? Vote in the poll below and share a bit of your story in the comments. Someone else here might really connect with your experience.

Think your project can handle the heat? Post a trailer, teaser, or short scene from your work — whether it’s a feature, short film, music video, or other narrative project — and let the community decide who’s up next for The Roast. 👉 How it works: 1. Share your trailer/teaser in the comments — the community votes with likes + engagement. 2. The project with the most traction gets picked for the next roast. 3. The filmmaker posts the full project for everyone to watch before the live roast session. 🎬 Remember: This is all about learning, laughing, and leveling up together. Every filmmaker has polished a turd at some point — so let’s laugh about it, roast it, and take the lessons with us. Think of this as a safe space to bring your cinematic misfires without judgment.

Say hello and tell us... - Who you are, what you’re working on, and what brought you to the alley. - Share a picture of yourself (or meme) that sums up your current situation or state of mind. - Where are you right now in your filmmaking journey (poll)?

Robert Rodriguez proved you don’t need Hollywood money to launch a career — he made El Mariachi for $7,000 using what he already had, and it turned him into a film maverick. His book Rebel Without a Crew and this Tubi series are pure gold for any aspiring and beginner filmmaker. The truth? Your first film or two won’t be perfect. It’s not supposed to be. What matters is that you make it — scrappy, resourceful, raw. That’s the Rodriguez mentality. 👉 Here’s your challenge: Look around right now. What’s a handful of resource you already have — a camera, a location, a friend who can act — that you could build your first (or next) film around? Drop it in the comments below. And if you have no clue who Robert Rodriguez is… then start here: watch El Mariachi, read Rebel Without a Crew, and catch the BTS series on Tubi where 20 years later Robert makes a movie for $7,000 as a challenge alongside 5 beginner filmmakers. 🎥 Now — drop a list of the resources you already have access to that could set off your first or next feature film or creative project.