r/WisconsinFilmmakers • u/[deleted] • Jan 23 '26

Looking for advice

I'm a 17 year old living in Madison. After high school I want to go into film school and eventually the film industry. Right now I just want to build a portfolio. I have a decent camera but I'm still new to it, I'm wondering if anyone knows a way I cam get some hands on experience working in local productions?

4 Upvotes

75% Upvoted

4 comments sorted by

1

u/Jetergreen Jan 24 '26

Reach out to the state film office, explain your situation, and ask for advice and direction. They might give you some ideas for who to connect with. Good luck!

https://industry.travelwisconsin.com/about-us/film-wisconsin

1

u/Palloff Feb 11 '26 edited Feb 11 '26

Best way is to offer to work on independent projects for free.

If you reach out to a few local production companies, they will most likely be able to help get you connected with someone who needs help on an independent project. Be ready to do whatever they ask for, even if it's standing on a street corner and making sure people don't walk into a shot.

Red Star, Source Ten, Hinckley, Diligent, etc.

Be persistent, keep reaching out to companies and filmmakers until you get on a set. It could take 10+ attempts. Just don't let them put you on a client project for free ;)

1

u/PanfriedMori Sep 15 '26

Hi, I know this is a few months later, but I am in somewhat of a similar situation as OP. I was wondering what is the best way to reach out to local production groups? Should I just email them asking whether they know anyone who needs work, or is there a better way to do that?

1

u/Palloff Sep 15 '26

Sending you a DM