My First Movie: Turning a Dream into Reality
Have you ever dreamed of making a movie but didn’t know where to start? Years ago, I had that same dream. I wanted to create something meaningful and earn an IMDb credit. Back then, I had no budget—just a dream and a network of people I’d met along the way.
Armed with nothing but a vision and the determination to succeed, I sent an email to over 500 people. By the end of the day, five showed up. That was all I needed.
We gathered for a table read in borrowed apartments, using a script I wrote in just one week. Among those who joined me were Michael Rivera, a friend of a friend; Ibn, a coworker from my high school job; Leah, my college friend and fellow educator; and my amazing wife, the creator of My Forking Life.
Over one unforgettable weekend, we worked together to bring the script to life.
Filmmaking taught me a valuable lesson: start with what you have. Don’t wait for the perfect moment or perfect tools. As my grandfather always said, “Hold what you got.” Here’s how I applied that:
When I uploaded that film to Amazon, it wasn’t just a milestone—it was a launchpad. The income from that first movie funded my second project, paving the way for bigger dreams.
This journey taught me that filmmaking isn’t about having everything upfront. It’s about using what’s within reach, taking action, and learning along the way.
What’s your biggest filmmaking dream? Share your story in the comments below, and check out more tips and behind-the-scenes insights here on Flemvision.TV!
