Next Real Talks: MAINTAINING YOUR FILMMAKING CAREER

How do you keep making films, long after you have taken your first steps as a filmmaker? 

You’re an autodidact, you’ve entered the industry through a different path, or you’ve just graduated from film school. Maybe you’ve made your first short film with support from a school or a film fund. What comes next? How do you keep developing your work and find your way into a film system of funds, broadcasters and streamers? And how do you move from one project to the next in a landscape where opportunities are limited and the path forward is rarely straightforward? 

Building a filmmaking career takes more than a good idea or a successful first film. It means finding your place in the industry, building relationships, navigating funding structures and figuring out how to keep creating on your own terms. What are the do’s and don’ts? How do you turn your first opportunity into a sustainable practice and what does it take to keep moving forward? 

During this Next Real Talk, filmmakers will come together to share experiences, reflect on the different paths they’ve taken, and discuss the challenges of building and maintaining a career in film. An honest conversation about persistence, setbacks, opportunities and finding your own way in an industry that doesn’t always make room for everyone.

We can already confirm we’ll be joined by former Next Talent Justus van den Elsen and film director Niels Bourgonje. More guests to be announced soon.
As always, the audience is most welcome to ask questions and share their thoughts.