Table of Contents
In this enlightening dialogue, filmmaker Will von Tagen shares his journey from an aspiring young filmmaker to a seasoned professional.
From Idaho Roots to Filmmaking Dreams
Will von Tagen, a filmmaker rooted in the serene landscapes of Boise, Idaho, reveals the various influences that shaped his early interest in filmmaking. His innate curiosity about exciting professions, from logging to the FBI, eventually led him to a realization: the thrilling tales he admired in movies were what he wanted to create.
"I thought, you know, all the stuff that I've been into throughout my life has usually been because it looked exciting in the movies," Will reflects. This epiphany set Will on a path toward filmmaking, where he could manifest the excitement he craved.
The Early Days of Dinking Around
Will's journey began in junior high, where he "dinked around" with cameras, creating montage-style videos for school announcements with basic camcorders. This early experimentation ignited a passion for storytelling through visuals, which led him to buy his first professional camera after working at a news station.
“Working fast was actually the biggest takeaway,” he acknowledges when reflecting on his time in the fast-paced environment of news broadcasting. The pressure of tight deadlines taught him efficiency, creativity, and the importance of capturing compelling narratives.
Key Lessons from the Filmmaking Process
Through his diverse experiences, Will has gathered crucial lessons pertinent to both novice and experienced filmmakers alike. Below are some aspects he emphasizes when embarking on a new project:
- Wear Multiple Hats Wisely: Will emphasizes that wearing many roles—or as he describes, “pregame hats”—is crucial in the earlier stages of a filmmaker’s career. It allows for a comprehensive understanding of the filmmaking process.
- Invest in Quality Cinematography and Sound: According to Will, securing a skilled cinematographer and audio technician is essential. Without good visuals and sound, even the best story can fall flat.
- Build a Versatile Team: Will recommends finding collaborators willing to adapt and take on multiple roles. A flexible crew can enhance creativity and problem-solving.
- Embrace Constraints: Working with budget limitations can often lead to innovative solutions and creative storytelling, making constraints a source of inspiration.
- Use Retroactive Budgeting: Will suggests starting with a realistic understanding of how much can be raised and then line-iteming the budget from that foundation rather than setting unrealistic expectations.
The Path Forward: Empowering Filmmakers
Currently, Will is working on starting a company that helps emerging creators and filmmakers maximize the potential of their tools and resources.
“It’s all about taking cameras and making them work for you,” he explains, underscoring the importance of empowering filmmakers to overcome obstacles and harness their creativity effectively.In this enlightening dialogue, filmmaker Will von Tagen shares his journey from an aspiring young filmmaker to a seasoned professional.
From Idaho Roots to Filmmaking Dreams
Will von Tagen, a filmmaker rooted in the serene landscapes of Boise, Idaho, reveals the various influences that shaped his early interest in filmmaking. His innate curiosity about exciting professions, from logging to the FBI, eventually led him to a realization: the thrilling tales he admired in movies were what he wanted to create.
"I thought, you know, all the stuff that I've been into throughout my life has usually been because it looked exciting in the movies," Will reflects. This epiphany set Will on a path toward filmmaking, where he could manifest the excitement he craved.
