By Audrey Larson

Nicholas Roberts, age 17, from Basking Ridge, New Jersey has been making films since he was 12. His favorite parts of media production are screenwriting, directing, and cinematography. He is the co-founder of his own production company, Avenue Production Company (currently in the midst of re-branding), which offers a wide range of services including videography and editing. He has written and directed several short films such as “Palooka”, about a boxer's inner thoughts during a fight, and "Don't Say It". Nicholas also won an honorable mention in FYP’s Summer of Screenwriting contest for his short script “Grandfather and Grandson”.

How did you get into media production?

I got my start in media production when I was in 7th grade and my parents let me watch Friday the 13th for the first time. I thought that the idea of the character Jason Voorhees was so cool and I wanted to portray the character in my own film. I planned and planned, but I never actually came close to filming. However, I took all the things that I had learned and I applied them to making another horror movie. I called it “The Door”. It was a simple half-a-minute short film about a murderer following someone into their house and killing them. The whole idea was that what you imagine is much scarier than what the director could show you, so the camera was pointed at the door for the whole film. The killer walks in, you hear the struggle, then the killer walks out.

What kinds of resources did you use when starting out? 

When I started one of my most valuable resources I had were the classes I was taking at the NJ Film school which I still take today. Unfortunately, I am nearing the end of courses at the film school. My last classes will be in June.

Tell us about some of your current projects:
One of my current projects is a longer film called P&H. I'm not sure exactly how long it's going to be but I think it will be around 20 or so minutes.

By Audrey Larson

​We're so excited to present our new blog series, Filmmakers of the Future! Each week we'll feature a young filmmaker (age 25 and under) and get the scoop on their experiences, projects, and advice for YOU. Without further ado, meet our first young filmmaker...Jamie Dolan!

Jamie Dolan, age 20, is from Rockaway Beach, Queens, NY. He is an actor, writer, and producer. He produced and co-wrote the feature film "Forgetting Sandy Glass" (post-production), and has written two other feature-length screenplays that are currently in development. He founded his own production company, Sandy Glass Productions. Some of his hobbies outside of the film business include basketball, trying out new food and coffee, meeting new people, and fashion.

How did you get into film production: 

I actually started out as an actor at an early age, acting in school plays when I was in 5th grade. But, it wasn't until freshmen year of high school when I found an acting school and began to study and try to learn the ins and outs of the business. As the years went on I continued to study. I kept pushing and fighting to be the best I could be, and to actually understand this business without getting ahead of myself and jumping in before I was ready. And that is one thing I strongly, strongly recommend that youth not do. Look, study, read, and listen as much as you can. Don't try to rush into the entertainment world before you're ready. Because it is a BUSINESS and you will get swept right off your feet. First impressions are everything. I know everyone wants that agent & manager, the overnight stardom. But that isn’t usually the case. Once you are strong and confident in what you do, you'll stand your ground and nobody can take advantage of you. 

Tell us about a challenge you've encountered in media production and how you resolved it:

I studied every single day, every week for years in high school. I missed out on social gatherings and events. I was in class, I was out there networking, I was reading. I made a lot of sacrifices. Around age 17, I wrote my first storyline for a movie I wanted to make— a short film. I had put in all the time and work, I was ready to show something. I put together a small group of people, which soon enough fell through and went downhill. It didn't work out; everyone went their separate ways. What did that leave? That left me behind with an amazing story to tell, and a burning passion to bring it to life. I was back at square one, sitting there with a great story and a 34-page short film script.

​But, actually I'd like to mention a very, very, inspiring actor-filmmaker. That is Mr. Bryan Cranston. If you don't know who he is, you should do your research. This man didn't really get his big break until later in his career. Let me tell you, this guy is probably one of the most genuine, crafty, artistic, actors out there. A lot of the business consists of money, fame, and that's it. So, when you still have true, genuine artists out there like Cranston, you have to show respect. And I do respect this man as an actor/person, because he is brilliant. ​

What advice would you give to other young aspiring filmmakers?

Pick up a pen and a piece of paper— start writing. Doesn't matter how bad it may be, just do it. We are in a media generation right now; write short skits, make a YouTube video with some friends. Just get involved and try to learn and grow from actually experiencing it. And if you're just starting out, chances are that you won't be working on a big studio set and being able to gather experience. That is why I am telling you to start creating your own work. Even if it isn't good at first, you'll get better. And there is no better way to learn then to actually be involved. So take classes, read books, study new movies, study old movies, learn the ins-and-outs of the business. Prepare yourself as much as you possibly can so when the time comes, you are ready and better than ever.

Jamie's film "Forgetting Sandy Glass" is available for worldwide pre-order on Vimeo. You can follow the film on Instagram and Facebook. For more about Jamie, find him on Instagram and Twitter @jamiemdolan or visit the Sandy Glass Productions website.