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”.
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.
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.
Nicholas Roberts (second from left) on set
Tell us about a challenge you’ve encountered in film production and how you resolved it:
A big challenge that I've encountered is scheduling conflicts. When making a larger production with a large cast, scheduling can be a huge issue. Especially if some of your cast and crew aren't too reliable when it comes to showing up and you only have limited time to film. My solution was to have one character out of sight most of the time so that we could dub their voice in later.
Why do YOU make films? What appeals to you most about this way of artistic expression?
I make films because I love to make people laugh, put them in suspense, scare them, and overall tell stories. Through the magic of filmmaking, I can show stories to an audience.
A big challenge that I've encountered is scheduling conflicts. When making a larger production with a large cast, scheduling can be a huge issue. Especially if some of your cast and crew aren't too reliable when it comes to showing up and you only have limited time to film. My solution was to have one character out of sight most of the time so that we could dub their voice in later.
Why do YOU make films? What appeals to you most about this way of artistic expression?
I make films because I love to make people laugh, put them in suspense, scare them, and overall tell stories. Through the magic of filmmaking, I can show stories to an audience.
Don't just dream about your film— take steps to make it. Be aware of your limitations and use them to your advantage.
Who/what inspires you?
I was inspired by filmmakers on YouTube like Freddie Wong, Sam Gorsky and Niko Pueringer. My work ethic was inspired by Steven Spielberg and Bruce Springsteen. One of my all time favorite films is “Jaws” and after watching the behind the scenes for it I was really inspired by how Steven Spielberg took all the problems and limitations that arose and turned them to his advantage.
What’s next for you?
For me, the next thing is going to college where I plan on learning and filming a lot more.
What advice would you give to other aspiring young filmmakers?
Don't just dream about your film— take steps to make it. Be aware of your limitations and use them to your advantage.
Find out more about Nicholas and watch his short films at the Avenue Production Company website, Youtube channel, and Facebook page. Are you a young filmmaker (25 and under) interested in being featured on this blog? Drop us an email and tell us about you and your projects.
I was inspired by filmmakers on YouTube like Freddie Wong, Sam Gorsky and Niko Pueringer. My work ethic was inspired by Steven Spielberg and Bruce Springsteen. One of my all time favorite films is “Jaws” and after watching the behind the scenes for it I was really inspired by how Steven Spielberg took all the problems and limitations that arose and turned them to his advantage.
What’s next for you?
For me, the next thing is going to college where I plan on learning and filming a lot more.
What advice would you give to other aspiring young filmmakers?
Don't just dream about your film— take steps to make it. Be aware of your limitations and use them to your advantage.
Find out more about Nicholas and watch his short films at the Avenue Production Company website, Youtube channel, and Facebook page. Are you a young filmmaker (25 and under) interested in being featured on this blog? Drop us an email and tell us about you and your projects.
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