Dear Future Dylan

A list of things you should have improved on or progressed towards in your time at RMIT:

1) Have a better flow when editing sequences together. This means planning these edits ahead of time and blocking the action so that you can seamlessly flow from shot-to-shot.
2) Sound capture in films. Learn some tricks to get better sound quality without the need of super expensive equipment, and make sure you have some consistent sound design in your productions.
3) Better framing of actors and how to effectively use them. These is very important in moving shots which require a lot more planning.
4) Improve in your writing. Start drafting scripts, do more brainstorming work and scrap what doesn’t work. When you do have ideas which you want to use, go with it. If it doesn’t work that time, it’s always there for a future project and you may find some ideas will go together in ways you may not have seen to begin with.
5) Lighting design. Shots that require low-key lighting in particular should be a focus of yours, but you should also look at working on high-key lighting or more representational lighting which uses a range of colours. Try everything and find what you like.
6) Networking with people who have a range of different skills. You cannot do everything, but there’s always going to be someone who wants to do costume design, makeup design etc.
7) Learn a skill that you may not be related to film directly, but still gives you skills in the media industry. Radio production might be a good place to start.
8) Learn a wider variety of roles and find what you are suited for.
9) Be more consistent with your work ethic. Having one week off and one week of really solid work can work in the short term, but you will only cause yourself problems later.
10) Have fun! Go out and do things you wouldn’t normally do and have some new experiences.