Scott Bradley (Northern Heart)’s Post

Free 1-on-1 advice sessions available with me! I'm passionate about helping new and early-career filmmakers and documentarians break into the industry. I know how challenging it can be, especially for those from under-represented backgrounds like myself. That's why I've opened up my calendar to offer free one-to-one advice sessions to new/early career filmmakers. I have found some lovely people over the past few years who've helped me grow and I want to do the same for others. I really want to help ensure that those with a promising career get the help and support they need as it's a tough industry to break into! You can book a FREE 30 minute call with me to help with - 1. Documentary filmmaking advice in general 2. Story advice 3. CV advice 3. Providing feedback on rough cuts (shorts only) 4. Film marketing & PR 5. Setting up a business 6. Developing ideas and pitching 7. General career advice Please tag those that would value some support! BOOKING LINK: https://lnkd.in/eB5WGPPu #helpingothers

After Close to a Decade Directing, (Here's How I'd Kick Off My First Documentary) Last year, I produced a documentary earning $2.5M+ at the box office. Looking back 8 years ago, I would spend hours struggling to develop the story, not know where to begin. If I was starting over today I would say, "𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘫𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘱𝘢𝘺 𝘰𝘧𝘧, 𝘺𝘰𝘶'𝘭𝘭 𝘥𝘰𝘤𝘶𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘢 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬𝘧𝘭𝘰𝘸, 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘧𝘪𝘤𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘧𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘧𝘪𝘭𝘮𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨." Then I would follow this framework I've adopted 𝗕𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 The framework begins Step 1 -  Define main characters Step 2 - Outline major events of characters life Step 3 - Share Google sheet with film crew and Talent for feedback Simple character story mapping allows you to achieve a structured Interview outline. - 𝗣𝗵𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝟭) 𝗠𝗮𝗽 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 How it works: 1. Define characters, start with main character     2. Use Joesph Campbells hero's journey approach     3. Do deep research of the talent- track life events Quick note: Don't interview without researching all characters life events. You want to prevent the need for a 2nd interview. - 𝗣𝗵𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝟮) 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗧𝗼 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄𝘀 • Talk less and ask open-ended questions    • Using life events- prepare your interview questions    • Avoid jumping around- keep a logical flow to questioning, so your talent can follow along. Easy, right? 𝗣𝗵𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝟯) 𝗥𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗕𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝗲𝘁 1. Inform your talent about the general talking points you'll be discussing. 2. Knowing how to prepare brings comfort during the interview. 3. You want to reduce the sense of overwhelm since there's lights, and camera's pointed towards them. Heres how I then conduct an interview - 𝗣𝗵𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝟰) 𝗧𝘄𝗼 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗶𝗾𝘂𝗲𝘀 By improving your active listening skills, you'll be a better note-taker Tip 1. Mark off questions you’ve asked, so you know where you are at in the conversation (or mark a question as already answered if your talent has answered it from a previous question.) Tip 2. Make sure to ask follow-up questions that help you go deeper into your character’s story. Once you are finished with the interview you can prepare your footage for the edit. -- Let me know which one of these Phases you found most helpful in the comments. Happy to do another post going into more depth on whichever one you find most interesting.

I'm honored to be featured in Authority Magazine, interviewed by Susan Johnston. In the article "5 Things I Wish Someone Told Me When I First Became A Filmmaker," I discuss the challenges and triumphs of my filmmaking career. Dive into the full interview here: https://lnkd.in/e-CKSDYj #Filmmaking #CareerJourney #AuthorityMagazine

  What's the best advice that you received when you started your career? This is one of the questions that we'll discuss in the English Filmmaking Conversation, which is your chance to - discuss interesting filmmaking topics - listen to in-depth interviews with filmmakers - and practise listening and speaking about filmmaking in English.   The first interview that we'll listen to is with David Oyelowo, a really interesting and thought-provoking actor and director, and you can listen to the first part of the interview for free by clicking below! https://lnkd.in/e7A5BQEt You can find out more about the English Filmmaking Conversation online or send me a message. https://lnkd.in/eXf_-Wbe So, what's the best advice that you received when you were starting out in your career?  

📣 Exciting News! We have just released 4 more FREE workshops to help take your film career to the next level! 🌟 https://lnkd.in/egKbRJr6 1. A Guide To Networking To Boost Your Film Career - 8th August 🎬 Join Paula Landry as she shares essential skills and tips to elevate your film career through effective networking. 2. Try Anyway - Development: Meet Your Audience Early & Often - 15th August 🎥 Inspired by Claire’s journey with 17 live readings of her award-winning feature "Empire Waist" across the US, this workshop highlights the importance of engaging with your audience early and often. 3. Why Actors Should Write a Script! - 4th September ✍️ Discover why actors should dive into scriptwriting to gain experience, enrich their reels, and understand the film industry from a new perspective. 4. Pitching Yourself for Work - 11th September 💼 Learn how to define and articulate your strengths to seek job prospects and effectively pitch yourself for work opportunities. Don't miss out on these incredible free workshops, led by industry professionals!🌟 Register now!! https://lnkd.in/egKbRJr6 #FilmWorkshops #Networking #ScriptWriting #PitchingYourself #FilmCareerBoost

#Heretotalkaboutfilm #Highlight; How To Get Into The Film Industry - A Step-By-Step Guide For Beginners. Entering the film industry can be an exciting but challenging journey. Whether you aspire to be an actor, filmmaker, or part of the production crew, the process requires a combination of skills, experience, and networking. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate your way into this dynamic field. 1. Education Consider enrolling in a film school or pursuing a degree in a related field. Film schools not only help you refine your skills but also provide valuable networking opportunities. Exploring various aspects of filmmaking in college can help you discover your passion and prepare you for your desired career path. 2. Craft Your CV. Crafting a compelling CV is essential for showcasing your qualifications to potential employers. Ensure it is well-organized, includes your contact information, professional experiences, relevant training, and awards. Keep it updated and tailored to the job you’re applying for. 3. Build Your Portfolio. A strong portfolio is crucial in demonstrating your abilities. Include samples of your work such as a reel showcasing your productions and a professional website with links to your social profiles, CV, and examples of your previous projects. 4. Gain Experience. Be willing to explore different roles within the industry, even if they are not directly related to your primary interest. Seek opportunities in local productions, student films, or theatre to gain experience, expand your network, and enhance your CV. 5. Network. Networking is key in the film industry. Connect with industry professionals through social media, attend film festivals, and participate in filmmaking events and conventions. Maintain relationships with your contacts as they may lead to valuable career opportunities in the future. Getting into the film industry requires dedication, perseverance, and a willingness to learn. By following these steps and continuously honing your craft, you can increase your chances of success in this competitive but rewarding field. #makai_ivan #actor #writer #director #producer #wandacinemaworld Netflix Showmax CANAL+ Group MultiChoice Group The Walt Disney Company Prime Video & Amazon Studios

🎉 Hello friends! Happy New Year! As we step into 2025, I’ve been reflecting on how we can take control of our filmmaking careers—especially after a few really tough years in the documentary world. *What about you?* How are you feeling about where the doc industry is headed? What are the strategies you're using to stay ahead and stand out? As for me, I love the clarity that comes with a good New Year planning session. But in an unpredictable industry, making plans can feel almost impossible. *Does this sound familiar?* ➡️ You’re putting all your energy into survival, leaving none for vision. ➡️ You’ve realized you’ve drifted far from the career you once envisioned. ➡️ You’ve lost sight of the skills and goals that truly matter. Right now is the perfect time to step back, do an honest self-audit, and recalibrate—with guidance and support from someone who’s weathered some storms 🙋🏻♀️. My 13 year career as a doc DP has taught me a lot of hard lessons about risk tolerance and resilience. I've built a dream career despite fear, self-doubt, and money stress—and I want to share what I’ve learned to help others move forward. That’s why I’m hosting a free masterclass this week to help filmmakers tackle 2025 with clarity and confidence. I’ll be teaching live on Jan 9, 10, and 12! ✨ Here’s what we’ll explore: ❓ Why you’re not landing premium work: Common mistakes with reels, websites, and outreach—and how to fix them. 💡 The essential skills for landing jobs: Can you light a great interview? Can you shoot a standout scene? These are the skills platforms like HBO, Netflix, and Hulu expect. 🎯 How to position yourself as the go-to hire: Define your niche, craft a portfolio that showcases your strengths, and attract the work you truly want. "Messaging" and "positioning" might sound intimidating, but it’s really about: ✅ Understanding where you want to go. ✅ Accepting you can’t be everything to everyone. ✅ Sending a clear message about the kind of filmmaker you are. 🔗 Link in the comments—I’d love to see you there! Let’s kick off 2025 with purpose, clarity, and a renewed sense of what’s possible.

The moon landing wasn't staged but the interview I just attended certainly was. After an HR mix-up that resembled a tangled timeline from a Christopher Nolan film—wrong dates, last-minute reschedules, and then a final twist—I found myself sitting in front of two marketing and sales experts… for a role in filmmaking and photography. The confused looks on their faces as I pitched my camera skills about why I am so hirable did not go unnoticed. It's a shame that my opportunity at this role was fumbled but I guess I got a surrealist experience of "auditioning" for a role that no longer existed - can I make an IMBD page now? If I did, my credits would be: 1. Director of Time Travel Misadventures 2. Writer of Unscripted Interview Scenarios 3. Cinematographer of Confused Expressions 4. Actor in "The Job That Wasn't" My search continues and hopefully my luck is looking more kindly on me for the next interview schedule!" #filmmaking #CreativeJobs #JobSearch #CreativeIndustry #HRFails #CreativeCareer

Shooting interviews isn’t the most exciting part of filmmaking, but man, I’ve learned so much from it. Honestly, I became a videographer by shooting a ton of interviews and talking head content. It’s where you really get to practice the fundamentals by nailing your composition, setting up great lighting, capturing clean sound, and learning how to make people feel comfortable in front of the camera. Every shoot is a chance to level up, no matter how small it feels. So embrace the grind, try new things, and remember that your growth comes from those everyday moments behind the lens.

Today, I tried to remember and write down a list of names of ALL of the people I have ever had the privilege of interviewing on camera. The list is quickly about to surpass 100 different names.... Out of every role I have ever held in the world of filmmaking, my favourite spot is still, and probably always will be, in the interview chair. While I can truly appreciate and love every part of being on set, nothing compares to the conversations and stories that people have chosen to share with me, and I have truly cherished every one. I've been working to grow as a director for 5 years now, and I am finding the need to set some new major goals to push myself into the next 5 years of my career. So starting today, I am determined to write down every name that I have interviewed that I can remember; and I will remember to continue adding to this list moving forward in my work. As I sort out the list in my notes app, I'm recognizing that I have probably interviewed if not more than, well then surely, nearly 100 different people, all from various walks of life. I realized I have not only gathered so many stories, but so many skills and lessons: Not just lessons about filmmaking, but lessons about being a human. Speaking to people. Thinking Critically. Asking Questions. Most of all, Listening. As I continue to add to the list, I'll try to keep you updated as to when I hit 200. In the meantime, I have decided that I want to share more about my story, and the lessons I have learned as a documentarian working in media. I hope that even if you do not assume the position of director/interviewer/filmmaker/ etc... I hope that these anecdotes will still communicate something that is so powerful about storytelling and just how important it is to listen and have real conversations with one another. Here's to 100 more stories. 📸