How to Write for the Day One Website
We want your writing!
We're always on the lookout for young filmmaker perspectives in the hopes that they are inspired or feel comforted by the shared experiences of others.
What we’re looking for:
We are looking for articles that are written in your own voice, as if you are talking to your peers. So, this could be in the form of advice or giving your own account of your relatable experience. Articles should be around the 500 word mark and the Day One team can edit these for you. Ideally, after an edit, it will be true to your voice and easy for our audience to read.
Some tips:
- Write down a list of film things that matter to you (Eg, why you started making films, why you want to make it into film, etc), then write a paragraph about each point with an introduction and a conclusion.
- Try to write it in your own voice (use language you would normally use) - you can try and do a first draft of your article as a voice note (as if you were sending it to a friend).
- Try to avoid cheesy phrases or just avoid using any phrase you would not use in your own life
- Avoid expletives
- When in doubt, make a list (Eg. Top 10…)
- Interview a filmmaker friend. Talk about your likes, dislikes, inspirations, top film moments, what you struggle with as a young filmmaker, where you want to be in ten years time, what are your criterion picks? (Feel free to ask your own questions. Just make sure they are relevant to a young filmmaker audience).
- Use a humorous story or anecdote
- Use pop culture references
Check out a few recent example articles here:
Topics suggestions:
- Tips for coming up with story ideas
- Common pitfalls with writing / funding / editing / camera / lighting, etc.
- Learning from your mistakes
- Being a parent in the film industry
- Accessibility
- Mental Health: What it’s like for an emerging filmmaker
- Gender inequality
- Discrimination / bias
- Working with mates - Good or bad? Something in between?
Things to include:
- Any images and video links you want to include in your story (a header image at least)
- A short bio and your pronouns
- Your Instagram and Tiktok handles
Some references to check out for inspiration:
Message us if you're keen to write for us! Email natasha@dofilm.co.nz