"Stop making excuses, just go out and shoot!" That's the mantra of countless teachers, well-wishers, and more-experienced filmmakers, but is it good advice? What does it actually take to become a filmmaker?

You have a camera that records video, you have some free time, and you want to teach yourself how to shoot like a pro. This series will show you how to really get started, highlight common pitfalls to watch out for, and suggest some great film making opportunities to explore this weekend.