Craft a compelling screenplay. Write the movie you would love to see. Don't just follow whatever is trending and heating up the box office at the moment. By the time you finish your script, the trend may be cold as ice. Obtain screenwriting books which detail proper story structure, accepted industry format, ways to develop realistic characters, portray thrilling action, and place interesting dialogue in your characters' mouths. Don't assume you know how to write a movie simply because you never miss a good flick at the local theater. Study and practice.
Show your script to professional writers, or members of a writing group. Consider feedback from writing colleagues that you trust, and polish your work through careful rewrites. Contact agents and managers registered with the Writer's Guild of America, or WGA, when you have a finished, professional script. Write an email query or send a fax or mailed letter, seeking representation.
Use your screenplay to shoot your own short film. Purchase a quality digital video camera, which is less expensive than a traditional camera which uses film. Remember to keep the special effects, locations, and other considerations within your budget. With the rise of Internet sites where you can upload your own videos, you have a worldwide venue to use this short as your calling card to both the public and to industry professionals.
Place an ad or enlist a qualified personal acquaintance as your director of photography, or DP, if you are aiming for professional quality. This individual, also known as a cinematographer, is indispensable in making technical and artistic decisions involving the lighting and shooting of your film.
Enlist actors who are willing to work for the pay, if any, that you are able to offer. If you don't know professional actors, look to the drama department of local schools and colleges. Place an ad. Also, if you have willing friends and family, you have a cast. Consider short film festivals as an outlet for your completed film, to possibly garner industry recognition and initiate valuable professional relationships.
Obtain a position as an assistant to someone involved in the movie industry, or secure a production assistant, or PA, position on a local movie production. This is a tried and effective method of learning first hand the nuts and bolts of making a movie. Prepare yourself for long work days and menial tasks such as running errands or fetching coffee. In the meantime, keep your ears and eyes open to absorb what you can about the equipment and the dynamics of teamwork in making a movie, as well as make contacts.
Guard yourself, when searching out movie industry positions, from the many con artists that lurk to take advantage of industry hopefuls. Avoid general advertisements, such as those in classified ads, promising too-good-to-be-true, lucrative entry-level jobs in the industry, especially with no previous experience necessary.