After shooting, editing and uploading a short film to YouTube every day for 300 days, Johnathan Fain realised he was “officially hooked” on filmmaking.

The 26-year-old Bermudian is now in his second year of a film degree at Full Sail University in Florida and his dedication has already attracted interest from the Disney Institute, which has asked him to get in touch when he graduates in March.

Social media has played an integral part in his work so far and his two YouTube channels have attracted 5,000 followers between them. “I started doing the YouTube videos and understanding how shooting and editing works and wanted to expand on it by becoming professional,” Mr Fain told The Royal Gazette. “I researched schools and decided to study at Full Sail University to learn more about the industry.

“I really got the ball rolling in 2010 when I started uploading short films to YouTube, making content and building a fanbase all around the world. When all these people started commenting and liking my videos that is when I was officially hooked.

“I’m currently learning the ins and outs of the industry, and have decided now to become a camera operator or first assistant camera on feature films.”

While the majority of his YouTube films were shot on the East Coast and West Coast of the United States, he made some in Bermuda, including one of the Non-Mariners Race three years ago. He also linked up with Bermudian filmmaker and producer Adrian Kawaley-Lathan, who runs Rockfire Productions, to help on a shoot during Harbour Nights.

Many of the films were video diaries and Mr Fain also included some skits, conversational pieces and promotional films for schools, businesses and a sorority.

He said: “At their peak, my channels were averaging about 800 views per day and that’s when I knew I had found my talent.

“Since then, I have been helping shoot some short films and once a month I help to produce a show as floor director. I also work the camera sometimes — it is a behind-the-scenes tour of the whole school. I have a very heavy schedule, so I can’t do too much outside of my studies at the moment.”

Hailing from Pembroke, the former Bermuda Institute student lived for 13 years on the Island before his mother sent him to Valdosta University in Georgia.

After graduation, he plans on moving to Atlanta to work on movies and television shows such as Guardians of The Galaxy and The Walking Dead.

He has gained experience shooting on $100,000 industry-standard cameras, both film and digital.

“The reason I keep getting called back is because I am a really hard worker,” he said when asked of the secret to his success. “I like to keep organised and one of the key things is showing up on time or, even better, to be early. I try to get to a set or wherever I am going 30 minutes to an hour early in case there are any changes.

“So that is what I would say — hard work and showing up on time.

“I had an interview with the Disney Institute a couple of months ago and they are interested in my videos — they asked me to call them when I graduate. I also e-mailed some of the people who are running the America’s Cup about working on camera. I have to finalise my resume and send it to them.”

Asked whether he would recommend film to others, he added: “If people are thinking of getting into this industry, just take a chance.

“I first started trying many different paths and I finally found the one I wanted. Just because you don’t know it doesn’t mean you can’t learn it. If you like it, go for it. Don’t be scared.”