If you want to work in the film industry where would you start?

I'm a sophomore in high school. I have heard the basic advice already: "just film something". Well I did that and I have filmed a bunch of short films. Some are just simple videos of my dog with music and camera angles, some are parodies of movie trailers, some are just stupid. I have over 20 or so of these short films but only a few are actually good. I don't know where to go from there. All I have is an iphone camera and a simple video editing program. My parents would never buy me an actual camera or editing program. I could pretty much write a book about that sh*tty editing program I use by know. I can only do basic stuff and I'm tired of it. I want to move on to more professional filmmaking, with actual actors and good equipment. I have no idea what to do now. What is the next step supposed to be. I'm too young to get an internship so what am I supposed to do.

20 short films isn't a lot. Better equipment isn't going to help you if you don't know the basics of telling a story visually. 15 or 14 year old isn't going to get a job in the industry, so you have time to work on your skills and possibly go to film school.

Whilst I understand your frustration, be careful it doesn't become your default setting. People can tell negativity a mile off.

Does your school have an editing suite? If not, why not? Can you pursue that option if they don't have one, but may be open to acquiring it, subject to such things as budget? Schools qualify for a hefty discount from editing program makers, and possibly computer manufacturers as well.

Next, gauge interest from other students about forming some kind of club-meet where you can find who has what, equipment-wise, and experience-wise. Pool resources. Approach the drama club for actors. Work out a short but interesting story to tell, and go do it. Have a look at the Shorts' Corner in Cannes for inspiration.

The ones you have done, as you say, are more about toying around, but at the very least, they serve as a 'how to' or 'how not to' do it. Editing programs include: Avid, Premier Pro, Final Cut Pro, and the recently released Black Magic's Da Vinci.

At your age, I'd try getting into theater. If you want to act, audition for plays at school, churches, and local theaters. If you want to do more behind the scenes stuff like writing or filming, apply at the same places, but for the producing crew, lighting, stagehand, etc. You'll be starting at the bottom, but most people do.

Take drama at school or join the drama club (just ask if you can focus on writing or stage assistance if you don't want to act). Then if you go to college, do the same: join drama club and major in arts, taking classes related to film and production.

Applying elsewhere, like churches and theatres will get you experience. Experience is far more valuable than a piece of paper called a degree. Learn the ropes in multiple areas of the stage. If you're lucky, you can expand into film.