JOIN THE MOVEMENT
The future belongs to filmmakers who move.
“Whether you're making your first film, launching a new career, or getting ready to take charge of your life, Be the Train will ignite the fire within you to make it happen.”
Seen on & featured in
250+
THEATERS NATIONWIDE
Starz, HBO & American Airlines
DISTRIBUTION DEALS
20+ Awards
INDEPENDENT FILMS
Creator-Built
BUILT BY OPERATORS
THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE MOVEMENT
Meet the filmmakers behind Be The Train.
DAN LEVY DAGERMAN & SELINA RINGEL — FOUNDERS
For years, filmmakers Selina Ringel and Dan Levy Dagerman followed the traditional path — film school, auditions, industry gatekeepers — waiting for opportunities to arrive.
They didn't.
Dan and Selina realized the biggest obstacle facing filmmakers wasn't talent — it was getting stuck waiting. Be The Train was built to help filmmakers take ownership of their projects and careers that move.
Today, Be The Train has grown beyond a best selling book into a rapidly growing ecosystem where filmmakers build momentum together.
THE BOOKS
THE BOOK
Be The Train.
The Mindset and Tools You Need to Make Your First Feature Film
Be The Train began as a book by filmmaker Selina Ringel — a practical guide to launching your first film and building momentum as a creator.
Drawing from her experience writing, producing, and starring in her own projects, Selina shares the mindset and tools that helped her stop waiting and start building.
THE NEW BOOK
JUST LAUNCHED
Start The Engine.
The creator manifesto for a world that no longer works the way it used to.
Filmmakers. Creators. Entrepreneurs. Community builders. The walls between them have collapsed. Start The Engine is the field guide for navigating the new creator era — and building a life around your work.
SELINA RINGEL & DAN LEVY DAGERMAN · DIGITAL EDITION · INSTANT ACCESS
What People Are Saying
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING
“Selina Ringel made my transition from screenwriter to screen director a wondrous and enlightening experience! Daily problems became daily solutions thanks to Selina Ringel. Thank you!”
“I called Selina with the crazy idea of producing a movie based on a true story with no prior experience. I learned everything from fundraising, script ideation, casting and more next to her! Selina truly puts her heart and soul into her work. She gives you everything she's got when she gets into a project. I am humbled to have worked with someone of such high integrity and so committed to my success. A truly great creative consultant but so much more.”
“Trusting Selina with guiding advice for a project was easy as she has so much experience and knowledge of the film industry. Not only is she fun and creative, but a pleasure to collaborate with. Selina has helped propel my projects to a higher level. She even gave me advice that helped me cut my budget in half and saved me a lot of time. Will use her expertise every time, highly recommend!”
“Selina's notes on my screenplay provided me with great insights on how to tackle the next draft, which was infinitely better than the previous one. The screenplay then went on to make the semi-finals in the Blue Cat Screenplay Competition and is now in the finals, it is also now being optioned by a production company. I am extremely grateful for Selina's guidance.”
“When I got to L.A. I was faced with many challenges as I pursued my career in acting. The biggest one being that you needed a reel to get a job, but how would you have a reel if you hadn't worked before! Selina showed me that I had all the tools I needed to create my own content, and therefore my own path. Not only did she guide me through the entire process, we ended up winning international awards with the amazing content we created!”
“Selina is an undeniable force of nature. The advice she gives is invaluable for anyone who struggles with self-doubt or needs some practical guidance in this crazy industry. I wish I had read this book when I was starting out as a young filmmaker in Hollywood!”
“Be the Train is a bold, no-nonsense guide for anyone ready to stop waiting and start building their success. If you're ready to stop waiting for opportunities and start making them, this book is for you.”
“The fact that Selina Ringel was able to turn my small $10k budget into a fully produced half hour pilot presentation with a full-blown crew is nothing short of a miracle!”
“Professional, creative and fun to work with!!!”
“Selina worked night and day to ensure the vision for the story came alive.”
Every career starts with a decision to move.
Be The Train is where that movement begins.