The Foundational Book
Be The Train
Stop waiting for permission. Start building momentum.
More than a filmmaking book, Be The Train is a practical guide to creating your own opportunities, building resilience, and finishing what matters.
By Selina Ringel
What People Are Saying
“Even in my fourth decade as a professional filmmaker, I learned important essentials from Selina Ringel’s BE THE TRAIN. The specificity of her advice, earned from her own hard work, speaks volumes about subjects like making genuine contacts, finding an agent and/or manager, production, distribution, rejection, resilience, failing better, and so much more.”
Michael Miner
Co-writer, ROBOCOP | Director, THE BOOK OF STARS
“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!”
Amy Wang
Director, Slanted · Writer, Crazy Rich Asians 2
“Selina Ringel is a filmmaker who’s always had an infectious enthusiasm which she’s now sharing in her informative, inspiring and frequently hilarious book, Be The Train! A must-read for any creative soul chasing a dream and eager to start driving their own train.”
Dan Mirvish
Filmmaker / Author · Founder, Slamdance
About Be The Train
What You'll Learn
Build Momentum
How to stop waiting and start creating.
Think Like A Creator
Create opportunities instead of chasing them.
Finish What You Start
Move projects from idea to reality.
Build Your Team
Find collaborators who elevate the work.
Navigate Rejection
Use setbacks as fuel.
Find Joy In The Process
Create a sustainable creative life.
The Story
From Waiting To Creating
As an aspiring actress, Selina Ringel waited for years for her train to arrive. She moved to Hollywood and did everything "by the book" — went to film school, attended endless casting calls, and searched for an agent.
But without a finished project, opportunities kept passing her by.
That’s when she realized she had to become the train — create her own momentum rather than waiting for external validation or resources.
Drawing from her experience writing, producing, and starring in her own projects — including three feature films, a comedy special, and a digital TV series — Selina reveals the mindset and tools every creator needs to stop waiting and start building.
“As an award-winning filmmaker who dared to do things her way, Selina offers practical tips and insights to help you take control of your future. 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.”
Mel Robbins
#1 New York Times Bestselling Author
About The Author
About Selina
Selina Ringel is a Mexican-American filmmaker, author, producer, actress, and entrepreneur. A graduate of the AFI Conservatory, she has written, produced, and starred in her own feature films — including You, Me & Her, which released in 250+ theaters nationwide.
She built Be The Train from a personal philosophy into a growing ecosystem — books, courses, and community — for creators who refuse to wait for permission.
