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How to become a Director?
Share your journey & guide aspiring Directors on their path!
Note: We've seen a lot of interest in this career, so we're looking for guidance from our community of professionals.
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4 answers
Nat Christian
Writer-Director
7
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Nat’s Answer
I am wrong a lot. Having said that…
1st - with your phone, shoot something that you feel will affect your viewers. Just go for it. Whether it’s - laughter, scary stuff, something romantic, something that you feel strongly about that you want to get across. Keep messing around with this stuff.
2nd - Very soon, take good acting courses. First dramatic and then perhaps comedy improv. Dramatic improv is different from comedy improv. You'll feel better working with actors.
3rd - Take a screenwriting class or read books on the subject. Most U.S. movies focus on a 3 Act structure, but once you understand it - you don’t have to adhere to any set of rules. We are talking about ””art.” But go ahead and adhere so you don’t scare people off!
4th - Work with actors from acting class (you’ll have a better understanding of talking to actors) and people who have similar sensibilities. Once you embark on that, some people will handle logistics like locations, food, trash, etc.
Just like a simple photo shoot - you’ll need to be sure that you are in a location, you have lights (or a light), actors, a bathroom for them and a place for trash. That sounds a little more like producing - but really when you first start you will have to know these are in place - at least a person you choose for your project to handle that. Because - YOU need to FOCUS on telling your story.
Through the beginning phases of your journey, you will get a clearer understanding of exactly what you would like doing - and how.
Good luck.
Nat
1st - with your phone, shoot something that you feel will affect your viewers. Just go for it. Whether it’s - laughter, scary stuff, something romantic, something that you feel strongly about that you want to get across. Keep messing around with this stuff.
2nd - Very soon, take good acting courses. First dramatic and then perhaps comedy improv. Dramatic improv is different from comedy improv. You'll feel better working with actors.
3rd - Take a screenwriting class or read books on the subject. Most U.S. movies focus on a 3 Act structure, but once you understand it - you don’t have to adhere to any set of rules. We are talking about ””art.” But go ahead and adhere so you don’t scare people off!
4th - Work with actors from acting class (you’ll have a better understanding of talking to actors) and people who have similar sensibilities. Once you embark on that, some people will handle logistics like locations, food, trash, etc.
Just like a simple photo shoot - you’ll need to be sure that you are in a location, you have lights (or a light), actors, a bathroom for them and a place for trash. That sounds a little more like producing - but really when you first start you will have to know these are in place - at least a person you choose for your project to handle that. Because - YOU need to FOCUS on telling your story.
Through the beginning phases of your journey, you will get a clearer understanding of exactly what you would like doing - and how.
Good luck.
Nat
Deayden Jackson
1
Answer
Eldridge, Iowa
Updated
Deayden’s Answer
Here's a few tips as someone who has done directing, writing, and editing both solo and with a group.
1. You need to be willing to take a significant amount of hours out of your day if you want to come out with a really good product. This is both in and outside of the job. The amount of planning you need to be able to accomplish and stick to is astronomical. Storyboards, shot lists, release forms, location scouting, actor auditions-- these are just a few of the responsibilities that will solely be resting on you as an indie director. Now, responsibilities are usually split off more when you actually move into the industry, but chances are that you're going to be doing a lot of your first-time filming as an indie director, so this is information to keep in mind for when you're initially starting out.
2. You are going to need to be good with people. Like, REALLY good with people. This is a job where you're going to be working with people nonstop, and there's no getting around that. Whether that be your actors, proprietors of the locations you want to film in, producers, etc. It seems like a no-brainer to be respectful to others and to be able to be presentable, but it's important to know nonetheless.
3. Get trained to use professional equipment. Whether that be in film school or a film program in a college, that is the best way. I don't think it's a good idea to start filming with simply a phone and a few people, because, in my experience, many people will consider it to be cheap, or at least think it looks that way. Unfortunately, people will not care about the amount of time put into it-- the final result is what they'll see. So you need to learn how to use a camera; how to use editing software; how to light properly; how to make good audio (which is something that is HUGE in this line of work. If you have good audio, it will go a long way.) It's going to be a lot of information, but as long as you pay attention, get a grasp of the fundamentals, and are good at the hands-on, practical work, you can come away with a respectable amount of skill.
4. Expect stress, especially when starting out. This could potentially be one of the hardest careers of your life (as it was for me.) You're going to feel like your work is terrible sometimes, like you can do better. But once you get all the shots that you need and everything starts coming together, you're going to feel like you're on cloud nine. While this career is one of the hardest and most stressful, it's also one of the most rewarding if done right. So don't get discouraged.
1. You need to be willing to take a significant amount of hours out of your day if you want to come out with a really good product. This is both in and outside of the job. The amount of planning you need to be able to accomplish and stick to is astronomical. Storyboards, shot lists, release forms, location scouting, actor auditions-- these are just a few of the responsibilities that will solely be resting on you as an indie director. Now, responsibilities are usually split off more when you actually move into the industry, but chances are that you're going to be doing a lot of your first-time filming as an indie director, so this is information to keep in mind for when you're initially starting out.
2. You are going to need to be good with people. Like, REALLY good with people. This is a job where you're going to be working with people nonstop, and there's no getting around that. Whether that be your actors, proprietors of the locations you want to film in, producers, etc. It seems like a no-brainer to be respectful to others and to be able to be presentable, but it's important to know nonetheless.
3. Get trained to use professional equipment. Whether that be in film school or a film program in a college, that is the best way. I don't think it's a good idea to start filming with simply a phone and a few people, because, in my experience, many people will consider it to be cheap, or at least think it looks that way. Unfortunately, people will not care about the amount of time put into it-- the final result is what they'll see. So you need to learn how to use a camera; how to use editing software; how to light properly; how to make good audio (which is something that is HUGE in this line of work. If you have good audio, it will go a long way.) It's going to be a lot of information, but as long as you pay attention, get a grasp of the fundamentals, and are good at the hands-on, practical work, you can come away with a respectable amount of skill.
4. Expect stress, especially when starting out. This could potentially be one of the hardest careers of your life (as it was for me.) You're going to feel like your work is terrible sometimes, like you can do better. But once you get all the shots that you need and everything starts coming together, you're going to feel like you're on cloud nine. While this career is one of the hardest and most stressful, it's also one of the most rewarding if done right. So don't get discouraged.
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1886
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, CVOH !
It is wonderful that there is a rising interest in Directing ! I have some advice for aspiring directors that could possibly be helpful to start their exploration for this career.
Being a Director in film, television and theatre (and even dance choreography) begins with a complete knowledge of the field. My advice for the best route for this would be an academic path, either focusing on the medium of choice, or specifically beginning with theatre directing. The reason it may be fundamental to begin with theatre is because there is no camera or studio type collaboration to additionally work with, just the actors and stage and then the other collaborators as the production takes shape. A large part of directing is interpreting the script, so courses in analysis are important. A director needs to know the best way to convey the story through blocking, movement and tone. The director will need to know how theatre, film and TV work and what the director has to work with.
Many film programs at colleges and technical schools offer a concentration in Directing. Some colleges offer courses in Directing through their Theatre, Film or Communications Studies Departments. The first thing an interested person should do is decide which form they want to begin with. It is also essential for all interested students to take one or two Acting classes as well. I directed my first plays (two simultaneously) when I had two years experience as an actor and that seemed to come naturally after being directed myself, I knew just what to focus on. It was a fulfilling and satisfying experience being on the other side of it for once, but I do prefer being the actor. I then took Directing in college which was wonderful and I had one of the best professors for that course. Now that I think of it, it would benefit Directing students to take a course in Promotions and Management, too.
I would suggest that if any interested high school students want experience in Directing, they should meet with their schools' theatre teacher and ask if they can do a play, perhaps a one-act play, and discuss the arrangements . They can also think about getting some actors together to do street theatre at various hot spots in their town or city. There are also some courses that someone can take either free or for cost online. I have left two links below.
Knowing that, as with all other careers, the journey is a process and the more life experience and open mindedness one has, the more one can progress as a Director. It would require a strong interest in the story and some experience in acting because those are the two main things that a director works with - script and actors. Being a collaborative art, one must also be fairly familiar with the other aspects of the medium, too.
I hope that this is helpful and again, I am glad that people are showing an interest in the exciting, creative field of Directing !
FREE THEATRE AND FILM COURSES ONLINE https://www.classcentral.com/subject/film-and-theatre
THEATRE DIRECTING DIPLOMA COURSE ONLINE https://www.nipai.org/programs/theatre-directing-diploma
It is wonderful that there is a rising interest in Directing ! I have some advice for aspiring directors that could possibly be helpful to start their exploration for this career.
Being a Director in film, television and theatre (and even dance choreography) begins with a complete knowledge of the field. My advice for the best route for this would be an academic path, either focusing on the medium of choice, or specifically beginning with theatre directing. The reason it may be fundamental to begin with theatre is because there is no camera or studio type collaboration to additionally work with, just the actors and stage and then the other collaborators as the production takes shape. A large part of directing is interpreting the script, so courses in analysis are important. A director needs to know the best way to convey the story through blocking, movement and tone. The director will need to know how theatre, film and TV work and what the director has to work with.
Many film programs at colleges and technical schools offer a concentration in Directing. Some colleges offer courses in Directing through their Theatre, Film or Communications Studies Departments. The first thing an interested person should do is decide which form they want to begin with. It is also essential for all interested students to take one or two Acting classes as well. I directed my first plays (two simultaneously) when I had two years experience as an actor and that seemed to come naturally after being directed myself, I knew just what to focus on. It was a fulfilling and satisfying experience being on the other side of it for once, but I do prefer being the actor. I then took Directing in college which was wonderful and I had one of the best professors for that course. Now that I think of it, it would benefit Directing students to take a course in Promotions and Management, too.
I would suggest that if any interested high school students want experience in Directing, they should meet with their schools' theatre teacher and ask if they can do a play, perhaps a one-act play, and discuss the arrangements . They can also think about getting some actors together to do street theatre at various hot spots in their town or city. There are also some courses that someone can take either free or for cost online. I have left two links below.
Knowing that, as with all other careers, the journey is a process and the more life experience and open mindedness one has, the more one can progress as a Director. It would require a strong interest in the story and some experience in acting because those are the two main things that a director works with - script and actors. Being a collaborative art, one must also be fairly familiar with the other aspects of the medium, too.
I hope that this is helpful and again, I am glad that people are showing an interest in the exciting, creative field of Directing !
Michelle recommends the following next steps:
Annaleigh Niedzielski
Videographer, Producer, Assistant Director
65
Answers
Phoenix, Arizona
Updated
Annaleigh’s Answer
Hey all!
Becoming a director is a dream job for many, and while it takes hard work and dedication, it’s definitely possible! Here’s a general path to becoming a director, whether you want to work in film, TV, or even theater:
1. **Learn the Basics of Filmmaking**: It helps to understand every aspect of production, so start by learning the fundamentals of filmmaking. Since you're already studying Digital Film with an emphasis on Production, you’re off to a great start! Pay attention to things like camera work, lighting, sound design, and editing—all of these come together when directing.
2. **Get Hands-On Experience**: The best way to learn how to direct is to get on set. Start by working on smaller projects, whether it’s student films, short films, or even volunteering for low-budget productions. You can also begin by working in other roles on set, like being a production assistant, camera operator, or even an editor. This helps you understand how different departments work and gives you valuable on-set experience.
3. **Create Your Own Projects**: You don’t have to wait for someone to give you a directing job. Start by making your own short films, music videos, or even sketches. These projects don’t have to be expensive—grab some friends, write a simple script, and shoot it! The more projects you direct, the more you'll learn about what works and what doesn’t.
4. **Build a Portfolio**: As you direct more projects, build a reel or portfolio to showcase your work. This is what you’ll use to apply for jobs, submit to film festivals, or share with potential collaborators. A strong portfolio demonstrates your vision, creativity, and ability to bring a story to life.
5. **Network and Make Connections**: Networking is key in the film industry. Attend film festivals, join local film organizations, and connect with others in the industry. Making connections with other filmmakers, producers, and crew members can lead to future opportunities. You never know who might offer you a chance to direct a project!
6. **Study the Work of Other Directors**: Watch as many films, TV shows, or plays as you can and analyze how different directors tell stories. Pay attention to how they use camera angles, pacing, and performances to convey emotion. Learning from the greats can inspire your own style and approach.
7. **Start Small and Work Your Way Up**: Most directors don’t land big Hollywood films right away. Many start with smaller projects, like short films or commercials, and build from there. Over time, as your experience grows, you’ll have more opportunities to work on larger productions.
8. **Be Patient and Persistent**: Directing is a competitive field, so it takes time to break in. Keep working on your craft, learning new skills, and making connections. The more projects you’re involved in, the closer you’ll get to achieving your goal.
It sounds like you already have a passion for being on set, so continue gaining experience, building your skills, and creating your own content. Every step you take gets you closer to directing your own films!
Becoming a director is a dream job for many, and while it takes hard work and dedication, it’s definitely possible! Here’s a general path to becoming a director, whether you want to work in film, TV, or even theater:
1. **Learn the Basics of Filmmaking**: It helps to understand every aspect of production, so start by learning the fundamentals of filmmaking. Since you're already studying Digital Film with an emphasis on Production, you’re off to a great start! Pay attention to things like camera work, lighting, sound design, and editing—all of these come together when directing.
2. **Get Hands-On Experience**: The best way to learn how to direct is to get on set. Start by working on smaller projects, whether it’s student films, short films, or even volunteering for low-budget productions. You can also begin by working in other roles on set, like being a production assistant, camera operator, or even an editor. This helps you understand how different departments work and gives you valuable on-set experience.
3. **Create Your Own Projects**: You don’t have to wait for someone to give you a directing job. Start by making your own short films, music videos, or even sketches. These projects don’t have to be expensive—grab some friends, write a simple script, and shoot it! The more projects you direct, the more you'll learn about what works and what doesn’t.
4. **Build a Portfolio**: As you direct more projects, build a reel or portfolio to showcase your work. This is what you’ll use to apply for jobs, submit to film festivals, or share with potential collaborators. A strong portfolio demonstrates your vision, creativity, and ability to bring a story to life.
5. **Network and Make Connections**: Networking is key in the film industry. Attend film festivals, join local film organizations, and connect with others in the industry. Making connections with other filmmakers, producers, and crew members can lead to future opportunities. You never know who might offer you a chance to direct a project!
6. **Study the Work of Other Directors**: Watch as many films, TV shows, or plays as you can and analyze how different directors tell stories. Pay attention to how they use camera angles, pacing, and performances to convey emotion. Learning from the greats can inspire your own style and approach.
7. **Start Small and Work Your Way Up**: Most directors don’t land big Hollywood films right away. Many start with smaller projects, like short films or commercials, and build from there. Over time, as your experience grows, you’ll have more opportunities to work on larger productions.
8. **Be Patient and Persistent**: Directing is a competitive field, so it takes time to break in. Keep working on your craft, learning new skills, and making connections. The more projects you’re involved in, the closer you’ll get to achieving your goal.
It sounds like you already have a passion for being on set, so continue gaining experience, building your skills, and creating your own content. Every step you take gets you closer to directing your own films!