4 answers
Ava
Student
Savannah, Georgia
1
Question
Asked
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What would you recommend to someone young trying to break into the film industry, with the goal of directing What are some other sustainable roles that pay well on a set that can be a ladder to directing?
I'm a junior studying film - I have been brought onto different sets for movement coordination/choreography and am wondering if there are any other roles like that that work closely with directors and are sustainable while pursuing my long term goal of being a director
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4 answers
Steve Jacobson
Creative Leader/Content Creator/Producer/Editor/Storyteller
94
Answers
Westlake Village, California
Updated
Steve’s Answer
So you want to be a director? That's an exciting goal! While I once aimed for the same path, I discovered that the film business can be challenging. Many people compete for the same roles, and it can be tough to have control over your career. After finishing a film or TV show, you're often searching for the next opportunity. But don't be discouraged—many have succeeded in this field, like my friends who have thrived in directing episodic television. If you're seeking stability, though, you might want to explore other areas.
Think about where else your talents could shine. I shifted to entertainment marketing, where I wrote, produced, directed, and edited TV promos, trailers, and presentations. This path led me to other video content production roles, providing steady work and the chance to support the TV and film industry creatively.
If your heart is set on directing, look at the journeys of successful directors. Learn from their experiences and see if they match your aspirations. Connect with industry professionals and stay informed about how AI is transforming film production. This knowledge will help you stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry. Show how you can contribute to making engaging and impactful films.
Finally, start by creating short films. Rally your friends, family, and others to support your projects with their time, money, and energy.
Good luck on your journey!
Think about where else your talents could shine. I shifted to entertainment marketing, where I wrote, produced, directed, and edited TV promos, trailers, and presentations. This path led me to other video content production roles, providing steady work and the chance to support the TV and film industry creatively.
If your heart is set on directing, look at the journeys of successful directors. Learn from their experiences and see if they match your aspirations. Connect with industry professionals and stay informed about how AI is transforming film production. This knowledge will help you stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry. Show how you can contribute to making engaging and impactful films.
Finally, start by creating short films. Rally your friends, family, and others to support your projects with their time, money, and energy.
Good luck on your journey!
Michelle M.
Actress
3276
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Ava !
Since you are already in a Film Program (at a University or is it a Film School ?) you are slowly becoming familiar with the way the film industry runs. I can give you some insight on the question you've asked.
Since you are interested in Directing, your focus right now should be on Directing, not what jobs you can get when you graduate. No one is going to be able to tell you your salary either until you interview and work on a specific project. So it's okay to focus on your directing skills right now and discover for yourself the skills you have.
Every film and video project is different. There's a different amount and types of staff depending on what the project needs. This is another reason why you can't tell right now "what positions" or salary you would go out for. You should not be trying to "break into" the film industry when you are a full time film student. Right now, you still have a lot to learn and you'll need to make the effort to develop very strong connections with your professors, instructors and classmates. Be where you are and move forward from there. If you have done blocking for a project already, that's great ! But there's still a lot to learn before you can start the career.
A strong film program would have you directing films or videos already, so if that hasn't been happening, I would advise that you do an independent video or film project on your own which you direct. Focus on the education and experience right now, the career will come later. I would also advise taking some online lectures about the film industry if your film program is not teaching you this aspect. It is crucial to know the operations, collaborative teams and variety and versatility connected to the film business and your program or online lecture classes can inform and teach you this.
You might not want to have in mind the word "sustainable" when it comes to work for film or television. Although a friend of mine was an artistic director on a top ten TV show for years, that came after he had enormous experience and great connections. When he was in college, how could he have ever known he'd have that opportunity ? Things in this field are a constant ebb and flow and a matter of interviewing and waiting to hear back. It's not worth thinking about right now while still learning all that you can.
These are just things to think about so your perspective on a film career can be more beneficial to you if you obtain additional information. If you feel that you aren't sufficiently learning about Directing at your current program, you can consider going for a Masters Degree in Film also. I hope this provides insight and I wish you all the best !
Since you are already in a Film Program (at a University or is it a Film School ?) you are slowly becoming familiar with the way the film industry runs. I can give you some insight on the question you've asked.
Since you are interested in Directing, your focus right now should be on Directing, not what jobs you can get when you graduate. No one is going to be able to tell you your salary either until you interview and work on a specific project. So it's okay to focus on your directing skills right now and discover for yourself the skills you have.
Every film and video project is different. There's a different amount and types of staff depending on what the project needs. This is another reason why you can't tell right now "what positions" or salary you would go out for. You should not be trying to "break into" the film industry when you are a full time film student. Right now, you still have a lot to learn and you'll need to make the effort to develop very strong connections with your professors, instructors and classmates. Be where you are and move forward from there. If you have done blocking for a project already, that's great ! But there's still a lot to learn before you can start the career.
A strong film program would have you directing films or videos already, so if that hasn't been happening, I would advise that you do an independent video or film project on your own which you direct. Focus on the education and experience right now, the career will come later. I would also advise taking some online lectures about the film industry if your film program is not teaching you this aspect. It is crucial to know the operations, collaborative teams and variety and versatility connected to the film business and your program or online lecture classes can inform and teach you this.
You might not want to have in mind the word "sustainable" when it comes to work for film or television. Although a friend of mine was an artistic director on a top ten TV show for years, that came after he had enormous experience and great connections. When he was in college, how could he have ever known he'd have that opportunity ? Things in this field are a constant ebb and flow and a matter of interviewing and waiting to hear back. It's not worth thinking about right now while still learning all that you can.
These are just things to think about so your perspective on a film career can be more beneficial to you if you obtain additional information. If you feel that you aren't sufficiently learning about Directing at your current program, you can consider going for a Masters Degree in Film also. I hope this provides insight and I wish you all the best !
Patrick Phillips
screenwriter
21
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
Hi, Ava! Wanna be a director, huh? There's sooooooo many ways to get there:
- Make films. Study films. Write films. Study writing. Watch and study the best directors. Some went to film school and wrote blockbusters. Others worked in a video store, never took a film or directing class and made some of most memorable, quotable films ever. Actors, writers, and even some crew become directors.
You said you've been on sets before for movement coordination and choreography. That's cool. That's a good place to start:
-Stunt Coordinators work very closely with all directors. A "stunt" can be anything from a simple fall to a punch to a crash, etc. Female stunt coordinators are kinda rare - might be an opportunity. You work a lot, going from gig to gig; tv, movies, commercials, videos, etc.
-Choreographers do everything from dance routines for commercials to epic dance numbers in movies to any film or commercial or music video that needs dance or movement. Same thing, you work a lot. Gig to gig. Build relationships with directors.
- You're a bit young now, but it's a new-ish field in the biz; Intimacy Coordinators. Sure, they help directors with everything from kissing to much more intimate and personal scenes. How to handle the crew, who can stay, who needs to leave, etc. With regards to safety, compliance, boundaries and professionalism, these coordinators ensure that challenging scenes of any intimacy look great on camera but also protect all the actors and crew involved. Before, during, and after the scene is shot.
Those are some examples of how to leverage or utilize your already-existing on-set experience with movement and choreography to seek out future roles in these areas. So many ways to get there. I wish you the best Ava - can't wait to see your work!
Best,
Patrick
- Make films. Study films. Write films. Study writing. Watch and study the best directors. Some went to film school and wrote blockbusters. Others worked in a video store, never took a film or directing class and made some of most memorable, quotable films ever. Actors, writers, and even some crew become directors.
You said you've been on sets before for movement coordination and choreography. That's cool. That's a good place to start:
-Stunt Coordinators work very closely with all directors. A "stunt" can be anything from a simple fall to a punch to a crash, etc. Female stunt coordinators are kinda rare - might be an opportunity. You work a lot, going from gig to gig; tv, movies, commercials, videos, etc.
-Choreographers do everything from dance routines for commercials to epic dance numbers in movies to any film or commercial or music video that needs dance or movement. Same thing, you work a lot. Gig to gig. Build relationships with directors.
- You're a bit young now, but it's a new-ish field in the biz; Intimacy Coordinators. Sure, they help directors with everything from kissing to much more intimate and personal scenes. How to handle the crew, who can stay, who needs to leave, etc. With regards to safety, compliance, boundaries and professionalism, these coordinators ensure that challenging scenes of any intimacy look great on camera but also protect all the actors and crew involved. Before, during, and after the scene is shot.
Those are some examples of how to leverage or utilize your already-existing on-set experience with movement and choreography to seek out future roles in these areas. So many ways to get there. I wish you the best Ava - can't wait to see your work!
Best,
Patrick
James Henry
Instructional Designer
6
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
James’s Answer
Hi, Ava. I may not have as much experience as others, but I have worked film sound production, post production and written multiple screenplays that have won awards. As others have pointed out, a career as a movie director is an extremely ambitious goal to say the least. Nevertheless, you have a lot of promise in that you have entered a structured program and begun using skills directly related to your goal.
My advice, similar to a few others, is to focus on MAKING a film of your own, and all the skills that requires.
Conceiving of the story (it can be 1-2 minutes), figuring our how to shoot it and what resources it requires (1 actor, 2 actors, a room, a park bench, a cell phone, a suitcase, whatever...). And including managing the sound and light - even if you need to get someone to assist and advise you on some of the technical aspects. But learn how all the aspects work together for a filmmaking project. And then EDIT it. There's free software available like DaVinci Resolve and OpenShot, and Youtube tutorials on how to use them. But break an idea down to its simplest form and do what it takes to produce a finished work - including scripting, casting, production and post production. I mean a micro short using your smartphone - not spending money to rent equipment. The point of all this is to get a first-hand understanding of all the muscles it takes to bring a vision to the form of a finished film, even a 1-2 minute one.
During this process, it is likely you will start gaining some technical understanding, interest and maybe even aptitude in camera, lighting, sound, scripting, production, or maybe more than one. Any of these will better equip you to assist with others' projects in the future, potentially get work on productions, and hopefully get you more accustomed to the directorial process. You will have made yourself even more valuable to collaborations as well as taken a step toward being a more informed and skilled director (technically). But the storytelling - crafting the concept, script, execution via the actors, and editing - is where you will really understand what directing is, and whether or not this is truly your calling.
Doing all of this on your own, even on a small scale, will teach you invaluable lessons on how to think like a director, which is an important step in your development.
All the best, Ava!
My advice, similar to a few others, is to focus on MAKING a film of your own, and all the skills that requires.
Conceiving of the story (it can be 1-2 minutes), figuring our how to shoot it and what resources it requires (1 actor, 2 actors, a room, a park bench, a cell phone, a suitcase, whatever...). And including managing the sound and light - even if you need to get someone to assist and advise you on some of the technical aspects. But learn how all the aspects work together for a filmmaking project. And then EDIT it. There's free software available like DaVinci Resolve and OpenShot, and Youtube tutorials on how to use them. But break an idea down to its simplest form and do what it takes to produce a finished work - including scripting, casting, production and post production. I mean a micro short using your smartphone - not spending money to rent equipment. The point of all this is to get a first-hand understanding of all the muscles it takes to bring a vision to the form of a finished film, even a 1-2 minute one.
During this process, it is likely you will start gaining some technical understanding, interest and maybe even aptitude in camera, lighting, sound, scripting, production, or maybe more than one. Any of these will better equip you to assist with others' projects in the future, potentially get work on productions, and hopefully get you more accustomed to the directorial process. You will have made yourself even more valuable to collaborations as well as taken a step toward being a more informed and skilled director (technically). But the storytelling - crafting the concept, script, execution via the actors, and editing - is where you will really understand what directing is, and whether or not this is truly your calling.
Doing all of this on your own, even on a small scale, will teach you invaluable lessons on how to think like a director, which is an important step in your development.
All the best, Ava!