5 answers
Sophia
Student
Cross Plains, Wisconsin
1
Question
Asked
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What skills are most important to know as a director starting out to gain respect, trust and quickly rise the ranks of the film industry? Which of these can I be practicing now as a sophomore in high school?
I am a sophomore in high school in Wisconsin but looking to move to LA and attend film school while working internships after graduation. I own one camera and an editing software and have little access to creative technique information. Have already completed writing full script for what I plan on being an indie breakout movie.
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5 answers
Kelly Donnellan
Associate Professor
26
Answers
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Updated
Kelly’s Answer
I love that you’re thinking this way already. Writing a full script as a sophomore in high school shows real commitment. That matters.
Now let’s talk about what actually earns a director respect and trust.
It’s not ego. It’s not being the loudest voice. It’s not even technical mastery at first. Directors rise because they:
1. Communicate clearly.
Can you explain your vision simply and confidently?
2. Stay calm under pressure.
Sets are chaotic. Steady energy builds trust.
3. Respect every department.
Film is collaborative. Learn what cinematographers, editors, sound designers, and actors actually do.
4. Prepare thoroughly.
Shot lists. Storyboards. Rehearsals. Knowing your script inside and out.
5. Listen.
Great directors ask strong questions. They don’t pretend to know everything.
What can you practice right now?
You already own a camera and editing software. That’s huge.
• Shoot short scenes — 2–3 minutes. Practice directing performance.
• Edit your work so you understand what coverage you actually need.
• Rewrite and refine your script.
• Work with friends and practice leading with clarity and respect.
Take advantage of learning resources:
MasterClass offers classes from directors like Martin Scorsese and writers like Aaron Sorkin. Listening to how they think about story and leadership is incredibly valuable.
Watch director commentaries and interviews, pay attention to why they chose certain shots.
The The New York Times series Anatomy of a Scene is an excellent resource where directors break down their decision-making process.
And here’s something important:
Your job right now isn’t to “break out.” It’s to make progress. Compare yourself to where you started six months ago. Compare yourself to where you are now. That’s the only comparison that matters.
Progress isn’t linear, some projects will feel like leaps forward, others will feel messy. Both are part of the process.
Directors build trust by showing growth, consistency, preparation, and respect over time.
You don’t need to be in LA yet to develop those qualities. You develop them by creating, reflecting, adjusting, and creating again.
Stay curious. Stay disciplined. Keep progressing. You’re already on the path. 💛
Source: The New York Times https://share.google/PjIOyxQf6OBt13XXn
MasterClass Subcategories https://share.google/wN9HWlZHVoRTlFSTL
Now let’s talk about what actually earns a director respect and trust.
It’s not ego. It’s not being the loudest voice. It’s not even technical mastery at first. Directors rise because they:
1. Communicate clearly.
Can you explain your vision simply and confidently?
2. Stay calm under pressure.
Sets are chaotic. Steady energy builds trust.
3. Respect every department.
Film is collaborative. Learn what cinematographers, editors, sound designers, and actors actually do.
4. Prepare thoroughly.
Shot lists. Storyboards. Rehearsals. Knowing your script inside and out.
5. Listen.
Great directors ask strong questions. They don’t pretend to know everything.
What can you practice right now?
You already own a camera and editing software. That’s huge.
• Shoot short scenes — 2–3 minutes. Practice directing performance.
• Edit your work so you understand what coverage you actually need.
• Rewrite and refine your script.
• Work with friends and practice leading with clarity and respect.
Take advantage of learning resources:
MasterClass offers classes from directors like Martin Scorsese and writers like Aaron Sorkin. Listening to how they think about story and leadership is incredibly valuable.
Watch director commentaries and interviews, pay attention to why they chose certain shots.
The The New York Times series Anatomy of a Scene is an excellent resource where directors break down their decision-making process.
And here’s something important:
Your job right now isn’t to “break out.” It’s to make progress. Compare yourself to where you started six months ago. Compare yourself to where you are now. That’s the only comparison that matters.
Progress isn’t linear, some projects will feel like leaps forward, others will feel messy. Both are part of the process.
Directors build trust by showing growth, consistency, preparation, and respect over time.
You don’t need to be in LA yet to develop those qualities. You develop them by creating, reflecting, adjusting, and creating again.
Stay curious. Stay disciplined. Keep progressing. You’re already on the path. 💛
Kelly recommends the following next steps:
Helena Y. Wu
Film director / producer
28
Answers
Pasadena, California
Updated
Helena Y.’s Answer
Be respectful to every crew member working for the project. Know what you are doing. Be polite and friendly during discussions. Talk to people privately, rather than publicly if they ever make a mistake. We are collaborators. No body is the boss.
That's my personal experience. Hope this is helpful.
That's my personal experience. Hope this is helpful.
Steve Jacobson
Creative Leader/Content Creator/Producer/Editor/Storyteller
119
Answers
Westlake Village, California
Updated
Steve’s Answer
You've already achieved so much, and that's an amazing start! Now, try creating short films that don't require a big budget. Focus on making your stories captivating to really connect with your audience. Ask for honest feedback from people you trust. Their insights will help you improve and grow as a storyteller. It's much easier to make changes early on than during editing. Best of luck on your journey!
Vianne Phan
Youth Development Teacher
296
Answers
San Diego, California
Updated
Vianne’s Answer
Having a camera, knowing how to edit, and finishing a script already puts you in a good place. At first, directors earn respect not by being "the boss" but by being reliable, prepared, and good at working with others. Important skills early on include clear communication, a strong sense of storytelling, and leading without ego. People trust directors who know what they want but are open to ideas and always show up ready.
For now, focus on visual storytelling and teamwork. Use your camera to shoot short scenes, even simple ones, and concentrate on framing, blocking, and emotion rather than fancy equipment. Try directing friends or classmates on small projects to practice sharing your vision and solving problems quickly. Editing your own work is important too. It helps you learn about pacing, which shots matter, and what you might want to film differently. Watch movies closely and analyze scenes you love, noticing camera movement, lighting, and how performances are crafted.
To grow in the industry, especially early on, your reputation will come from being someone people enjoy working with. Be organized, meet deadlines, and value everyone's role, even on small projects. You don't need top-level resources yet. What matters most is consistently creating, learning from each project, and building a small collection of work you can showcase. Keep writing, shooting, directing, and collaborating now, and you'll gain real experience, not just ambition, by the time you reach film school or LA.
For now, focus on visual storytelling and teamwork. Use your camera to shoot short scenes, even simple ones, and concentrate on framing, blocking, and emotion rather than fancy equipment. Try directing friends or classmates on small projects to practice sharing your vision and solving problems quickly. Editing your own work is important too. It helps you learn about pacing, which shots matter, and what you might want to film differently. Watch movies closely and analyze scenes you love, noticing camera movement, lighting, and how performances are crafted.
To grow in the industry, especially early on, your reputation will come from being someone people enjoy working with. Be organized, meet deadlines, and value everyone's role, even on small projects. You don't need top-level resources yet. What matters most is consistently creating, learning from each project, and building a small collection of work you can showcase. Keep writing, shooting, directing, and collaborating now, and you'll gain real experience, not just ambition, by the time you reach film school or LA.
Ricardo Islas
producer
35
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Ricardo’s Answer
Hi Sophia,
You're off to a great start with a script, a camera, and editing software in hand! Gather some friends and dive into making your movie. At your age and without prior experience, completing a film is a big achievement. Just the effort to start and finish it is significant, no matter the outcome. Your determination will earn you respect and admiration from others. Be humble, expect to make mistakes, and learn from them while enjoying the process. In this industry, progress takes time unless you have connections, but starting now will help you get ahead. So, don't wait—begin filming as soon as you can!
You're off to a great start with a script, a camera, and editing software in hand! Gather some friends and dive into making your movie. At your age and without prior experience, completing a film is a big achievement. Just the effort to start and finish it is significant, no matter the outcome. Your determination will earn you respect and admiration from others. Be humble, expect to make mistakes, and learn from them while enjoying the process. In this industry, progress takes time unless you have connections, but starting now will help you get ahead. So, don't wait—begin filming as soon as you can!