3 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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3 answers
Ricardo Islas
producer
34
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!
Helena Y. Wu
Film director / producer
27
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.
Vianne Phan
Youth Development Teacher
107
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.