3 answers
Vicente
Student
1
Question
Asked
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What makes me become a film director?
In middle school, I directed this small movie with a few classmates. But I don't know if I can call that film directing or just practicing (Because I was young, of course.)
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3 answers
Steve Jacobson
Creative Leader/Content Creator/Producer/Editor/Storyteller
121
Answers
Westlake Village, California
Updated
Steve’s Answer
Start creating your own videos today and take the first step toward your dream of directing films. Begin with simple stories and practice shooting, editing, and directing them. After each project, ask your family and friends for honest feedback to help you get better.
Share your films on social media to reach more people and see how they connect with your work. Think about looking into film schools to learn more about the industry and filmmaking. Keep this goal in mind as you go through high school.
Stay committed, explore new technologies, and keep enhancing your storytelling skills.
You’ve got this!
Share your films on social media to reach more people and see how they connect with your work. Think about looking into film schools to learn more about the industry and filmmaking. Keep this goal in mind as you go through high school.
Stay committed, explore new technologies, and keep enhancing your storytelling skills.
You’ve got this!
Devin Rice
Filmmaker and Professor of Film
2
Answers
Updated
Devin’s Answer
Hi Vicente, you have an interesting question. By definition, (from Studio Binder) "A film director is a person who works on a movie from conception to distribution. Even though they’re hired by a producer, they’re typically considered the highest on the food chain. They have a huge say in how scenes are shot, both technically and artistically. They work with all department heads determining what props will be used, what the characters will look like, make decisions regarding lighting, and even writing, etc. The director is involved with the project from pre-production to production and all the way through post-production."
In your case, if you were the one in charge of making the creative decisions (script, shot list, cast, props, costumes, locations, etc), then I think technically you likely were the director. Remember, a good director surrounds themselves with talented cast and crew who contribute creatively to the film, but it is the director who is responsible for steering and approving all creative/artistic input and ultimately bears the responsibility for everything we the audience see and hear when we watch your film (barring producer/studio intervention).
All this aside, it seems like you've dipped your toe into the world of filmmaking, and I'd recommend diving into another film project, then another and another. A famous filmmaker was once asked, "How do I become a filmmaker?" He responded, "If you want to be a filmmaker, then make films!"
I wish you the best on your filmmaking journey!
In your case, if you were the one in charge of making the creative decisions (script, shot list, cast, props, costumes, locations, etc), then I think technically you likely were the director. Remember, a good director surrounds themselves with talented cast and crew who contribute creatively to the film, but it is the director who is responsible for steering and approving all creative/artistic input and ultimately bears the responsibility for everything we the audience see and hear when we watch your film (barring producer/studio intervention).
All this aside, it seems like you've dipped your toe into the world of filmmaking, and I'd recommend diving into another film project, then another and another. A famous filmmaker was once asked, "How do I become a filmmaker?" He responded, "If you want to be a filmmaker, then make films!"
I wish you the best on your filmmaking journey!
Kelvin Kelly Otu
Filmmaker and a creative director
9
Answers
Accra, Greater Accra Region, Ghana
Updated
Kelvin Kelly’s Answer
Hey Devin, I'm happy to share my thoughts to help you out.
Start creating now. Don't wait for the perfect camera, crew, or permission. Use your phone to film something this weekend, just like you did with your classmates. Your early films might be rough, and that's okay. Each one will teach you things you can't learn from books. Focus on storytelling. Directing is about making people feel. Watch your favorite films and ask why a scene works: where was the camera, when did the cut happen, what did the actor's face show? Read scripts and write your own.
Get experience on real sets. Be a production assistant, help with editing, or carry cables—anything to get you in the room. You'll learn how filmmaking really works and meet future collaborators. Learn to work with others. A director guides a team to share the same vision. Listen well, explain clearly, and stay calm when things go wrong, because they will. Find your unique voice. Many people can learn the technical side, but what makes you stand out is your perspective and the stories that matter to you.
Don't give up. You'll face rejections, slow times, and money issues. Almost every director you look up to has been through this. Those who succeed keep creating.
As for film school, it can be helpful but isn't necessary. What truly matters is the work you create and the people you work with.
I hope this helps. Take care!
Go around directing your films short films
Watch regular videos on directing
Do your own research
Start creating now. Don't wait for the perfect camera, crew, or permission. Use your phone to film something this weekend, just like you did with your classmates. Your early films might be rough, and that's okay. Each one will teach you things you can't learn from books. Focus on storytelling. Directing is about making people feel. Watch your favorite films and ask why a scene works: where was the camera, when did the cut happen, what did the actor's face show? Read scripts and write your own.
Get experience on real sets. Be a production assistant, help with editing, or carry cables—anything to get you in the room. You'll learn how filmmaking really works and meet future collaborators. Learn to work with others. A director guides a team to share the same vision. Listen well, explain clearly, and stay calm when things go wrong, because they will. Find your unique voice. Many people can learn the technical side, but what makes you stand out is your perspective and the stories that matter to you.
Don't give up. You'll face rejections, slow times, and money issues. Almost every director you look up to has been through this. Those who succeed keep creating.
As for film school, it can be helpful but isn't necessary. What truly matters is the work you create and the people you work with.
I hope this helps. Take care!
Kelvin Kelly recommends the following next steps: