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How do I start my directing career?
What are some ways you can build credibility as a new director in film? Is getting a major in film needed to be a successful director?
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Steve Jacobson
Creative Leader/Content Creator/Producer/Editor/Storyteller
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Steve’s Answer
I agree with Michelle’s comments.
But I also suggest either writing and shooting your own short stories or pairing with a writer and bring their stories to life.
Storytelling is crucial when directing. How do you want to engage the audience? You’re the one making that emotional element engage with the viewers. So think about how the characters and stories play out. Good luck. And work hard.
But I also suggest either writing and shooting your own short stories or pairing with a writer and bring their stories to life.
Storytelling is crucial when directing. How do you want to engage the audience? You’re the one making that emotional element engage with the viewers. So think about how the characters and stories play out. Good luck. And work hard.
Updated
Marshall’s Answer
Savannah-
There is a lot to the role of directing. You will really benefit from knowing what everyone does and how a set works.
You can go about this 2 ways:
1. Education/ Film School: As Michelle said, this is an opportunity to learn about the craft, do some experimental things, meet peers who share your passions and also people who can help supplement your skill sets. You can gather information online, but it takes a lot of sifting to really dig into it, which will give you the theory, but not the practice. Practice means doing it, Schools provide an environment where you can get gear and funding to make something happen.
2. Experience (on set): This can supplement education but you can also get out there and get your hands dirty. You will need to start off as a PA. Once you work a few sets you will get to know the PMs (Production Managers- do the hiring of below the line), hopefully they will get you more gigs. When you are working, give 200% and be awesome at what you do. You can meet the ADs (Assistant Directors). This will be your next step, doing Second Second, then to First. An AD directs the background talent (which the director doesnt). As you get more gigs, you will gain more experience, know about other departments and can hopefully have some time to do your own projects (short films or commercials). This will build your reel and lead to more gigs, hopefully you will be lucky and land your dream gig at this time.
So doing your own project is one thing you can do now. Also if there is a drama program in your school, you can many times direct an one act play or part of a production. You can also start to read some trades, look at materials on the DGA site etc.
There is a lot to the role of directing. You will really benefit from knowing what everyone does and how a set works.
You can go about this 2 ways:
1. Education/ Film School: As Michelle said, this is an opportunity to learn about the craft, do some experimental things, meet peers who share your passions and also people who can help supplement your skill sets. You can gather information online, but it takes a lot of sifting to really dig into it, which will give you the theory, but not the practice. Practice means doing it, Schools provide an environment where you can get gear and funding to make something happen.
2. Experience (on set): This can supplement education but you can also get out there and get your hands dirty. You will need to start off as a PA. Once you work a few sets you will get to know the PMs (Production Managers- do the hiring of below the line), hopefully they will get you more gigs. When you are working, give 200% and be awesome at what you do. You can meet the ADs (Assistant Directors). This will be your next step, doing Second Second, then to First. An AD directs the background talent (which the director doesnt). As you get more gigs, you will gain more experience, know about other departments and can hopefully have some time to do your own projects (short films or commercials). This will build your reel and lead to more gigs, hopefully you will be lucky and land your dream gig at this time.
So doing your own project is one thing you can do now. Also if there is a drama program in your school, you can many times direct an one act play or part of a production. You can also start to read some trades, look at materials on the DGA site etc.
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Credibility comes with time and the more productions you work on, the more your reputation will grow.
Although a college degree in any of the arts is not required, I would highly advise that anyone starting out go the academic route. Not only because you will learn a great deal which will spark your creativty, but you will meet people that can be important to your ability to work on films. You will experience opportunities. Networking is crucial. The more that people know you, the better chances you have of getting work, getting your own work promoted and it will be a way to gain supports and friendships. Having a degree in Film will also give you an edge in the competitive market.
Many well known Directors did not go to college - Alfred Hitchcok, Woody Allan and Tim Burton come to mind. But I still suggest for today's world that you should go for a Bachelors Degree.
So, in a nutshell, the elements that build credibility will be eduucation, networking and productivity and quality work. I wish you all the best in such a satisfying, creative, wonderful field of work.
Although a college degree in any of the arts is not required, I would highly advise that anyone starting out go the academic route. Not only because you will learn a great deal which will spark your creativty, but you will meet people that can be important to your ability to work on films. You will experience opportunities. Networking is crucial. The more that people know you, the better chances you have of getting work, getting your own work promoted and it will be a way to gain supports and friendships. Having a degree in Film will also give you an edge in the competitive market.
Many well known Directors did not go to college - Alfred Hitchcok, Woody Allan and Tim Burton come to mind. But I still suggest for today's world that you should go for a Bachelors Degree.
So, in a nutshell, the elements that build credibility will be eduucation, networking and productivity and quality work. I wish you all the best in such a satisfying, creative, wonderful field of work.