• According to statistics put out by the Motion Picture Association of America, a little over 600 movies were released in theaters in 2007. Movies aren't the only things that you can direct, but regardless, if you want to be a director you'll need to do everything you can to get an edge.

• Most, but not all, movie directors go to film school. Film school can help you to make connections and learn the details of film making. However, you could also come into directing with a writing or stage production background. The Web site Education Portal provides a list of the top 10 film schools according to a few different sources.

• Just because you aren't getting paid—yet—for making films, doesn't mean that you can't make films on your own time. Putting together independent and side projects can help you to get your work polished and recognized by people in the industry.

Even established directors do side projects. For example, Joss Whedon, writer and director of big-screen movie Serenity, wrote and directed Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog in 2008 for Internet and direct-to-DVD release.

• New York, Los Angeles, and Bollywood are the most well-known areas for making movies, but there are several other cities that are movie-friendly. Vancouver, Canada, for example, produces a number of television shows and movies each year. Also, many cities in the Midwestern United States and elsewhere across the country are trying to lure the entertainment industry into their states with lucrative tax breaks.

• Relatively few professional directors make big-screen movies. Most directors work for the small screen, making TV shows, TV movies, commercials, or independent films. The Internet is starting to become a viable venue for directors to showcase their work and make money as well.

Also consider other job opportunities as you are building your career. There are entry-level jobs in the field that can help prepare you to direct in the future and help pay the bills in the meantime.