Mahalo's guide for how to become a movie director can give you some ideas on how to turn your movie making dreams into reality.
Become a Film Director
This video discusses the process of becoming a movie director. It suggests the better way of becoming a film director is by attending a film school for four years, although you can become a movie director by teaching yourself the filmmaking process. The benefits of attending film school include having access to equipment in a hands-on environment, as well as being able to make contacts. Film students are also able to work on their reel, which is a one to two minute collection of their best work, edited together back-to-back. You will use this reel to get work, sending it to agencies, production companies, etc. Expect for the first jobs you get to be on music videos, or short films.
Introduction
- 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.
Step 1: Education and Training
- 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.
Step 2: Practice Your Craft
- 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.
Step 3: Move to a Known Entertainment Area
- 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.
Step 4: Job Opportunities
- 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.
Conclusion
No one can be assured that they'll be the next Steven Spielberg, but with a realistic perspective and a strong work ethic, you have a good chance of living out your dream of directing in any number of various capacities.
