How to Be a Good Director
Becoming a skilled director takes years of experience and training. Many prospective directors get behind the camera thinking it will be easy, only to have their film turn out to be a complete mess. These people greatly underestimate the complex and involved process of directing a film. There's no single way to become a good director. Instead, you'll need to find your own path to becoming a good director; however, there are a number of useful principles that will help you.
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Instructions
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Go to film school. Many young directors choose to bypass film school, but these schools are a great way to learn the basics of film making from professionals. They also afford students use of cameras and the opportunity to make and screen small films while getting feedback from other students and the teachers. It's also a good way to make contacts with other filmmakers.
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Make a short film. Instead of starting with a feature-length picture, try making smaller short films and entering them in film festivals. If they get attention or win prizes, you should find that it will be much easier to get financing for longer and bigger projects in the future. This also gives you vital experience behind the camera.
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Try out different jobs in the film industry. Films are collaborative efforts, and understanding everyone's role makes you a better director. Write some screenplays, practice cinematography and try performing in other people's productions. This will help you understand the limitations and capabilities of your cast and crew.
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Plan out your films. Have a clear vision for your films and an exact method of executing them. If you didn't write the script, talk to the writer about what she wanted to achieve and see how your vision meshes with hers. Planning should extend to every part of production. Storyboard scenes in advance, block them out carefully and read the scripts aloud so you get a sense of how you want your films to look and sound.
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Respect your cast and crew. Being a good director isn't simply about making a good movie. Treating the other people working on your film with respect will ensure that they want to work with you in the future. Happier workers are more likely to want to do a good job, which will make your film stronger. Be firm about your vision, but listen to other people's input and use their ideas when they're useful.
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References
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