How to Become a Movie Filmmaker or Director

Directors often start their careers by attending film school.

Movie film making and directing can be an exciting and lucrative field. But the competition for jobs can be intense, which is what makes this field a challenging one to enter. Film directors usually have lots of confidence and self-direction. They must hire and manage actors, camera crew, extras, stunt people and other workers on movie sets. They may start with small projects and work their way into big-budget movie projects. Those who want careers as film directors must be willing to do whatever is necessary to break into the business.

Instructions

1. Move to an area where movies are often filmed, such as Hollywood or New York City. Relocate to a secondary movie market, such as Chicago. Find other markets where small movie production companies are located, as there may be fewer people competing for film director jobs.

2. Apply for a job on a movie set, whether it's as an extra, prop assistant or stand-in. Witness firsthand how the director operates and works with his employees. Get to know the film director during his off time and ask him about his career path. Make sure you still want to pursue a film-directing career based on your overall movie set experience.

3. Enroll in a film school, preferable one of the premier ones in Hollywood or New York City. Apply for the American Film Institute in Los Angeles, which is ranked No. 1, according to "The Hollywood Reporter." Try the University of Southern California or the New York Film Academy.

4. Work toward your associate or bachelor's degree in cinematography or film making. Earn a master's degree in film making or movie directing. Take courses in film making, editing, multimedia, film theory, lighting and other areas related to movie sets.

5. Apply for an apprenticeship through the Director's Guild of America (see Resources), as this is the premier organization for film directing. Work as an associate director. Learn the basics and technical aspects of film directing from an experienced director. Work in the areas in which the director assigns you. Manage the extras and coordinate meals and transportation on sets, for example. Gain experience in all areas of film making and directing, including the more technical aspects.

6. Apply for director jobs after competing your apprenticeship. Start with smaller projects, if necessary, including commercials, educational films or music videos. Try to get on with independent film companies, as the pay may be too low for more experienced directors. Build your resume so you can compete for bigger budget pictures.

Tips & Warnings

• It is not essential to earn a bachelor's degree in film directing to work in the field, but it can help tremendously. The degree may be the difference in this fiercely competitive industry. Many directors have associate degrees, which tends to be the minimal requirement for getting an apprenticeship.

References

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition -- Actors, Producers, and Directors
• Education-Portal.com: Movie Directors: Job Description and Requirements for Starting a Career Directing Movies
• StateUniversity.com: Director Job Description, Career as a Directory, Salary, Employment ...
• College Crunch: Film Director
• The Hollywood Reporter: The 25 Best Film Schools Rankings

Resources

• New York Film Academy: Film School for Directors
• Directors Guild of America: Source for Film Directing Internships