How to Become a Movie Director

By eHow Arts & Entertainment Editor

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Directing movies is exciting and artistically fulfilling--and it can be a big headache. You direct every step of a movie: auditioning and rehearsing actors, supervising the crew and having the final say on scenery and music. You have to stay on schedule, stay within your budget and stay sane when the cast and crew are melting down. If you can handle temper tantrums and typhoons, you may be the next George Lucas or Steven Spielberg.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy
Step1
Go to college and major in filmmaking (see 149 Decide Which College Is Right for You). According to the Filmmaking Web site (see Resources), the most respected U.S. film schools include the University of California at Los Angeles, the University of Southern California, the American Film Institute and New York University.
Step2
Move to Los Angeles or New York to get close to the action.
Step3
Get your foot in the door as an intern or assistant producer on a movie set (see 161 Set Up an Internship). You may not get paid, but you'll gain valuable skills, experience and contacts.
Step4
Develop your craft, gain as much experience as possible, learn like crazy and work your way up to film editor. When you have some clips to your name and start pulling down a salary, you can begin showing your work to people in the industry.
Step5
Enroll in a training program for assistant directors, run by the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers and the Directors Guild of America. (Click on "Training Program" at the Directors Guild Web site, see Resources). You'll get experience handling extras, transporting equipment and making arrangements for food and accommodations. Some companies allow you to shadow a director, which gives you valuable on-the-job training as well.
Step6
Think small at first. Directing music videos, educational films or commercials is a good way to get experience.
Step7
Raise money to make an independent film. It's much cheaper than it used to be, thanks to advances in digital technology. Enter your film in festivals and pray you get discovered.
Step8
Become a well-known actor and step behind the camera to direct your own movies.
Step9
Become a stage director and make the movie version of your latest hit.

Tips & Warnings

  • Study other people's styles but don't copy them. You have to make your own name.
  • Deal with people respectfully and fairly. People will remember your reputation far longer than they'll remember some of your films.
  • The job is so multifaceted that directors have to delegate. Hire the most talented, dependable people you can.
  • Directors' salaries vary widely according to how many jobs they get each year and how successful their work is. You can always dream about Peter Jackson's $20 million plus a percentage of the gross for a single film.
  • Don't go into directing for the big bucks--or even for a consistent income. You might strike it rich one year but then barely make ends meet the next.

Comments

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RJ101

RJ101 said

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on 10/3/2008 Hay good for you! This is a hard business and you'll need some thick skin, but if you keep trying it will happen. I've worked with many major film business and indie's. (I like the inde's the best, little money, long hours, but lots of challenge and room to create.) Now I'm starting out on my own. I'm getting my degree in directing and producing right now. I've directed a few music videos and produced a trailer for independents in New York, but my degree should move me to the next level. I'm making available my talents in post production. I have my own software including Final Cut HD, Adobe creative master suite collection, various website promotion and creation software and more. My training is in digital media, all formats, I can convert formats and mix assemble. I can assemble music video's and independent films, including color correcting at a very low cost. I'm working on my website

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on 10/1/2008 hi.,...
i have written 1story ..named : but ...life sayus refuse to give up .....
any 1 to hepl me out on this. .

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on 10/1/2008 Hi ,
i Have written 1 stroy but ...life says refuse to give up ....

any 1 to me help me out on tht ...

Morbid3zt

Morbid3zt said

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on 9/22/2008 I wish it was this easy... All I want in life is to make movies. Hopefully one day you can see me get my academy award. LOL

bcapocelli

bcapocelli said

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on 8/11/2008 Is this the easiest way to do it? I really want to become a director, I am also young, but have been making movies for a long time. I LOVE MOVIES. If anyone has help for me email me. ask for my address.

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eHow Article: How to Become a Movie Director

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