How to Network and Become a Movie Director

There are many paths to a career in directing films.

Difficulty:

Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Postcards
• Demo videocassettes
• Movie videos
• Stationery
• Postage stamps

1. Brainstorm to come up with any potential contacts in the film industry. Work as an apprentice under anyone currently directing student films, TV commercials, music videos or feature films.

2. Consider applying to film school to gain both knowledge and industry contacts. Some top film schools can be found at New York University, the University of Southern California, the American Film Institute in Los Angeles, California Institute of the Arts and the University of California at Los Angeles. (See How to Apply to Film School.)

3. Apply for work on movie sets in entry-level jobs, such as production assistant or as anyone's assistant. If you work hard and make friends, you can move up the ladder.

4. Target jobs directing TV commercials or music videos, where many film directors get their start.

5. Develop a reel. Make sure it is of professional quality.

6. Shoot films on your own. To start, they can be short (10 minutes long) and in black and white. If necessary, cast and write your films yourself to build your experience and résumé.

7. Send postcards and updates regularly to industry contacts you have made, including directors, producers and actors. Constant networking leads to opportunities.

Tips & Warnings

• Be creative and persistent, and understand that there isn't one right way to become a film director.

• Read "The Hollywood Reporter" and "Variety" to find out about upcoming productions and possible job openings.

• Network, network, network.