ANSWERS: 2
  • With movies that you made on YouTube, you are already a director... Keep it up, and maybe someday you will be a "professional" director. Don't let anyone dissuade you. If you want to direct... do it! I'm about to retire from the Navy and I've always wanted to direct... so I will. Hope this helps.
  • [excerpted from What I Really Want to Do: On Set in Hollywood] You may actually get your first directing opportunity via a direct relationship you have with an established Producer, Studio Executive, or Actor. Building those connections means living and working in places where those people are. To that end, while you are writing and/or “selling” yourself with previous projects you’ve created (e.g., short films, screenplays), you should be willing to go to work in the industry no matter how menial your jobs might be. Working as a PA in the production office or as a member of the technical crew will give you some access to those with power who can help you become a Director. Nearly as important, working within the industry gives you opportunities to really learn the nut-and-bolts process that gets a movie made. This experience will be invaluable if you ever get the chance to make a living as a Director. You’ve got your dream to pursue, but you also have to keep yourself clothed, fed, and sheltered in the meantime. The trick here is that while you are working in the industry as something other than a Director, you have to enjoy the journey toward your goal because that dream is elusive and may never be realized. You have to prove to someone with money and/or power that you have the talent and skill required to guide a cast and crew in the creation of an entertaining and profitable product. Any previous experience you have, screenplays you’ve written, projects you’ve directed, and relationships you’ve developed all contribute toward getting you jobs that put money into your bank account. There is no single way to do this and no guarantee that any of those elements will put you in the Director’s chair. A certain amount of luck is involved, in that you must meet the right people at the right time. However, you can improve your chances by being prepared for these opportunities when they arrive. Don’t just have an idea for a film. Take all the spare moments you have to sit down and write the screenplay so that when you meet a person who is interested in you and the idea, you’ll have something tangible to give him. Instead of buying luxuries like big-screen TVs or a nice car, invest that money into producing a short film to highlight your skills. More at http://www.whatireallywanttodo.com and http://www.realfilmcareer.com Good luck! Brian Dzyak Cameraman/Author IATSE Local 600, SOC www.whatireallywanttodo.com www.realfilmcareer.com

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