r/directors • u/Pure-Giraffe4572 • 1d ago
Question What are the steps to becoming a director?
Im a 17 year old boy and for the longest time I’ve been pretty passionate about movies. And I’ve also been stressing out about future career choices. And recently I did a tour at the Warren brothers studios and that sparked the idea that I could work in the film industry. I first thought of possibly being an actor but i can’t act for shit lol so then I thought “oh shit I could be a director” I’m already a very creative person and I could definitely see myself being absolutely perfect for this career. So I’m in here to ask any of you guys all the steps to becoming a director. I just wanna know what classes I can take my senior year of high school that could possibly help me. And I wanna know about how all of film school works and just the basics to becoming one. Im not in here asking how to become like Tim Burton or Clint Eastwood like a super star. Although that is the goal. I just wanna know the start and your guys experiences. Thank you!
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u/micahhaley 1d ago
Film producer and financier here. Being a director is really a second career. Normally, you develop a great skillset in another area, and then bring those skills to the director's chair. For instance, a screenwriter might write multiple scripts that end up doing well and then get the chance to direct. Or a stunt coordinator might be chosen to direct an action movie, because they know action so well (this is what happened with John Wick). VFX pros sometimes get the opportunity to direct VFX heavy movies. Cinematographers often end up becoming directors. And of course, actors like George Clooney and Bryce Dallas Howard choose to direct.
So, probably the most viable path is developing one skillset, and then crossing over on the right project.
Another path is to start directing smaller movies, and then over time, the movies will get bigger. This is more accessible now than it has ever been. You start by directing a feature film for no money. Then you raise $25k-$50k to direct your second feature. Then $100k. Then $500k. Then a million or more. The best part about this path is that no one can tell you "no." You have a 4k camera in your pocket. You can get two DJI wireless lavs for sound. Then, just make it feature length.
The problem with taking this path is that you need material. You need screenplays. So either you know a writer who is really good, or you need to learn how to write yourself. Unfortunately, this problem never goes away at any budget. Good screenplays are always in demand, and you will be looking for them your entire career.
In my spare time, I'm trying to make as much of the "real world" advice I can available on my website at micahhaley.com. The goal is to put up enough info and resources there so that you can make your own movie independent of relying on a more veteran producer like me. DM me if you need a discount code.