One of the first things people starting out on their journey to becoming a film director search for is how to become a film director. Good news, this is a quick start guide to becoming a film director.
Before we get to the quick start to becoming a film director, let’s first break down the idea of what a film director is. Typically, the film director is considered the creative force behind some kind of motion picture piece of art. The debate for what is considered art and what is not is something that I believe should be left for another conversation. We are going to focus on the idea here that a film director is the creative “linchpin” for creating a story through the use of motion.
To build context let’s take a look at some areas where a film director might work. These are actual jobs that a film director does in order to get a paycheck for their work. The “film” of “film director” may be swapped out for other terms depending on the application, but it really comes down to the type of content that is being made. A director’s job, in essence, is the same for each one of these scenarios.
Different Types of a "Film" Director
Film Director:
This is the title term we are referencing so let’s start here. Typically when someone mentions that they are a film director they are referencing the fact that they direction feature-length movies. These would be the type of films that are released in theaters, VOD, DVD, or TV Broadcast.
TV Director:
This can sometimes be included in the description for film director but because the story type is very much the same as a feature-length film. The biggest difference here is that the length of the program is very different. Story structure differences are that the run time of a TV Episode is usually much shorter than a feature-length film. Length is not the only difference. Creative direction is not necessarily determined by the director. A showrunner is really the creative force behind a TV series.
Commercial Director:
A commercial director does exactly what it sounds like, they direct commercials. Commercials are very lucrative if you can set yourself up in a unique way and start building those relationships. A lot of film directors are also directing commercials. If you remember the infamous Aaron Burr Got Milk commercial, it was directed by our favorite “make it explode” director Michael Bay…when he was still in school at The Art Center in Pasadena, CA. The late Tony Scott would direct commercials between films to experiment with filming styles. Turnarounds for commercials is so much quicker than a movie that it allows you to make multiple styles and genres of commercials in the time it takes to prep for a movie.
Documentary Director (Filmmaker):
The uniqueness of this career path for a director is that many times the director is oftentimes also the cinematographer, producer, etc. A documentary is its own unique beast but making one makes you no less a director than working on a scripted film.
Short Film Director:
This is in here because I mentioned that a film director works on feature-length films. Well, I would argue that a short film director and a “film director” are really the same thing. The type of projects are very similar and now there are viable revenue streams for short film content that didn’t exist when I was starting my career. Production schedules are the main difference here. A short film usually classified as anything that is less than 40 mins long. There is a chance you might spend more than 20 days shooting a longer short film. That is longer than my first feature…so just because it is a short film, don’t discount the effort that was involved in making it.
"you have to actually direct to call yourself a director."
So now that context has been given the next major point that needs to be made is there is a mindset you need to train yourself to have to take this approach of becoming a film director. You need to have a growth mindset but also believe that your dreams are possible.
Having a growth mindset puts you in the position of being ready to learn at all times.
Don’t be afraid of criticism, but instead use that criticism to fuel your desire to improve.
Just because you aren’t making a hefty income from directing projects doesn’t mean you are not a film director. The journey to becoming paid is long and takes a lot of effort, believing you are what you do is a major step in progressing in your career. If you have made any sort of film and aspire to make more and turn it into a career then claim it. You are a film director.
But you have to actually direct to call yourself a director. The same goes for writing or acting, or anything. I’ll never claim I am a neurosurgeon because I have never performed neurosurgery. I have smart in-laws that can do that for me. I’ll stick to the art stuff.
Becoming a Film Director: Quick Start Guide
Now let’s get to the quick start guide to becoming a film director. One of the best approaches to finding success is by remaining proactive. Not much ever happens for the person who is just waiting to be discovered, or expecting to receive some sort of handout. So this quick start guide relies heavily on how proactive you are in achieving your goal of starting your career as a film director.
To be able to claim that you are a film director you have to actually direct something. The following are a few ways that you can quickly and cost-effectively launch your career journey and claim the title of a “film director” or “[insert title] director.”
Short Film:
An easy way to had your name to the hat of directors of scripted narrative content is to make a short film. I’ve seen short films that have helped launch careers that are only a few minutes long. Sometimes, filmmakers make short films all the way up to the 40 min mark or thereabouts. Make a short film is not something that should be tossed to the side and be considered insignificant compared to a feature film. Both types of films receive Oscars so the legitimacy is there.
Making a short film is no easy task, but if you strip away the luxuries and just focus on getting the shots and telling the best story you can you will more easily make it through the process of making the film. When it is complete you will be able to officially have that title. If it didn’t turn out the way you hoped it would, then keep at it and make another one. As the infamous Ryan Connolly says “Write, Shoot, Edit, Repeat” or Matti Haapoja “Learn, Make, Repeat.”
"Write, Shoot, Edit, Repeat."
Feature Film:
The coveted prize of making a feature film is a quick way to feel validated that you are a film director, but there is a caveat: It is the hardest and most expensive path to the “film director” title. A thing I talk about non-stop is that no-budget filmmaking is possible, you just have to understand your limitations and work with them. If you are in it for the long haul, have some extra cash, or know someone or how to get someone to invest, then this is a viable option. For many, money and time are an issue or you just aren’t very experienced, I would advise you to take the path of least resistance. If your goal is to direct feature-length films then you face that obstacle at some point, but after extensive training, the hurdle will be much easier to jump than your first time out.
Documentary Film:
The financial investment of a documentary film is far less than that of a scripted film, but there is one major thing you should be aware of — time. Documentaries take forever to shoot, and sometimes even longer to edit. Ken Burns, reportedly took nearly 10 years to make his latest documentary. The Defiant Ones on HBO was supposed to be a quick 9-month project that turned into closer to three years of continuous work. Sure you can spend your life savings making a documentary, but you can also make one for next to nothing.
Whether it took you a decade or only a few months, making a documentary is a great way to launch a career – I can attest to that. I had a passion project that I put invested almost $500 into making…it then landed me a $17K job.
"Learn, Make, Repeat."
Commercials:
This could potentially be one of the easiest ways to get started in launching your career as a “film director.” There are a number of people who are pitching their services to brands as filmmakers or directors in the commercial space, and not only can it be lucrative, but it is also a great way to hone your skills as a filmmaker. The hard part is landing the clients and that can be very hard, but there is good news. If the goal is to prove that you have what it takes to be a film director you don’t need the client to be able to make a commercial. The term is referred to as “spec.”
Making spec commercials is one of the easiest and smartest uses of your time in an attempt to become a film director. Let’s say you have a company that you love and wish that you could make a commercial for them. Then do it. The production usually doesn’t take forever, and if you think creatively you might be able to do it for next to nothing…other than your time investment making a commercial is not expensive to do. It can be expensive, but if you just want to get started, it is doable for almost anyone.
In the commercial making scenario, the words of Ryan and Matti definitely apply. Think of how easy it is to set up a can of soda, shoot a clip, look at it, improve the shot, shoot it again. There are no actors, possibly no crew, and just your camera and a can of soda. Get creative, and apply the “Write. Shoot. Edit. Repeat,” or “Learn. Make. Repeat” philosophies and you’ll be amazed at where you go.
I hope that these give you a good idea of where to start when it comes to launching your career as a film director. Those dreams are much closer than you think, all it takes is a little persistence and willingness to learn.
