The Process of Becoming a Film Director
In the world of filmmaking, a director's role is paramount, shaping the overall vision of a movie from actors and shots to the script, props, and editing. Two iconic directors, Alfred Hitchcock and Steven Spielberg, each followed unique paths to reach the pinnacle of their craft.
Alfred Hitchcock, a pioneer in British cinema, began his career in the early 1920s, working as a title designer and art director for silent films. His first, unfinished film, Mrs. Peabody (1922), and his first released film, Always Tell Your Wife (1923), were early stepping stones in his journey. It wasn't until 1925 that Hitchcock received his first solo directorial credit with The Pleasure Garden, considered his official debut. His breakthrough came with The Lodger (1927), a suspenseful thriller that established many trademarks of his style and was his first hit.
On the other side of the Atlantic, Steven Spielberg showed an early interest in filmmaking as a child. At 17, he moved to Los Angeles and attracted attention from Universal Pictures after making notable works such as a 40-minute war film, Escape to Nowhere (1962), and the feature-length sci-fi Firelight (1964). His career took off with TV projects, directing episodes of shows like Columbo and Marcus Welby, M.D. His first TV movie, Duel (1971), received critical acclaim, paving the way for his transition to theatrical films with The Sugarland Express (1974).
A successful career in movie directing often requires education, experience, networking, and persistence. Many colleges and schools offer degrees in film directing, such as New York University, University of Southern California, and American Film Institute. For those who don't have the time or expertise to put together a portfolio, there are companies that specialize in creating them.
Portfolios can include movies directed, educational experience, a resume, contact information, clips showcasing skills in editing, writing, animation, and cinematography. They can also list film festivals entered and awards won, directing in other areas like music videos, commercials, animated shorts, and TV shows.
Directors often delegate work to assistant directors, second-unit directors, or cinematographers. Taking low-level jobs, like interning or assistant positions, can be a valuable way to make contacts and move up in the film industry. The competition for movie-directing jobs is stiff, but there are opportunities in documentaries, TV, and cable movies.
One can find their niche in areas other than studio-backed films. For instance, directors like Sydney Pollack, Tim Burton, Martha Coolidge, John Singleton, and John Carpenter started their careers in other areas and went on to achieve great success.
Directing a movie can lead to an Oscar, but it also comes with a lot of responsibility. Earning a degree can help understand the technical aspects of the business and gain credibility with a studio. With persistence and dedication, one might eventually have a successful career in movie directing and win awards like the Oscar.
In the realm of entertainment beyond movies-and-tv, one can find success in business and finance. For instance, Sydney Pollack, Tim Burton, Martha Coolidge, John Singleton, and John Carpenter started their careers in finance or business before transitioning to film directing.
After establishing a career in directing, some directors may wish to diversify their portfolio and explore opportunities in careers other than movies-and-tv, such as producing, writing, or even investing in the business side of the entertainment industry.
