|
Nine Routes To Becoming A Director |
|
Wednesday, 11 June 2008 |
Nine Routes To Becoming A Director
There are nine routes to consider when launching your career as a director. Before you decide which route to take, research the careers of directors you admire and see if you can see which route they followed. Remember that there is no such thing as a route - only a route that is good for you: one that allows you to maximise you abilities and talent.
1. Studio/Guild Route
After securing the necessary minimum days of on-the-job training, join the Directors Guild with a signatory production company and work your way up the ladder. Some companies allow you to shadow a director, which gives you valuable training.
2. The Independent Route
Learn how to identify or create a low budget, 90-page script which you feel has something controversial to say. Scrape together some money and execute a 4:1 or 6:1 shooting ratio with high production values. Hire a sales agent and sell the film at AFM, Cannes, MIFED or Raindance, and make a profit for your investors. Repeat this process until you are discovered, or are considered a worthy risk for investors. Examples: Woody Allen, Steven Soderburgh (Sex Lies and Videotape), Quentin Tarantino (Reservoir Dogs), Hal Hartlyey (Swoon).
3. Screenplay Option Route
Write or purchase a script/story and sell it, releasing the screen rights only when you are hired as director. This technique is called holding your script hostage. Example: Return from Alcatraz
4. Student/Festival Route
Make a short film or ultra low budget feature and enter festivals, demonstrating your talent, gaining exposure to future clients and agents on the lookout for emerging talent. Hire a publicist to promote yourself,even if it is at the expense of your film. You are aiming to achieve notoriety or celebrity status. Examples: Buffalo 66, Trees Lounge, Blair Witch Project
Source and detail:  |
 |
|
|
