Filmmaking Crew & Staff: The Director
The Director of a film is the person in charge, the visionary, the CEO – if you will – of the production. Francis Ford Coppola once called it the ‘last dictatorial position’ that exists in the world (in the must-see the documentary Hearts of Darkness) and though times may be a little milder, something about it still rings true.
The film director is the leader. That may be the most important quality to have. Yes, having an artistic vision is important and perhaps a working knowledge of film language, but above all else the director MUST BE ABLE TO MAKE PEOPLE WORK AND FOLLOW HIS OR HER ORDERS. Now that doesn’t mean they have to yell, scream and sometime write in all caps, but sometimes it’s just part of the job. People must naturally gravitate to your way of being, you must have the ability to convince people that they are doing a good job, and you need to be able inspire them to do better in order to make the production process a success.
Every film director is different. Some work well with actors. Some have a keen visual sense and can work with the Director of Photography to create incredible imagery. Others will do anything it takes to have their exacting vision realized. Clearly there are directors who do action well, comedy well, heartfelt dramas, documentaries – but whatever the genre, film directors must above all have 1000% commitment to the project they are working on, whether it is their script or a work for hire situation.
Do you think you have what it takes to be a director? Actually, you won’t know until you try – the first thing to do is take the position and make a movie. You’ll soon know if it’s the job for you.
Good skills to have as a film director:
A passion for film. If there isn’t a film you adore, or a reason why you were drawn to the medium, why are you here in the first place?
A thirst for knowledge. Directors are constantly seeking information, answering questions from their cast and crew, and figuring out the puzzle that will eventually be their film.
An active soul. Whether it comes down to a non-stop imagination, boundless energy to shoot without a break, or constant motivation to be working, a director is always active somehow. This is not a passive line of work for the lazy – sorry.
Ways to become a director:
You can go to film school, but the qualities you need should come naturally. Start making films. You don’t need to get it right the first time – but you will quickly learn if it is something you love.
Get any production job that will get you on set. Learn about how films are made, who the key players are, and what the director is doing. Is he or she doing a good job? There’s nothing like learning by watching how it’s NOT supposed to be done either.
Write a great script, and refuse to let anyone else direct it.
For more filmmaking crew & staff descriptions,
click here.