Becoming a Film Director?

Question

I am currently taking an honour's degree in Canada for Professional Writing, and plan to double major in Film Studies. This doesn't allow me to create films however, just study films (theory etc.) and do a bit of screen writing - it's not a degree in Film Production. I was thinking of going to college afterwards to do the production part, since it will take only a year or two, instead of doing a full degree after which will take four. Or would it be beneficial to switch my degree completely to something in Film Production? ** If there is anyone with film industry experience / film school experience who could provide insight to this question, it would be appreciated. **

Answer 1

If you wanted to be a songwriter, you wouldn't spend years studying music theory before writing songs. Get a camera, find a script or write your own and start making films now. See what you like and don't like about production.

Answer 2

Taking a film production class or going to film school will only help in so many ways... it's not like a degree in law and becoming a lawyer.  No one is going to give you money and trust you as a director because you went to film school or got a film degree.  You will learn some good things and you could meet some good contacts who can help you meet your goals now and in the future... but ultimately you can get these things out of film school.  So I agree with the first answer, get a camera, write some shorts, and make little movies.  They don't need to be masterpieces, but you'll learn how to make movies.

You need to build up a good directors reel.  Then, keep writing.  Writing does not cost money if you're not paying for adaptation rights or anything like that.  What you should aim for is a script that can be produced on a small budget that could have enough mainstream appeal to get distributed if it's made well... then you go out with your script and director's reel and raise money to make your film.

This is the independent film production route...  there are many ways to achieve your goal and this is just one.  You could also move out to Hollywood (or NY or Vancouver) and try and get PA jobs and keep working your way through the system until you have enough clout and reputation to get a job as a hired gun...

EDIT:  Following up on your edit... I don't think film school is worth the money it takes to get a degree... the only thing that will help you coming out of film school are the short films you make, which you can make on your own.

Answer 3

Take a course for Film Production so that you'll be able to direct movies,  and then the rest will follow up.

My Email:  [e-mail]

That's my exact same interest ;)  

Here are my other,  secondary jobs:

-3D animator

-Music Composer

-Writer

-Editor

Email me x)