[custom_adv] 1) Watch Movies (but do it the right way) This one is a no-brainer, right? You wanna be a director, you have to watch movies. If this is you, then you can always deflect criticism from angry relatives, “You spend too much on the TV!” “Leave me alone, I’m studying!” Yes, indeed watching movies is a great way to study this art form. [custom_adv] 2) Read Screenplays The director’s most basic task is to translate the words of the script into moving pictures. Sometimes, especially in film school, you may direct your own screenplay, your own creation. However, the reality of the business is that the division of labor tends to assign you to a specific position: the writer writes, the producer produces, and the director directs. [custom_adv] 3) Learn Acting and the Actor’s Language One of the most daunting parts of film directing is directing actors. I know of a handful of people among my circle of friends who thought they really wanted be film directors, until they had their chance at directing… and they hated it. There are different reasons for this reaction, but a common one is having to “deal with actors” as they would put it. [custom_adv] 4) Learn How to Interact with People You may think this one is a no-brainer, but because it feels so obvious many people neglect this notion. I hope you will take this item in the agenda seriously and give it as much thought as it deserves. [custom_adv] 5) Become A Master Storyteller and Write Screenplays Odds are that straight out of film school or your 9-to-5, no one is going to give you a change at directing right away, you have to earn it. One way to prove yourself and build the confidence of investors is to write screenplays. Film directing is storytelling, and you have to prove that you have the principles of storytelling down so that producers can bet on you. [custom_adv] 6) Keep Up With the Trades This one is more important than most would think. I hate to admit, but directing is becoming increasingly more business-centric. Nowadays, talent alone is not enough. You have to know how Hollywood functions from a business stance so you can improve your chances of success. Reading trade publications is the best way to accomplish this. [custom_adv] 7) Start Building Your Portfolio Today A portfolio is different from a resume. A portfolio is a collection of your artistic.