Assignment 1: (Task 4) My Dream Job

In this essay I will discuss my dream job which is the role of a film director. In this Essay I will also answer the questions...

• What does this person have to do in their job ?
• What phase of the film industry does the job role work in ?
• How do you become this role ?
• What training is involved ?
• What is the career path ?
• What are the personal skills needed for the job ?
• What are the technical skills needed for the job ?
• Are they other skills which are needed for this role ?
• What are the qualifications needed ?
• What work experience is needed ?
• Are they other experiences which are needed ?

A film directors job would be to visualise the film and conduct the actors performances. You are in charge of the films creative side. A directors job would be to work in all three stages of production.

• Pre-Production- In pre-production the director job would be to supervise the films casting choices. They would also need to approve the script and storyboards.
• Production - In production the director would lead during the filming stage, during this stage you would visualise shots and motivate the actors.
• Post-Production - In post-production the director would sit with editor, and would make alterations and approve or disapprove of the edits made to the film.

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They are several steps to becoming a film director, Such as..

Watch/ Study Films - An inspiring film director would continually watch and study films. People who do these are generally considered Film or Movie "Buffs". A film buff would sometimes see the same film over and over. An inspiring director would also pick out things that they are inspired by and things that they would improve on in the film, this could be shots, editing, camera movement, acting, script, or anything which sticks out as being a positive or negative.

Make Short Films - A director would need to gain experience, and this would usually start by making short amateur films with his or her friends. This helps you gain technical skills which you would need to help you become a director. such as, learning how to edit, write, act and do everything else in-between.

Education - Although not all directors go to film school, it is still a good way for understanding film in a more focused environment. During education a film director would have access to apprenticeships, workshops, and would get to know people in the industry, which could create good networking which could help your future career.

Employment - A film director would likely start their career as working in a production crew. This maybe filling paperwork or getting tea and hobnobs for the cast and crew, Or nightshifts looking after the camera and stage equipment. Either way it's experience for the your job role.

Networking - To became a film director you would need connections. This is called 'networking'. The more people he or she will know the more job opportunities will arise for them.

Multiple Jobs - As a director you will need a reel and for a good reel, you will need to expan your horizons, this maybe making music videos or promotional advertisements for a company.


Enter Film Festivals - During this stage a director should be making more professional films. They may only be ten minutes long, or a feature length film. But either way it is worth considering, and you may gain a good recognition within the independent film industry. An successful example of this would be Quentin Tarrantino's "Reservoir Dogs".

Assemble Your Reel - At this point, the director would assemble their portfolios. Their reel would contain everything they have done their careers and education up to this point. Such as your educational experience, a resume, contact information, footage that shows skills such as editing, writing, animation and cinematography, Film festivals that they have entered and other miscellaneous experience.

Hire an Agent - At this point usually a director would be looking to hire an agent. The agent would negotiate the directors contracts and recommend what jobs best fit you. A major part in the agents job would be to calculate the directors "gross points". This means how much the movie makes and how much percentage the director has. This may not be important if its a small independent film. But if your film is expected to make the billion dollar mark, the "gross points" are paramount.

Join a Union - Some directors join an union. This means they are paid on a fixed term, Which means your guaranteed money for amount of time.

For example: The Directors Guild Of America provides a salary of $160,000 for ten weeks.

Make Films: The most important part of being a director is directing films. Once a director is on top, there free to capture their imaginations on-screen, for the world to see.





Qualifications

 While their isn't any formal qualifications that are needed to become a film director. Experience is still vital, This could mean making short films or work experience Or going to university and earn a bachelor's degree.

The most important qualifications is your skills set, which should all be shown in your reel. The more experience the better chance you have of becoming a film director.

Work Experience



Many directors work their way up into the film industry. Some its important to gain some work experience. This may be working as a runner or working as an assistant in a production office. This experience may lead onto larger job roles such as being a camera operator or even a location manger.

Many people who work in the British film industry use MandyJobs.com to find  jobs or work experience.


In conclusion there are many aspects to become a film director. The key is gaining this role is all in the experience. Most directors start from the bottom or get lucky by networking in the industry.