Is Being a Film Director Right for You?

To many cinephiles, nothing is more thrilling than the idea of directing a film. From choosing a team for a project, to developing a vision for the movie, to working with actors to realize that vision - it's simply tops when it comes to excitement. If this sounds like you, then maybe you've considered becoming a director... but how can you know if it's the right choice for you? Here are 5 steps to help you with the decision.

Step 1 - Think about who you are.

Film director schools prepare students for the world of cinema. It's an exhilarating world to be sure, but also a tough one which demands perseverance. So take a moment to think about your personality. Are you truly passionate about film? Are you the type of person who is discouraged easily? Try and be as honest as you can in your self-assessment.

Step 2 - Read up about the career of less famous film directors.

It's easy to read about the Steven Spielbergs and the Roman Polanskis of the world, but the truth is most film directors don't command eight-figure salaries. Do some research online about the "less famous" directors working today. What is their lifestyle like? How did they find success early in their careers? Which film schools did they go to? By researching the answers to these questions, you'll develop a greater understanding of the reality of typical film director's career.

Step 3 - Visit a film director school.

Many film schools in Canada offer open houses, where prospective students can visit the campus and talk with teachers. Find some schools in your area, visit them, and take a moment to talk with the instructors who work there. Many film schools employ working directors in their programs. Chat with these director/teachers to get first-hand knowledge of the position, and the industry.

Step 4 - Shadow a film director.

Call your local film director school and ask to talk with an instructor who is a director. Ask that director if they'd mind if you shadow them the next time they're directing a movie. "Shadowing" means you literally watch the director work, and in that way, develop a greater understanding of the person's role.

Step 5 - Enrol in a film director school.

If you've done steps 1 to 4, and you're convinced that being a director is right for you, then the last thing to do is to take a look at some film schools in Canada, and enrol. As a student, you'll spend all day learning about the field, and this total immersion in film director school is the last step to help you decide if being a director is the career you'd like to pursue.