STEP 1: Consider applying to film school for both the experience and the contacts.
STEP 2: Seek an apprenticeship under an experienced and successful screenwriter, if possible. Do this through networking and letter writing.
STEP 3: Go to a film or theater bookstore and buy a book on screenwriting, such as "Screenplay" by Syd Field.
STEP 4: Complete one to three scripts and submit them to agents as "specs". Literary agents are listed in directories in New York City and Los Angeles.
STEP 5: Make the screenplays fit different genres - comedy, action, drama or romantic comedy - depending on your strengths.
STEP 6: Apply for a job working as a coveragist or story editor at a film studio. You'll read scripts that are sent to the studio, report on the plot and tone, and help determine if they're worth producing.
STEP 7: Send any industry contact (producer, actor, cameraperson, etc.) a copy of your latest screenplay. You never know who knows who in the film industry, and to improve your chances of getting your script produced, you want to expose your work to as many people as possible.
Tips & Warnings :
Register your screenplays with the Library of Congress and the Writers Guild of America to protect your ideas as your own property.
Network! Meet as many people in the film industry as possible.
A position as a coveragist gives you the opportunity to read lots of different scripts; it's an excellent way to research your craft.
No matter what your level of experience (novice, intermediate, etc.), find a writer's group. Find others who you can not only learn from, but also trust. Their feedback will always prove invaluable. Good luck!
STEP 1: Brainstorm to come up with any potential contacts in the film industry. Work as an apprentice under anyone currently directing student films, TV commercials, music videos or feature films.
STEP 2: Consider applying to film school to gain both knowledge and industry contacts. Some top film schools can be found at New York University, the University of Southern California, the American Film Institute in Los Angeles, California Institute of the Arts and the University of California at Los Angeles.
STEP 3: Apply for work on movie sets in entry-level jobs, such as production assistant or as anyone's assistant. If you work hard and make friends, you can move up the ladder.
STEP 4: Target jobs directing TV commercials or music videos, where many film directors get their start.
STEP 5: Develop a reel. Make sure it is of professional quality. STEP 6: Shoot films on your own. To start, they can be short (10 minutes long) and in black and white. If necessary, cast and write your films yourself to build your experience and résumé. STEP 7: Send postcards and updates regularly to industry contacts you have made, including directors, producers and actors. Constant networking leads to opportunities.
Tips & Warnings:
Be creative and persistent, and understand that there isn't one right way to become a film director.
Read "The Hollywood Reporter" and "Variety" to find out about upcoming productions and possible job openings.
Network, network, network.
How To Apply To Film School
STEP 1: Research. Go to your school library, your local library, the Internet, friends and acquaintances to find out what schools are most recommended and appropriate for what you want to do.
STEP 2: Keep in mind that a school with a top name and a great reputation will help you in your career. Some top film schools can be found at New York University (NYU), the University of Southern California (USC), The American Film Institute in Los Angeles and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). STEP 3: Talk to everyone you know who attended these schools. Ask them if they recommend the school and, if so, whether they'll serve as a reference to help you get in. Connections are extremely important.
STEP 4: Get catalogs, application materials and financial aid information from the schools that interest you.
STEP 5: Prepare all work you have done in film, television or mixed media for your portfolio. The school will want to see your work included in your application. Have your "reel" (a tape of all work you have done) professionally mastered at a film laboratory; have a professional recommend the best lab.
STEP 6: Fill out the application, then send in your reel, references and other supporting material by the deadline.
STEP 7: Sign up for an interview and dress nicely for it; dressing neatly and professionally shows respect and seriousness. Many people underestimate the importance of this first impression.
Tips & Warnings :
Make sure the supporting materials you send in, like your reel, are professionally mastered and not amateurish.
Who you know in the film business is extremely important. Even if you have a second cousin twice removed who attended the school or is successful in the film business, call her up and find out if she can put in a good word for you.
2007-02-15 08:16:54
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answer #1
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answered by Jojo 3
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Already I can tell you might not fare too well. This is an art. Essentially. Now, if you're in it for the money, then by all means do the school thing. If not, it's mostly self taught. Effective writing is of course essential. Shakespeare:
" The play's STILL the thing. "
2007-02-15 08:00:01
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answer #2
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answered by vanamont7 7
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