Becoming a film directer... what is the best way?

[xxThe_Lebowskixx]

i noticed that pryor and some other people mentioned that they felt the best way is to create a short film. so, make a short, submit it to film festivals and seek funding to make a feature length film?

Has anyone ever been to a film festival? can anyone in the business provide more information on the process?

[Rapidtransit]

Though struggling screenwriter doesn't really qualify me as in the business, making a short film certainly works. If you can scrape a little money together and make a brilliant film, no matter the length etc. etc. it's going to attract attention. This would be the route Billy Bob Thornton or Kevin Smith went. Equally important is the variety of screenwriting contests if your goal is to be a writer/director. The Nichols fellowship, for instance, gives you instant credibility if you win it.

[Blarg]

Some very short films have garnered huge attention and opened up talks for folks in Hollywood. One that comes to mind really quickly is Swingblade, a very short, pretty funny short that combines Slingblade and Swingers to ask the question, What if the guy from Slingblade tried to get into swing dancing and score hot chicks?

[xxThe_Lebowskixx]

Can someone explain what a directer does exactly on the set, as many films have cinematographers? Does the directer tell them what he wants exactly in each shot? Is it upto him how much freedom the cinematographer has? Similarly, does he instruct the editor on what he wants, etc?

edit: to clarify, i am mostly curious what kind of a roll you would play in making your film if someone were to pick it up.

eitehr way, i think making a short, and then trying to find the funding to make it either via 2+2, or the festival circut is a decent plan.

Borat comes to mind as the type of film that couldve made you rich.

[Rapidtransit]

depends on the director for sure on all these things. cameron does his own cuts when he edits. scorcese trusts schoonmaker. cinematography is also a fun back and forth between the director/cinematographer. on the set of The Killing Stanley Kubrick almost fired Lucien Ballard over a shot. A lot of the director's function is getting the best performance possible out of the actor, stylistic decisions (think camera movement in taxi driver, camera follows its own path, not a specific character. this is also done in Psycho) hope that helps a little.

[Blarg]

You should also ask what the producer does, since you'll be in charge of that too. There's a lot to making a film, even a short one.

[john voight]

can someone expand on the financial requirements to shoot/produce a short film?

cost of film/camera, talent, writing, etc...

[xxThe_Lebowskixx]

Another topic of discussion: is it better to try and make something commerical and profitable that will get you into the business, or should you make something truer to your heart? ideally, you would combine the two.

[Huh?]

The best route is to write a script that is under 20 million and everyone desp wants to make. Having a great short/reel can help you attach yourself to it as the director...but often you don't even need that.

[Huh?]

[ QUOTE ]
Though struggling screenwriter doesn't really qualify me as in the business, making a short film certainly works. If you can scrape a little money together and make a brilliant film, no matter the length etc. etc. it's going to attract attention. This would be the route Billy Bob Thornton or Kevin Smith went. Equally important is the variety of screenwriting contests if your goal is to be a writer/director. The Nichols fellowship, for instance, gives you instant credibility if you win it.

[/ QUOTE ]

It gives you cred but doesn't mean you'll have a career let alone direct. Getting a Top 4 Agency agent will help you more than winning a contest--though winning a contest can help you get an agent...sometimes.