Making movies is hard. No matter the scale of the production – whether it’s a shoestring-budget horror film shot in your backyard or a multi-million-dollar summer blockbuster – most directors will tell you that making a film is one of the hardest things you could ever do. Between the high-stakes environment of movie studio boardrooms, the long and grueling hours on set, and harsh notes from test audiences, many filmmakers buckle under the pressure and leave the industry forever. It takes a strong and multifaceted person to navigate the world of film production. Let’s look at some of the traits the world’s best film directors have in common, and see if you have what it takes.
Film Directors are ORGANIZATION
Every film and filmmaker are different. You’d be hard-pressed to find many similarities between the work of Steven Spielberg and that of David Lynch. But what many major filmmakers have in common is a strong sense of organization. A film set has many different moving parts and can be difficult to control, but directors are skilled in the art of compartmentalizing information and staying cool under pressure. Directors create extensive notes and storyboards during pre-production to keep themselves on track and use this information on set to streamline the filming process. Think about it: directors influence every single part of a film’s production: costumes, props, actors, camera angles, editing techniques, music choices… it’s a lot to keep in your head, so organization is an invaluable skill to have.
Some directors are so precise that they develop a reputation for being controlling. Artists like Stanley Kubrick and Alfred Hitchcock are somewhat infamous for their exacting nature on set. And while there is something to be said for being open to others’ ideas and improvisations, many would agree that these director’s authoritative styles have cemented their places in film history.
Film Directors need to be PERSUASIVE
In many ways, film directors are constantly fighting to get what they want. They direct actors to get the performance they want. They plead with studio heads to receive the funding they need. They argue with the MPAA to make sure their film receives the coveted PG-13 rating. Making a film is like fighting a war: there is opposition to every decision a director makes!
That’s why the art of persuasion is a useful tool in any director’s tool belt. A great director can broker deals, find compromises, and flat-out convince others to do their bidding. This is why many directors are stereotypically portrayed as extroverted, loud-mouthed, and fast-talking (think Quentin Tarantino). Quiet personalities like Wes Anderson can still find success in the industry, but make no mistake: directors must fight, charm, and cajole to make a great film!
Often, when we think of filmmaking, we don’t consider the business side of the industry that operates behind the scenes. It is just as vital to be business-savvy as it is to be a creative virtuoso. This is an aspect of filmmaking that is incredibly important for budding directors and masters.
The Best Directors can stay CALM UNDER PRESSURE
The best film directors have a remarkable ability to remain calm even when facing challenging situations on set. After all, movie-making can be very unpredictable! Take Steven Spielberg, for instance. While filming his iconic thriller, Jaws, he encountered numerous issues with a malfunctioning mechanical shark. But instead of losing his cool, he cleverly utilized camera angles, suspenseful music, and the audience’s imagination to create an atmosphere of terror.
That’s the thing about exceptional directors – they’re like a guiding light for the entire crew during turbulent times. When others might feel overwhelmed, they maintain their focus, ensuring that their artistic vision remains intact. It’s this ability to stay level-headed under pressure that sets them apart, enabling them to create cinematic masterpieces that captivate audiences. So the next time you watch a remarkable film, take a moment to appreciate the unshakable director who brought it to life.
GOOD COMMUNICATION SKILLS
Strong communication skills are vital for film directors who want to create unforgettable movies. Picture a busy movie set. To bring together the unique skills of actors, crew members, and producers, a director must be able to clearly articulate their creative vision. By handling different personalities and making sure everyone feels heard, a director creates an atmosphere where the whole team can shine. So, when you watch a fantastic film with great acting, visuals, and storytelling, remember that it’s the director’s excellent communication skills that helped turn their vision into a captivating experience on screen.
NATURAL PROBLEM-SOLVER
Being a great problem solver is an essential trait for film directors who want to create cinematic magic. After all, challenges are bound to arise. A director’s ability to think on their feet and find creative solutions can mean the difference between a successful film and a flop.
For instance, imagine a director faced with sudden weather changes during an outdoor shoot, jeopardizing the continuity and mood of a pivotal scene. Instead of letting the situation derail the production, a resourceful director might adapt the script, adjust the lighting, or even incorporate the unexpected weather into the story, transforming a potential setback into a unique and memorable moment in the film.
RESILIENCE
The road to success is not a straight line. Every filmmaker fails before they succeed… even the best film directors faced rejection many, many times before they made their big break. Even after a director finds success, there is always the looming threat of making the next box-office bomb! But a great storyteller weathers the storm no matter how rough it may be. A great example can be found in M. Night Shyamalan, who rose to fame with The Sixth Sense before crashing down to Earth after releasing the critical and commercial failure Avatar: The Last Airbender. But today, Shyamalan has rekindled his career and continues to direct major Hollywood movies.
LEADERSHIP
A movie set is a complex ecosystem, with numerous individuals working together to bring a shared vision to life. The director acts as the linchpin, guiding and inspiring the cast and crew to deliver their best work.
A great director knows how to balance firmness with empathy, ensuring that everyone stays focused on the task at hand while also feeling valued and respected. By skillfully delegating tasks, setting clear expectations, and maintaining open lines of communication, the director fosters an environment where collaboration thrives and creativity flourishes.
So, when you watch a film that seamlessly weaves together captivating performances, stunning visuals, and compelling storytelling, remember that it’s the director’s exceptional leadership skills that helped orchestrate this harmonious blend of artistry, ultimately bringing their vision to life on screen.
If you want to become a director, you must accept that there are many obstacles on the path before you. There will be doubters and naysayers, bad reviews, broken equipment, corrupted footage, wasted shoots, and sleepless nights. But if you’re willing to stick with it, you might just find yourself directing a major motion picture.
Students at F.I.R.S.T. Institute learn many of the skills necessary for creating films. In just 11 months, they learn to work in teams on real film sets to create short films, music videos, commercials, and more. Learn more about Digital Filmmaking & Video Production at F.I.R.S.T. Institute now.
