Question by ~Claire~ FutureFilmmaker: I want to be a film director. Since the film world seems to be predominantly men, how hard will this be?
I didn’t have enough room to write it up there. I’m a girl.
So, I’ve noticed that most of these big shot film directors are older mn, and if any women are up there they are generally past 40 years old.
I already have my college and things planned out, where I want to go (UCLA as of right now, any suggestions? I want to get a MFA in Film Production/Directing.. that’s what they offer at UCLA), and what I would like to do afterwards. I’m only thirteen, and I’ve had my heart set on this career for a very long time now, and I can feel that I’m dedicated and this is what I want to do.
How difficult will it be? What classes should I take to give me a leg up on the competition so to speak? Thanks so much!
BQ: Do you think the DGA is a good union to join? Why or why not?
Best answer:
Answer by Evaの
Don’t be intimidated by a industry full of men (look at Katheryn Bigelow, the first woman to win an Oscar for Best Director recently, she’s an inspiration to us all). You’re on the right track my dear. What I really recommend though is while you’re in college, try filming a short film & enter in great film festivals (Cannes, Sundance, Toronto, Tribeca, etc). Though doing film, you need an amazing screenplay to back it up, that’s what is most looked upon. But directing focuses on the right shots, knowledge of camera use, & film editing as well (take a nice long look on film legend Martin Scorsese & Paul Thomas Anderson).
Older men AND older women have been in the film industry for a long while, & it takes that long while to be successful like them. Martin Scorsese won his first Directing Oscar in 2006, when he started getting a load full of nominations at 1976. Most of them are in it for the passion like him, most are not, like Michael Bay. I won’t lie to you, it will be a tough road. But if you love every minute of this, keeping it as a long life passion & making sure it’s not just a teenage fad, then i strongly consider for you to pursue this & stick to it.
You’re thirteen. Right now you should be focusing in school, getting good marks on your grade. Without good grades, it’ll be very hard for you to get into college (I strongly recommend coming to NYU right next to where I live, where all film legends to actors have graduated.) Once you major Film, they give you a long list of classes you should be able to attend. In the meantime, watch some award winning films on your spare time. Enough of Twilight or other teenage films. Watch serious films, especially the good classics. They’ll help you a lot in college, & help you with your perspective about filming. Do a nice good search of the Academy Awards. Films that have changed the world. It’s a great way to start loving films at a young age. Good luck dear~
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