Hello everyone! I signed up to this site with the idea one could benefit from it as this seems like a very tight community.
I have a question regarding directing and filmmaking. I'm finishing my Bachelor in film studies this year in June in Belgium, and have the aspiration to move abroad and start a life and career there.
My question to you all is, how does one do this properly? I saw France and Dubai are two very good places to move to in terms of freelance and even production companies to grow in directing and writing. I'd wonder if some of you would have any advice to give someone entering the broader world outside of his own small country, I've after all interned, written, produced, and directed some shortfilms whilst doing these studies.
How did you become a director? Can you make a living off it? How do you network outside your own country?
Sorry if this is the wrong place to ask, but I'll give it a shot!
Kind regards
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What do your college professors recommend you to do?
I wouldnt move to Los Angeles 2025, unless you are financially sound. Rent is gonna moon after the LA fires.
Maybe move to USA- atlanta or Canada-Toronto. Both are non-union Labor laws.
I couldnt make a living freelancing but I did fine accepting a full time gig at a Post Facility with 401K plan, healthcare, vacation/sick pay and they paid weekly.
Trust me, this occupation is hard mentally & physically. Every mentor peer of mine is either getting divorce, divorced, on and off addictions.
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hi Arvid,
I don’t want to rain on your aspirations but both writing and directing are hard to break in, but it doesn’t mean you can’t,
1. As a writer, write 6 or so features of pilots and get them critiqued and approved by eg Stage 32 or Road map writers. Enter worthwhile comps and try to win placements or awards. often Producers will pick up on you if you get through to top festivals (bafta. Oscar accredited ones etc)
Enter pitch fests and try, try, try.
2. As a writer/director add producer on to your skillsand fund and produce your own work. or pair with a producer if you can find one, to get your work out there.
Rarely do people want or hire Directors, they all want to direct their own work . if someone is looking for a Director they usually want a high profile one. So that’s a conundrum as you have to have a body of award winning or high flying work. You have to work up in steps and the easiest way in any country is to make your own work. pair up with others or just go maverick on your own. Good luck.
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Jane Sanger your input is not inspiring at all, typically old school and yes you are raining on his aspirations. You simply assume to much.
Arvid Mahieu After filmschool I started a company with money from a fast-growing internet start-up. I produced dozens of projects in three years by picking up the phone and getting out there. And then I became able to direct some of those projects too, I hired myself as a director. It also brought me in the US, Canada and several European countries, but still working from out of the Netherlands. After that I did several no-budget shorts in order to develop my skills, did photography, writing and fine art. I have an entrepreneurial apporach towards directing and have a can do mentality. I think it depends a little bit on how high you raise the bar. Also I had set backs and endured lonely days and had years in between that I coulnd't make a living out of it, but than I went out and applied for a regular job, while honing my craft in the dark little hours..I network here on Stage32.
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A great way to make a living is getting on a roster at company that does ads. Film ads for the company to make a bucket of cash, some of which you can contribute to your next projects. Start small and scale up over time. How you get on a roster? Get out there and meet people at film events, festivals, networking meetups, etc. If you have a strong portfolio of intriguing low budget work that looks professional quality, they will think of you when the time comes.
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Hey everyone, thank you all for the insights, I'll definitely make note of it. Starting a company Willem Elzenga seems easier said than done haha, but I'll look into it.
I think indeed a good way to start then is making ads and commercials.
Thank you all.
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Great advice from everyone here. Ultimately, making content is the key for directors. There are many types of directors so there are many ways to approach it. If you excel as a DP or Production Designer, you may get an opportunity. Taking an acting class is important, IMO, as directors must work so closely with their actors and understand process - plus its the best place to meet actors that you can build trust with who may show up for you on a project. And making short films, commercials or an indie feature (even a micribudget or no budget feature) to show off your technique and story telling capacity is what gets attention from financiers and studios. In my experience, if you can create a relevant moment (winning a festival) or be a part ofo a relevant moment (working on a film that resonates) then opportunity follows.