Do you have any experience..working on films? The best way to start is to volunteer to work on other perople's films...start out as Production Assistant, but tell them you want to be on the set...not running off to get food, supplies, etc. Read as many books as you can get your hands on, then you will know what is happening on the set. Observation of the actual filmmaking is key. You will soon realize that you can learn a ton by watching other people make mistakes.

Directing is another animal. You should use a cheap video camera, shoot short films of your own and start that way. The director is the leader...the manager...the conductor on the set. You have to be able to work with all kinds of different personalities and get along with all of them. Be a chamelion(sp?). Follow two rules as a director. Never yell at anyone even if they are yelling at you. Since you are at the top of the food chain you must keep cool under pressure. The second rule is give all the credit to everyone else and only discipline in private. Don;t put anyone on the spot.

Now find some material, find a camera and start shooting.

I already do my own films with friends because I'm only 15 and I have been doing so for ages. So, yeah, I've got a fair bit of experience. ?url?www.putfile.com/svelter?/url?

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You can't keep 'em out, they're already in!

You are already gaining valuable experience. Are you wanting to direct studio films? Independent films? What? The next question is how do directors get discovered? Major studios want to work with experienced directors. They aren't going to hand $10-100 million to a new director unless you have something to show to them...something that shows you know how to direct. I think the fastest way to
get discovered is if you can write and direct your own scripts. If you have some succes then they will want to work with you. A film degree will not get you work as a director. Only a film you have already directed can do that.

Yeah, that's what I thought. I would like to write and direct my own films first just to prove that I can make good movies.

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You can't keep 'em out, they're already in!

A good film school will give u good connection though, which is vital. Not to mention they will provide u with their knowledge.

Working on a movie set will give you good connections, which is vital. Working professionals who will be hiring for their next ptoject can be a major asset. Not to mention the knowlege these working professionals can provide you with.