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What is Film Directing and What Does a Film Director Do?
Film directing is focused on developing and implementing the overall creative vision of a script, as well as working with actors on crafting performances. Once a screenplay is ready to go into production, a film director works collaboratively with heads of the other departments – cinematographers, editors, production designers, screenwriters and producers – to create the film that represents their vision. During the production of the film, the crew looks to the director to make key creative decisions, which can include anything from camera angles to what prop to use in a scene. Additionally, film directors work with the actors to achieve performances that are consistent with the director’s storytelling goals. Anyone who has a passion for visual storytelling can train to become a film director. Often, people with a background in acting, theater directing, writing, cinematography, photography and other performing arts often transition into film directing. Graduates of the AFI Conservatory Directing program have found success in directing in all mediums, including commercials, music videos, films and television. The AFI Conservatory master’s degree program in directing gives AFI film students, known as “Fellows” at the Conservatory, the crucial time, space and resources to craft their own distinct voice, while guaranteeing them the opportunity to direct three narrative films and a thesis film over the course of two years. In classes and through critical analysis of each others’ projects and feature films made by award-winning and acclaimed directors, Directing Fellows examine all elements of the directing craft and visual language as they relate to storytelling, including narrative design and structure, performance, camera, composition, mise-en-scene, narrative point of view, editing and collaboration, with a view to developing a working sense of the Director’s skill set. Learn more about the Directing MFA program at the AFI Conservatory film school, ranked the #1 film school. BEAU IS AFRAID – Ari Aster (AFI Class of 2010) View more projects by AFI Alumni. Applications to attend the AFI Conservatory film school open in the Fall. Sign up here to receive all the latest news about AFI’s MFA program and other opportunities.What is Film Directing?
What does a Film Director do?
Who becomes a Film Director?
What are the career paths for Film Directors?
What is the Directing program at the AFI Conservatory film school?
10 Directing Terms to Know
Recent Projects by AFI Conservatory Directing Alumni
HALLELUJAH – Victor Gabriel (AFI Class of 2020)
LIFE UPSIDE DOWN – Cecilia Miniucchi (AFI Class of 1984)
THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RING OF POWER – Charlotte Brändström (AFI Class of 1982)
MASTER GARDENER – Paul Schrader (AFI Class of 1969).
RAYMOND & RAY – Rodrigo García (AFI Class of 1986)
TÁR – Todd Field (AFI Class of 1992)
THE WHALE – Darren Aronofsky (AFI Class of 1992)
WATCHER – Chloe Okuno (AFI Class of 2014)
WE WERE MEANT TO – Tari Wariebi (AFI Class of 2020)
