Expert: Kitty Kavey - 2/5/2009

Question
What are the best uc's for directing? What academic cirreculams do you have to take to be a director? Please write back promptly or call me at (626)852-1676

Answer
A few of the more recommended schools for directing are:

The American Film Institute
http://www.afi.com

CalArts
http://film.calarts.edu

Columbia University's School of the Arts
http://wwwapp.cc.columbia.edu/art/app/arts/index.jsp


New York University Tisch School of the Arts
http://filmtv.tisch.nyu.edu/page/home.html

There are no required courses or degrees that you must take or have in order to become a director.  

It may be helpful to take acting classes or work with actors in another capacity in order to better understand their point of view and how you can communicate well with them - or even consider a screenwriting class, in addition to directing courses.  

If there is a particular area of directing that interests you such as indie film, theater, action films, comedy, documentary, etc., I would suggest making sure you include a class or course that will be specific to that area.

Good luck to you,
~Kitty