Learning how to be a film director means you must realize that directing films is a job that, despite some stories about lucky people, requires a good education. Yes, Quentin Tarantino dropped out of high school and he never went to film school, but that is very rare. There are many college programs offering classes for the latest lights, cameras, and film making technology -- but the best education for a film career is on- the-job training via a mentor.

The education requirements for learning the techniques to become a director also means you can get certification for the technical aspects of film making. The actual work as a director can be challenging, yet flexible and very rewarding. Study courses usually focus on the elements of a successful film plot, characters and style. But there's more...

Directors need to know every aspect of a film's production, from editing to cinematography to digital sound effects. Anyone interested in film probably already has inexpensive modern digital cameras and editing software. It just means that film making and directing has never been more accessible, so there are lots of competitors out there in the field. First time directors rarely get a million dollar film budget. Directors typically must work their way up, often by directing music videos, or commercials, and the salaries for film and movie directors are unpredictable and you start out on the low end.

There are plenty of websites filmmakers should track, such as imbd.com, dv.com, film-connection.com or indietalk.com. These are all places where independent movie makers gather to discuss tips and tricks. Schools for directing and some university websites have started hosting videos of mentor teachers helping anyone who wants to learn how to be a film director.

Most film schools are accredited and prepare you for all the steps necessary so you can make your own feature film, music video or TV commercial. And the best ones find you mentorships where you work under the direct supervision of a professional director in the film industry. Usually within six months, you'll have all the experience, knowledge and connections you need to either direct your first feature, or get a job. The advantage of an apprenticeship is that your personal tutor, or a private mentor, will teach you just about all you need to know. But best of all perhaps, is that they will introduce you to their connections in the film business. Work on real movie, commercial or a music video project while you are taking classes.

This works and it beats sitting in an overcrowded, and pricey college class. Check out what our students and mentors are saying about a career in film directing on YouTube. Just type in what you are looking for - like how to become a film director.