“Break a leg” is theatrical slang for good luck. But there’s more than luck involved in breaking successfully into the industry and evolving into a working director.

Each step along the way is a challenge--one we hope to make a little easier through career advice offered by a mix of production house executive producers, managing directors and execs/owners.

To help foster opportunities for those seeking a meaningful foothold in the industry--and in the spirit of SHOOT’s 19th New Directors Showcase--we invited production company pros to offer career counsel to aspiring filmmakers.

SHOOT garnered responses to a pair of questions:

1. What advice do you have for new directors? Include whatever you feel will be helpful; possible topics might include...
   • Tips for getting production co. representation or an agent.
   • Tips for freelance directors on getting an ad agency’s attention.
   • How to obtain financing for a film or TV project.
   • What to put or not put on a reel.
   • How to decide which film festivals to enter.
   • What technology is a “must be proficient in” to succeed today? 
2. Any tips on how to balance career and personal life?

Here is the feedback we received: