How to Become a Film and Scripted TV Director

This workshop is focused around the many elements of directing, from how to get your first paid gig to what to do in-between projects and whether you should write everything you direct. I’ll cover my entry into the industry as someone without any family connections and how I kept myself afloat whilst I built up my portfolio. I’ll give tips on how to get an agent and explain if you actually need one yet. I’ll go into some detail on short films and what their purpose is in your career journey, and how you’ll know that you’re ready to move from shorts to long form film and television. Plus I’ll answer any burning questions you might have about how to forge and maintain your directing career.

When: Wednesday June 11th at 7:00pm
Where: Online Zoom Video Call
Cost: Free for MFJF PRO Members!

Content

1. My Career Journey

• From not knowing anyone in the industry to an unconventional route into directing that taught me plenty of other departments’ skills along the way, which I feel makes me a better, more empathetic director today as result 
• How I went from short films to directing my first television series for ITV, and how I supported myself financially during the journey. 

2. Typical Career Paths and When to Go Off-Road

• There’s really no ‘one’ path to directing, it’s usually not a straight forward career ladder like some other roles. But there are some paths more common than others which I’ll go into.
• How to surround yourself by people that champion and challenge you. The value of professional friendships, and the importance of taking care of your mental health and life beyond the industry whilst you’re grafting.

3. The Value of Directing Shorts

• The role of short films as your calling card and why to make them.

4. Commercial Work - A Training Ground and Income Stream

• What I learned from working in commercials and how they can keep you afloat financially while you build your creative portfolio. How these worlds are merging more as production finance changes.

5. Finding a Producing Partner

• You don’t have to do it all alone. Finding a great producer to fight for your vision, find funding, and help keep you sane. 
• How small projects can lead to long term collaborations as you both grow in your careers.

6. Writing or Not Writing

• How you don’t have to write everything you direct and how to form productive collaborations with writers. 

7. Getting an Agent

• An agent doesn’t make your career, but they do help you grow it. How I got my agent and what a productive agent/client relationship looks like. How to know when you need an agent and how to go about finding one.

8. When to Start Charging & Finding Consistent Paid Work

• Transitioning from ‘portfolio’ to ‘professional’ and what opportunities to say yes to 
• How consistency comes from visibility and relationships, and what to do when you aren’t working

Course Leaders

Sophie King

Sophie’s narrative work has been screened at BAFTA and Oscar qualifying festivals globally. Her directing has been praised by the likes of Time Out, The Guardian and The Times and she is a member of BAFTA Connect. Her focus is on telling darkly comedic tales that pack a punch. Sophie directed TV pilot Disability Benefits for Channel 4 with Merman and 2LE starring Rosie Jones, which won Best Newform Drama Series at the C21 International Drama Awards 2022 and is now being made into a full series. Sophie also directed the second series of Buffering, a 6 part scripted comedy for ITV with Avalon Television starring Iain Stirling. Sophie is the 2023 Edinburgh TV Fest New Voices scripted director winner.

In the branded space, Sophie has directed and creatively led recurrent content for Netflix’s UK, USA and EMEA channels, as well as TVCs and content for Dove, Ted Baker, Warner Music, Mulberry and Lancôme amongst others. Her work features talent ranging from David Beckham to George Clooney, Judy Dench to Billie Eilish. Sophie’s super 8 Straight8 comedy made with Merman won the Audience Award at Cannes Lions 2022.

Sophie is represented by Humphrey Elles-Hill at Independent Talent for film & TV and Merman for commercials.

Tickets

This workshop is for MFJF Pro Members. To join and participate create your account on MFJF and then upgrade to become a PRO Member.

Eligibility

Any MFJF Pro Member can attend regardless of prior film industry experience or knowledge.

No experience is required, if you are simply curious about a career in film or are a recent film graduate we welcome you to join us.

Please look at our Career Stages Pathways to understand where your experience lies in the grand scheme of things, it will help you navigate and plan your next steps.