The Walking Dead Director: How to Break into the TV Industry
The Walking Dead has become a cultural phenomenon since its premiere on AMC in 2010. The show’s success is due in part to the talented team behind the scenes, including the directors who bring the show to life. If you’re interested in pursuing a career as a TV director, The Walking Dead is a great place to start learning. In this article, we’ll explore what it takes to become a TV director and how you can break into the TV industry.
What Does a Walking Dead Director Do?
Before we dive into how to become a TV series director, it’s important to understand what the job entails. A director’s primary responsibility is to bring the script to life. They work closely with the writers, actors, and crew to create a cohesive vision for the episode or scene they’re directing. The director is responsible for making creative decisions, such as camera angles, lighting, and blocking, to ensure the story is told effectively.
The Walking Dead is known for its intense action sequences and dramatic moments. As a director, you’ll need to be able to handle the show’s high stakes and emotional scenes. For a show like The Walking Dead, you’ll also need to be comfortable working with special effects and stunts, as many of the scenes involve zombies and other supernatural elements.
How to Become a Walking Dead Director
Becoming a director is no easy feat. It takes years of hard work, dedication, and a bit of luck to break into the TV industry. Here are some steps you can take to increase your chances of landing a directing gig on the show:
- Get a Degree in Film or Television Production: While it’s not mandatory to have a degree in film or television production to become a director, it can be helpful. A degree program will give you a solid foundation in the technical aspects of filmmaking, such as camera operation and lighting. It will also give you the opportunity to work on student films and build your portfolio.
New York University (NYU) is one of the top schools in the country for film and television production. The Tisch School of the Arts offers undergraduate and graduate programs in film and television, as well as a variety of certificate programs.
- Build Your Portfolio: Your portfolio is your calling card in the film industry. It’s a collection of your best work and showcases your skills as a director. To build your portfolio, you’ll need to start creating your own content. This can include short films, music videos, or even commercials.
As you build your portfolio, be sure to showcase a variety of styles and genres. This will demonstrate your versatility as a director and show that you can handle different types of projects. - Network, Network, Network: Networking is crucial in the film industry. It’s how you’ll meet other professionals in the field and learn about job opportunities. Attend film festivals, join industry groups, and connect with other filmmakers on social media.
One way to network is to attend film school. NYU and Parsons both have strong alumni networks, which can be a valuable resource when you’re starting out. You can also take advantage of online networking opportunities, such as the Yellowbrick Film and TV Industry Essentials course.
- Get Experience on Set: To become a director, you’ll need to have experience working on set. This can include working as a production assistant, assistant director, or even an extra. The more experience you have, the better your chances of landing a directing gig.
One way to get experience is to work on student films or independent projects. These types of projects are often looking for volunteers or low-paid crew members. You can also look for internships or entry-level jobs at production companies.
- Submit Your Reel: Once you have a solid portfolio and some on-set experience, it’s time to start submitting your reel to production companies. Your reel should showcase your best work and demonstrate your ability to tell a story through visuals.
When submitting your reel, be sure to target companies that produce content similar to The Walking Dead. This will increase your chances of getting noticed and landing a job.
Key Takeaways
Becoming a TV series director is a challenging but rewarding career path. To increase your chances of success, consider the following tips:
- Get a degree in film or television production from a top school like NYU or Parsons.
- Build your portfolio by creating your own content and showcasing a variety of styles and genres.
- Network with other professionals in the field and take advantage of online opportunities like the Yellowbrick Film and TV Industry Essentials course.
- Get experience working on set by volunteering on student films or independent projects.
- Submit your reel to production companies that produce content similar to The Walking Dead or other shows you would like to work on.
If you’re serious about pursuing a career in the TV industry, consider taking the NYU Film and TV Industry Essentials online course and certificate program. This program will give you a comprehensive overview of the industry and provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to succeed as a director.
