Discover Your Directing Passion

By Debbie Wilson
Debbie.Wilson@computeranimationsschoolreview.com
Computer Animations School Review Columnist

If you're like Ron Howard, becoming a director has been a dream since childhood. And while it may seem impossible to break into a career in animation as a director, think again. Today's production companies and viewers are just waiting for the next rising star to come their way.

Control Your Own Destiny: Become a Director

Becoming a director involves much more than simply creating a great idea. Rather, it is one of the few careers in animation that allow you to follow your dreams and control your own destiny. That means you don't have to work at the whim of everyone else's disposal like a young actor might. Instead, you can become a leader in the animation business and let your magical directing talents shine.

A Directing Career

Like most aspiring directors, Ron Howard began shooting films at age 15 with nothing but a Super-8 camera. After high school, he spent two years in a film program at the University of Southern California. And while he'll tell you that his first film was definitely the hardest to finance, he learned to utilize his educational background and creative talents to drum up investors. Those first few films were tough, but he proved himself as a top-notch director, and now, financing films is not so difficult. With many directing films to his credit, including the animated How The Grinch Stole Christmas (2000) and Curious George (due out February 2006), Ron Howard can truly be considered one of Hollywood's top directors.

Like Ron Howard, you too could be enjoying a rewarding and challenging career in animation as a director. All it takes is a quality education, some creative directing talent, and a little "Hollywood magic." The rest is up to you and your filming imagination.

About the Author Debbie Wilson currently operates a lakeside resort. Her previous experience includes profitability consulting for a national health-care company. Debbie holds a B.A. in Business Management with a minor in Physical Education.

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