When we think about successful directors, a certain personality type can trickle into our minds. Possibly someone who's gregarious, a person who can control a room or easily pivot from one idea to the next. But that isn't always the case.
We've featured Sandberg, the director behind Shazam!, Annabelle, and Lights Outon No Film School before detailing the techniques he uses to tell story. But his latest video, "Can You Be An Introvert Director?" caught our eye. It takes on a subject few speak on—the personality traits of a successful director.
Check it out.
Sandberg, who sees himself as an introvert, admits that he needs time when it comes to preparing a pitch or being a guest on a panel. Like many of us, he needs to be in the proper headspace. On the other side of the coin are those who can go off the cuff and are comfortable with an indirect approach.
What we admire about the video is that he extends a hand to those who share a similar personality and want to become a director. There are a lot of discouraging things in the entertainment industry that one needs to navigate. It can be daunting and feel like you're never going to get your foot in the door. If you feel like you're someone who doesn't have a commanding presence, it can make directing feel like a lost cause.
That shouldn't be something that dispirits you.
Sandberg suggests keeping in practice, just as you would while making films. You're going to make some really bad ones, but as you keep making them, you'll get better.
A good way to prepare for a pitch or general meeting is to have your friends or family pretend to be executives and ask questions you may not have considered.
Another piece of advice is to take an improv class. As silly as it sounds, it's a great way to force you out of your element and make you think on your feet. And who knows, you may be more extroverted than you think!
Are you an introvert? Leave some of your own advice for the community.
Source: David Sandberg
