How can I pivot from working as an ad agency art director to a commercial director/DP? I’m trying to get on as much commercial production experience as possible in my current role to build up experience. I’m also doing a lot of side projects - I have a couple shorts in some no name festivals and am getting better on each project. My original thought was to work my way up to Creative Director and pivot from there but I’m not sure if that’s the correct route. Any advice is appreciated!!

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Do you like to work the camera? DP and director are definitely different skill sets. If you aren’t amazing at camera / know everything about every lens etc/ I would focus on the directing. You can always find some great DPs you work
Well with. And as long as you have some work to show you can jump in. Is there a specific style you would direct? Lifestyle or comedy? Being focused is good I think. But there are differing opinions on that.

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This sounds interesting it appeals to me more than the 30 sec commercial. I like more doc/lifestyle type of shooting anyways. Do you have more info on this?

Your original thought of working up to creative director is the correct one. Only then will you build the RELATIONSHIPS with the people who will hire you to direct. Directing isn’t really about the craft in advertising, it’s about getting people to hire you. Yes you can quit now and to be a DP and shoot and shoot and maybe be amazing at it but you’re still going to lose the job when the agency creative hires their friend.

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What town you live in?

Thanks- I’ll DM you!

I am actually trying to do the same thing, I live in LA and with all this Covid stuff its hard to get a reel going.... Any advice?

I’m in the same boat. It’s not as fulfilling handing your ideas over to a production company who does all the work and gets to have all the fun bringing the vision to life. I’ve been considering content creator positions at agencies, but not really sure what other options there are if I still want a consistent full-time job.

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