Writing a Great Director's Statement

For filmmakers

Mike Mills—Director of Beginners—has a pretty great Director’s Statement

For nearly every film application or pitch deck, you’ll be asked to submit some combination of a Cover Letter, Artist Statement, or Director’s Statement. It can feel overwhelming—trying to distill your creative vision into 500 words or less.

While I don’t consider myself a natural at writing these essays, I’ve still been fortunate to receive several competitive grants, including support from Sundance, Jerome Foundation, NYFA, and others. I was also selected for the Gotham Project Market (formerly IFP).

Reading strong examples from peers—many of whom are exceptional essay writers—has helped me improve. I’ve noticed that the most compelling statements always include an emotional hook—something vulnerable that the artist is willing to reveal. That hook feels specific, self-reflective, wise, and universal.

Think of the statement that the lead protagonist says in Past Lives: “There’s a word in Korean—In-Yun. It means providence or fate. That’s just something Koreans say to seduce someone.” This kind of statement feels vulnerable, honest, funny, self-reflective, and relatable. It draws you in.

All of the best essays I’ve read include something like that.

Below are some examples.