How is someone hired to direct a film?

I'm wondering because I want to be a film director. I mean, say you have no history such as films you've made and all you have is that you studied Film at college and university - how do you get hired and found out to begin with? Through your own amateur movies you make and put on Youtube, submit to the film festivals etc?|||I guess there are several possible avenues. The first would be to build a reputation by directing an independent/self financed movie. Christopher Nolan (director of The Dark Knight and Batman Begins) made one called Following. I believe M. Night Shymalan (?sp) also got his start this way.





A second way would be to have the rights to a script and go out and find the financing. Unless you have some connections to begin with, this may prove difficult. The money people may like the script, but insist on an established director if they are going to put their money up. In this case, you might be able to get somewhere by insisting you are hires as an assistant director.





There are some in Hollywood who specifically look for up and coming talent to make small movies. I believe Ben Affleck and Matt Damon do some of this, as does Stephen Spielberg. But again, you'll need something to get your foot in the door.





The last scenario is to actually know someone who produces pictures that you can convince to give you a shot.