What's the most important high school course to take for an aspiring director?

Looking to pursue film direction in college, and wondering what high school courses could give me a solid foundation. Any suggestions for important subjects or specific classes I should focus on?

Though the specific course offerings at your school may cause some variables, generally as an aspiring film director, you'd benefit from a range of courses. To begin with, consider anything related to filmmaking or broadcast journalism, if available, to get hands-on with the basics of camera work, editing, and storytelling. English and other humanities courses are valuable too, helping you develop a sense of narrative structure, character development, and various other aspects crucial to filmmaking.

However, don't stop at courses directly related to film and literature. Studying visual arts can deepen your understanding of composition, color theory, and visual symbolism—all key elements in creating visually impactful scenes. Classes in psychology could provide insights into human behavior and motivation, enhancing your ability to create believable characters and emotionally engaging plots.

Also, be on the lookout for extracurriculars such as drama club or film clubs to further gain hands-on experience with scriptwriting, acting, and technical aspects of film production.

Lastly, don't underestimate the significance of classes unrelated to filmmaking either. Any knowledge you gain can potentially enhance your storytelling capabilities by providing you unique perspectives or insights to convey through your work.

So, in summary, focus on film or broadcast journalism if available, but also diversify your learning experiences as much as possible. Ultimately, the ability to tell compelling stories is achieved through a blend of technical skills, understanding of narrative, and a broad knowledge base.