Steven Spielberg’s Early Directing Career
Steven Spielberg is one of the most acclaimed film directors of all time, but how did he get his start? Here’s a look at the early stages of Spielberg’s directing career.
Beginning at Universal
Spielberg began his directing career in the mid-1970s at Universal Studios, after he had been rejected from USC’s School of Cinematic Arts twice. He began as a television director, with his first project being an episode of Night Gallery for which he won an Emmy. From there, he went on to direct a series of television films including Duel, Savage and Something Evil. It was these projects that caught the eye of studio executives and set him up for his feature film career.
Big-Budget Breakthrough
After gaining recognition from his television films, Spielberg was given the chance to make his first feature film, the big-budget blockbuster Jaws. Released in 1975, the movie was a huge success, becoming the highest-grossing movie of all time up to that point and cementing Spielberg’s reputation as a top director. It also became one of the films in the “summer blockbuster” tradition, paving the way for later films like Star Wars.
A Lucrative Career
Spielberg followed Jaws up with a string of other successes, including Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Raiders of the Lost Ark and E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial, which remain some of his most popular films. His career has been incredibly fruitful, and he has gone on to become one of the most decorated and successful directors of all time, with films such as Schindler’s List and Saving Private Ryan, among many others.
Recognition and Legacy
Spielberg’s success saw him become one of the most sought-after filmmakers in the world, and he has been the recipient of numerous awards and accolades, including three Academy Awards and four Golden Globes. His career has also been heavily influential, and he has served as an inspiration for many aspiring directors. Spielberg is widely regarded as one of the most important figures in American cinema history, and his influence continues to be felt in the film industry.
