Do you want to direct? Of course you do – who doesn’t? If accepted to the Howcast Directors Program, you’ll earn money for every assignment – and it’s a great way to build your reel.

Step 1: Log into Howcast

Log into Howcast and go to Howcast.com/network or click on the blue box on the top right of the page that says “Join the Howcast Director’s Program.” You will be taken to a page that explains what it means to become a Howcast Director.

Step 2: Click on the “Filmmaker” button

Click on the “Filmmaker” button. This will allow you to fill out an application.

Step 3: Click on "I want to apply ..."

On the next page, click on the box at the top of the page that says “I want to apply to the Howcast Directors Program.”

Step 4: If you want to be a crew member ...

If you’d also like to sign up to be a crew member , click on the box next to the role you’re interested in. Of course, if you become a Howcast Director, you might be too busy directing to take on other tasks!

Step 5: Add your gear

If you have any special gear that could help make a Howcast video, click the “Add” button in the “Got Gear?” field. Write a description of your camera, lighting or sound equipment, computer software, or whatever else might be useful. Click “Add” again to list more equipment.

Step 6: Look over categories

Look over the list of the 25 categories that all Howcast videos fall into. If there are certain ones that you enjoy or have some expertise in, let us know by clicking on those categories. This will help us match you with videos that you’ll be excited to make.

Step 7: Fill out a profile

If you’d like to include extra information about yourself and other projects you’ve worked on, fill out the “Optional Profile Info” page. This will help you connect with other Howcast members who have similar likes and interests.

Step 8: Scroll through production packs

Click on “Next” (or “Skip” if you choose not to fill out the profile info) and scroll through the available production packs. These packs contain everything you’ll need to make your application video, so browse around and click the “View this script” link to decide which suits you best.

Step 9: Download the production pack

Click the “Download” button to begin downloading the production pack for the title you’ve selected. You’ll receive the script, graphics, a voice-over track, release forms, and the edit guide.

Step 10: Browse through music tracks

After you’ve read the script and have an idea of what you’d like your video to look like, browse through the Howcast music tracks that are available, clicking on the speaker to listen to them. When you find one you’d like to use, click on its title to download the track.

Step 11: Get directing!

Get directing! You have two weeks to submit your application video, so read the Howcast Directors Program Edit Guide carefully and follow its instructions to shoot and edit one that will make the grade.

Step 12: Log into your account & click "Upload"

When your video is ready for review, either follow the link that will be automatically emailed to you, log into your account and click the “Upload” button, or click on the “My Account” link and then the “Dashboard” link. You will be able to upload your video from any of these places.

Step 13: Find your video

Click the “Browse” button and scroll to find your video. Double-click on it or click the “Select” button and the file will be uploaded. If you receive an error message saying “This file is not a supported format,” re-read the edit guide to make sure you’re submitting the right kind of file.

Step 14: Click "This is a Howcast Director video"

This one’s important—click the box “This is a Howcast Director video” and match the title you’re uploading. If you don’t, your video will be treated like a user-generated video. If you do, the site will fill out all the proper information associated with the title and Howcast will know to review it as your application for the Directors Program.

Step 15: Continue with the upload process

Continue with the upload process, and then… wait. You should hear back from Howcast about your application in two weeks. You’ll probably be asked to make a few edits, but if your video is approved, stay tuned for more assignments!