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Are you looking for a job in the film industry? If so, you are probably wondering if filmmaking suits your personality. Your personal characteristics can determine your future success as a director, writer or producer. You don't want to naturally feel incompatible with your role.
Remember, your personality doesn't just determine your job. It should only be a small factor in your overall decision – after all, you should do what you love most. To help you make up your mind, here's a look at what are potentially the best personalities for film careers.
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI)
The most common personality test is the Myers-Briggs type indicator. The quiz produces 16 unique personalities categorized into Analysts, Diplomats, Guardians and Explorers. These sections are further broken down to create individual types.
Here are five MBTIs that align with a filmmaker's key characteristics:
1. ISFP
An ISFP has introverted, attentive, sentimental, and prospective qualities. They tend to be adventurous souls who are open to anything and everything. ISFPs have expansive ideas. As a result, they usually work as artists. Frida Kahlo was an ISFP.
The disadvantage of working as an ISFP in film is that you can't always deal with criticism. It can be difficult for them not to take harsh judgments to heart. That can be hard to avoid, especially because of successful filmmakers have to deal with rejection graceful.
2. ESTJ
ESTJs embody extroverted, attentive, thinking and judging qualities. These qualities make them strong and fair leaders because they respect the order of things and value honesty and dignity. Many US presidents were ESTJs.
An ESTJ would be a perfect film studio manager. That means they have to learn to accept that not everyone works like them. A movie set is an environment where everyone contributes differently.
3. INFP
Did you know Guillermo Del Toro is an INFP? The award-winning director channels introverted, intuitive, soulful and prospective qualities. INFPs are usually calm people – but they're just as open-minded and resourceful. They also love to express themselves.
Their central mistake is that they feel unfulfilled when they don't turn their dreams into reality. A project that doesn't get the green light can frustrate them. If you can overcome that need, INFP might be the best persona for a film career.
4. ENTJ
ENT patients are like ESTJs in every way except that they are intuitive rather than attentive. This difference means that they tend to use their imagination as opposed to practicality. As a result, they like to think outside the box when solving problems.
An ENT is an ideal film director. For example, James Cameron is commonly viewed as an ENTJ. That's because he likes to be the one paving the way for his ideas.
5. INTJ
Like ENTJs, INTJs love to think creatively. That is, they are more reserved because they like to stay to themselves. This quality makes them less inclined to be leaders. INTJs are affectionately referred to as "nerds" because they always try to quench their thirst for knowledge.
These qualities can be great for screenwriters. Look at Christopher Nolan's career. This INTJ has written and staged monumental hits like "The Dark Knight", "Inception" and "Momento".
Introvert or extrovert types
You may be curious as to whether introversion or extraversion is best for a film career. In general, both are helpful for different reasons. Both personality types have their advantages and disadvantages in the film industry.
Introverts often work best in Roll behind the scenesBut you can still take positions that put you in the spotlight if you prefer. You will be surprised how many famous actors are introverted at heart. Even so, you would likely be successful as a screenwriter, cameraman, or some other role that doesn't require much attention.
Extraverts can be great in any position, but they may feel more fulfilled when they can interact with lots of people. If you are an extrovert, you may want to pursue a career as a director or producer. These people need to interact with others to get through their projects.
Other individual personality traits
Other parts of your personality may show through as defining characteristics of a filmmaker. It turns out that artistic people often share seven different attributes that makes them more creative than others. Examples are motivation, flexibility and ambition.
If your pursuit of originality and not resting until your work comes to life, you are a great filmmaker. The industry can be difficult to navigate even after you've found your place. Hence, it is wise to have passion, enthusiasm, and drive for everything you do. These qualities will keep you afloat.
You can face some hurdles if you are not naturally curious or humble. That curiosity will open many doors – and your general humility will ensure that those doors stay open. Your goal should be to create projects for you and the audience, not because you want to win an Oscar.
Consider your natural personality type to find a job that suits you
In general, you can be successful in the movie industry whether you are an introvert or an extrovert. However, if you have certain qualities, you are more likely to succeed in certain roles. Be sure to consider a filmmaker's key characteristics before entering the field.
About Ginger Abbot
Ginger Abbot is a freelance writer and graduate student with a passion for helping others find their careers. Read about her work in classrooms where she is Managing Editor.
