The Unbelievable Journey: How 10 TV Titans Ascended to Iconic Movie Directors

Every artist must begin somewhere, and numerous renowned filmmakers initially worked in television. Nowadays, it is increasingly common to see filmmakers seamlessly transition between the two mediums. Esteemed directors such as David Lynch, Jean-Marc Vallée, and Park Chan-wook willingly explore the world of TV before returning to movies. However, during the era before streaming and prestigious TV shows, these directors relied on their television credits to break into the realm of film.

During the 1960s and 1970s, many directors who emerged as prominent figures started their careers in television, as this medium provided a platform to test and showcase new talent. Unfortunately, female directors faced considerable barriers and were largely excluded from the director's chair for decades, making it significantly harder for them to make the transition between mediums. Despite this, these filmmakers eventually became renowned for their feature films, yet it was in the world of television where they first made their mark.

10 James L. Brooks

Having established his production company Grace Films, James L. Brooks has made significant contributions to both the television and film industry. He played a pivotal role in the creation of the popular television show The Simpsons and recently produced the underappreciated Are You There God? It's Me, Margret. However, his true acclaim lies in his directorial efforts, demonstrated in films like Broadcast News and Terms of Endearment. Despite his achievements as a writer, director, and producer, Brooks was already a household name even before his venture into movies, thanks to his noteworthy work in television.

Brooks embarked on his career by writing for sitcoms such as The Andy Griffith Show and The Doris Day Show. Eventually, he created the highly successful Taxi and The Mary Tyler Moore Show. Brooks' exceptional sense of humor and ability to develop compelling characters seamlessly transitioned into his directing career. Despite his success in film, Brooks continued to contribute to the television industry, playing a role in the development of timeless sitcoms like The Tracey Ullman Show.

9 John Frankenheimer

The director, John Frankenheimer, may not be commonly recognized as one of the greatest filmmakers of the 20th century. However, he possessed a steady hand and was responsible for crafting some of the most captivating films of the '60s. Renowned primarily for his thrilling works such as The Manchurian Candidate, Seconds, and Ronin, this director, hailing from New York, began his journey by directing individual episodes of television shows during the '50s and '60s. From the start of his career, Frankenheimer showcased a keen sense of tension, evident in the 26 episodes of the adventure anthology Climax! that he helmed. Despite achieving significant success with his movies, Frankenheimer consistently returned to television and even contributed to an episode of Tales from the Crypt.

8 Brad Bird

Brad Bird, a master storyteller known for his visual prowess, seamlessly transitions between various mediums, consistently excelling in each one he explores. Having kickstarted his career in TV animation, Bird left an indelible mark by directing an animated episode of "Amazing Stories" and lending his creative voice to the early seasons of The Simpsons. Later, he mesmerized audiences with his directorial brilliance in some of Pixar's most beloved animated films, such as The Incredibles and Ratatouille, before venturing into the realm of live action. With several years having passed since his last project, fans eagerly await the next masterpiece from Bird, whether it graces the silver or small screen.

7 Sidney Lumet

Lumet initially ventured into the world of theater, where he directed Off-Broadway plays before transitioning into a highly productive TV director. He helmed numerous Broadway shows adapted for television, as well as individual episodes of Mama, prior to venturing into the realm of film with 12 Angry Men. Lumet's extensive experience in theater and TV greatly influenced his feature films, which often revolved around intimate character studies and smaller-scale dramas. Dog Day Afternoon, one of his finest works, successfully combines the tension and meticulousness of a TV playhouse with the grandeur and resources of a feature film.

6 Ridley Scott

Throughout his extensive career, Ridley Scott has explored nearly every genre imaginable. From captivating sci-fi horror like Alien to compelling historical dramas such as The Last Duel, Scott's versatility is evident. This creativity extends back to his early days in television during the 1960s, where he showcased his talent across a range of gritty crime thrillers and offbeat sci-fi adventures. After making his impressive feature debut with The Duellist in 1977, Scott dedicated his focus primarily to commercials and music videos. However, he recently returned to the television landscape by directing the initial episodes of Raised by Wolves.

5 Richard Donner

4 Robert Altman

Before making audiences believe a man could fly with the Superman and Lethal Weapon series, Richard Donner established himself as a groundbreaking pioneer in serialized cinematic storytelling. Alongside his incredible talent as a beloved filmmaker, Donner honed his skills on numerous TV shows over the years. His impressive filmography in television spanned from westerns to Gilligan's Island to Perry Mason, including some of the most iconic episodes of The Twilight Zone. Even before taking on his first film project, Donner's success in TV was evident. Following his leap into superstardom with The Omen, Donner continued his TV journey by regularly directing both TV shows and TV movies. Despite his newfound fame, he still made occasional appearances as a guest director for television.

Renowned among film enthusiasts, Robert Altman stands out as one of the most revered names in the industry. Renowned for his masterpieces such as Nashville, The Player, and McCabe & Mrs. Miller, he elevated the art of cinema to new levels, making him a beloved figure among American filmmakers. Interestingly, before venturing into the world of feature films, Altman spent his time directing numerous episodes of TV westerns. Throughout the 1960s, he embarked on a prolific journey, consistently creating captivating TV episodes. Ironically, Altman's most impactful contribution to television came after his departure from it. His feature film MASH served as the inspiration for one of the longest-running TV comedies in history.

3 William Friedkin

The late-great

2 Michael Mann

brought a bold and uncompromising approach to his films. Both The French Connection and The Exorcist pushed the boundaries of what could be accepted in mainstream cinema, while still being thoughtful works of art. Although not heavily involved in episodic TV, Friedkin began his directing career with several TV documentaries and directed an episode of The Alfred Hitchcock Hour. His experience in docu-television brought a touch of tangibility and realism to his genre films, elevating their intensity. Friedkin's talent as a filmmaker was truly unique, making him a once-in-a-generation visionary.

Regarded as one of Hollywood's finest action directors, Michael Mann's films often spark debate upon release. Yet, timeless classics like Thief, Heat, and Collateral continue to captivate audiences, making them perfect for repeated viewing. Notably, Mann began his career directing TV films and episodes before moving on to feature films. Even after achieving immense success with Thief, Mann played a crucial role in the creation of the '80s action series Miami Vice, which he later adapted into a film.

1 Steven Spielberg

Steven Spielberg is an iconic figure in the world of filmmaking. He is widely recognized as one of the most prominent directors of our time, having achieved remarkable success with his exceptional films. The Fabelmans, Spielberg's autobiographical film, delves into his early beginnings in the industry, where he began by contributing to various television shows. One notable accomplishment was directing the inaugural episode of Columbo, and his first feature-length film, Duel, was originally made for television. Throughout his illustrious career, Spielberg has remained a prominent figure in the industry and has worked on numerous television shows. However, he will be eternally remembered as the director of the pilot for Night Gallery.