In today’s society, it can be difficult for new directors to make a name for themselves. With film schools pumping thousands of graduates every year, getting recognition as a promising new talent is essential to survive in the film industry. Here is a list of ten directors who are relatively new to the game but who have garnered widespread recognition as promising new talent. They are ranked by how many movies they have directed and how well they have been received. This was a difficult list to compile, as it is hard to decide whether or not a director has truly been accepted into the film industry. This list includes directors who have made movies that have been either critical or financial successes, but they have yet to be established as household names. Basically, if you hear about a film coming out by one of these directors, run to go see it.
10. Charlie Kaufman
Best known as the screenwriter for such classic films as Being John Malkovich (1999), Adaptation (2002), and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004), he recently broke into the world of directing with Synecdoche, New York (2008). To date he has only made one film. So why is he on this list? Probably because Synecdoche, New York was one of the most critically well received films of 2008. Roger Ebert even presented Kaufman with a Golden Thumb Award, declaring Synecdoche, New York the best film of the decade. With such a critically well-received debut, it’s obvious that Kaufman has a long career ahead of him.