Read and research. Read at least 2 books. If used as a mentor, books can close that experience gap some and give you some confidence.

Talk to experienced directors. Learn from them.

Storyboard your film. The most important thing is for you to have an idea for what each shot should be. Storyboards help give you a visual language for how to speak to everyone about what you want.

Get a great DP and AD. You need people that have insights that you don’t about the shot.

A good Production Manager is critical. They will make sure that the production runs smoothly.

A good Production Designer will make your set look as good as possible with your budget.