How do people become movie directors or write for movies without going through any film school?

I just wondered about that. I mean, did they just submit something or were they discovered by someone who realized they had talent?

I’m not talking about acting. Like the question mentions, I’m strictly referring to DIRECTING movies and WRITING for movies, like the actual screenplay/story/whatever.

I always loved movies and have thought about making them. It’s the one thing that has always been on my mind since I was a kid. I keep talking about it and crafting ideas of things and I got involved with any kind of film directing or editing in school. I was always the first one raising my hand for that one. And I had the aggressiveness for it. Whenever I was in a club and someone was like, “So we need to advertise..” or “We have this idea for a short clip…” I’d be like “OKAY. ME. Done. Let’s do it. No-shut up, you’re not coming. You – yes! You – maybe.” Etc, etc.

Alas, I am pursuing a completely different field. I was a bio major and already am working for a bio industry. But in my down time at my office I never forget that dream and write things down. I’m an aspiring writer on the side and I’m currently trying to get any short story published. So I figured maybe through that niche, maybe if I DO get published that can somehow help me wind down to the movies? I mean, from what I recall, lots of writers get involved in film too. Right?