Tv Or Film Director

Typical Salary

To

Typical Hours

39 to 41 irregular

evenings / weekends / bank holidays away from home

How To Become a Tv Or Film Director

You can get into this job through:

a university course
a college course
working towards this role
producing and releasing your own films
specialist courses run by private training prov

College / University

You could take a course at university in film or television production before moving into directing.

2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

You may find it helpful to take a film-making or media production course that helps you to build practical skills and make contacts in the industry.

Apprenticeship

Apprenticeship are not listed for this job.

Routes into this Career

Many directors start out as runners, helping out on film or TV sets, and work their way up through other jobs like 3rd and 2nd assistant director or floor manager. Others move into directing after getting experience in camera work, screenwriting or acting.

Other Routes

Another way to break into film directing is to make your own films, known as 'shorts'. You can market these to agents, post them online or enter them into film festivals and competitions. You'll need access to equipment, crew and actors to make your own films. Getting involved in community filming projects can help with this.

You could also take short courses in production skills for directors run by film schools, regional screen agencies and private training providers. You can search for relevant industry approved courses on ScreenSkills.

Skills And Knowledge

You'll need:

knowledge of media production and communication
to be thorough and pay attention to detail
the ability to work well with others
leadership skills
the ability to use your initiative
the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
ambition and a desire to succeed
broadcasting and telecommunications knowledge
to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

Day To Day Tasks

Your day-to-day duties may include:

meeting producers to plan filming schedules and resources
developing scripts or ideas for programmes
developing storyboards
deciding how the production should look and where it should be filmed
hiring the cast and crew
explaining technical requirements to different teams
directing actors on set or location
supervising the editing

Working Environment

You could work at a film studio, at a TV studio or on a film set.

Your working environment may be outdoors some of the time and you may spend nights away from home.

Career Path & Progression

With experience you might develop your own projects and raise the money to put them into production.

Volunteering Opportunities

It's important to get as much experience as you can in film and TV, and an in-depth understanding of the production process.

You can do this by taking part in activities like student or community film or TV, and finding work experience placements on film projects.

You can search for film and TV companies to approach for experience through media business listing services like PACT and The Knowledge.

Tips & Information

Career tips

A network of industry contacts will be extremely useful.

Further information

You'll find more details about directing in film and TV through ScreenSkills.

Shooting People has information, resources and networks for independent film-makers.

You can find out more about creative careers from Discover Creative Careers.

Restrictions & Requirements

Restrictions & Requirements are not listed for this job.