TV or film director
TV and film directors are responsible for the overall creative vision in turning a screenplay or script into a film or programme ready for release.
Also known as: Movie director, television director
What you'll do
As a TV or film director, you could:
- develop a script and ideas with screenwriters
- establish a vision of how the production will look and feel
- meet with producers, designers and technical teams to plan filming schedules, locations and resources
- work with casting directors to select actors
- direct actors and crew during rehearsals and filming
- attend regular meetings to discuss progress and iron out problems
- supervise editing, sound and visual effects in post-production
- handover the finished production for approval by producers, a studio or broadcaster
- take part in promotional activities
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.
Skills and knowledge you'll need
You'll need:
- knowledge of media production and communication
- the ability to work well with others
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- leadership skills
- the ability to use your initiative
- the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
- ambition and a desire to succeed
- the ability to organise your time and workload
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
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 providers
University
You could take a degree or postgraduate course at university to get into the industry.
Courses include:
- film or television production
- broadcast production
- filmmaking
- directing
- drama
- TV, film and theatre studies
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
- a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
College
You may find it useful to take a filmmaking or media production course that helps you to build practical skills and make contacts in the industry.
Relevant courses include:
- film and television production
- performing and production arts
- creative and digital media
- T Level in Media, Broadcast and Production
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level
Work
You could start out as a runner, working on film or TV sets, and learn on the job. As your experience and contacts grow, you could work your way up to become a 3rd, 2nd then 1st assistant director or floor manager.
You might also move into directing after gaining experience in camera work, screenwriting and acting, or from working on theatre productions.
Volunteering
It's important to get as much experience as you can in film and TV, and to develop a good understanding of the production process.
For example, you can:
- work on student film or TV productions
- get involved with community film projects
- find work experience placements with production companies
You can search for film and TV companies to approach for experience through media business listing services like PACT and The Knowledge .
Other routes
You can learn some of the skills needed in film directing by making 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. The contacts you make through student or community filming projects may help with this.
You can 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 through ScreenSkills.
Career path and progression
With experience, you might combine screenwriting with directing to develop your own creative projects.
You could also specialise in particular types of content, such as:
- documentaries
- animation
- drama series
- commercials
- films
A good reputation and track record is important for your career development. You may decide to form your own production company and work as a producer director, handling the creative process, as well as raising funds to get projects off the ground.
Career tips
Get as much experience of amateur filmmaking as you can to develop your skills. This will give you insights into the creative process and help you to make industry contacts.
You can also create a portfolio to showcase your talent.
Guides for this industry
Related roles
- Job roleTV or film assistant director
- Job roleScreenwriter
- Job roleTV or film producer
- Job roleDirector of photography
- Job roleActor
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