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TV or film director
Movie director, television director, director
TV and film directors lead the creative and technical production for cinema and television.
Average salary (a year)
£0
Starter
£0
Experienced
Typical hours (a week)
39.0 to 41.0 hours
irregular
Work Hours
evenings / weekends / bank holidays
away from home
How to become
Explore the different ways to get into this role
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 course at university to get into the industry. Courses include
film or television production, broadcast production, filmmaking, drama, TV, film and theatre studies
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
College
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.
Relevant courses include
Level 3 Diploma in Film and Television Production, Level 3 Diploma in Performing and Production Arts, Level 3 Extended Diploma in 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
More Information
equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
guide to T Levels|https://www.tlevels.gov.uk/
funding advice|https://www.gov.uk/further-education-courses/financial-help
search for courses|/find-a-course
Work
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.
Volunteering
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.
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 through ScreenSkills.
More Information
Career Tips
Get as much experience of amateur film making as you can, to develop your skills and make industry contacts. Create a portfolio to showcase your talent.
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.
What it takes
Find out what skills you’ll use in this role
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
Digital Skills Level
to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
What you will do
Discover the day-to-day tasks you’ll do in this role
Day to day tasks
You could
meet producers to plan filming schedules and resources, develop scripts or ideas for programmes, develop storyboards, decide how the production should look and where it should be filmed, hire the cast and crew, explain technical requirements to different teams, direct actors on set or location, supervise 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
Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities
With experience you might develop your own projects and raise the money to put them into production.
Job profile data provided by The National Careers Service.
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