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How to become a film director
Manage the creative elements of a film and produce captivating final products for the big screen!
What is a film director?
Film directors are involved in almost every element of a film’s lifecycle – from developing scripts through to guiding editors to produce the best possible final cut.
You’ll review and edit scripts, support the recruiting of talent, set the tone of the film and visualise the script for the benefit of actors and technical crews. You’ll also direct actors and camera crews and work alongside sound and music departments to ensure that scenes maximise their dramatic and aesthetic impact.
What qualifications do you need to be a film director?
There are no set routes but to access a career in such a competitive industry, you’ll need all the advantages you can get.
- Undergraduate degrees – degrees in filmmaking, film and TV practice or screenwriting will give you a strong educational background and hands on experience.
- Postgraduate studies – there are many MA courses available which target particular areas of film direction and production, such as screenwriting, directing fiction, filmmaking and cinematography. Many of these courses are highly practical, allowing you to direct short films to add to your portfolio.
What does a film director do?
You’ll set the narrative and creative tone for a film by ensuring that actors and crews understand your creative vision.
At any level of filmmaking, a director’s tasks will include:
- Working with production teams to develop scripts, create storyboards, define a narrative style, agree locations for filming, consider any complex technical requirements for filming, agree budgets and plan timelines.
- Selecting a cast of actors and a team of skilled professional technical crew. You’ll manage costume, art and set design and work with a musical team to ensure a cohesive and consistent execution.
- Supervising the creative and technical aspects of filming, working with actors, camera and sound crews and other technical teams. You’ll direct the actors’ actions and delivery of lines and ensure camera and sound crews are correctly located to capture the perfect scene.
- Ensuring the film is completed on time and to budget.
- Responsibility for the editing process, to ensure that the final version of the film meets your artistic expectations and fits within any constraints such as duration or age classification.
- Supporting the marketing and promotional activity for the film.
Becoming a film director could be for you if…
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You live and breathe films
Becoming a film director requires knowledge of and skills in many aspects of film production.
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You’re a natural leader
You’ll have large, disparate teams to manage and motivate, so you’ll need to be able to resolve conflict and get the best out of actors and technical teams alike.
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You think outside the box
Although scripts and basic concepts are often decided before you get involved, you’ll be responsible for setting and delivering all the creative elements of a film.
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You’re ambitious
You’ll almost certainly start in a junior role on large productions or directing small scale productions, so you’ll need drive and ambition to get to the top.
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You’re organised
Films are exceptionally complex projects, with often parallel streams of work, so you’ll need organisational ability as strong as your creative skills.
What are the typical working hours for a film director?
You’ll work at least 10 to 12 hours per day during the filming process. Pre-production and post-production hours may be less, but there will always be pressure to meet or beat deadlines.
The sky’s the limit for internationally-recognised feature film directors!
A director’s salary for experienced professionals who are taking on their first full film directing roles range from around £40,000.
More experienced directors can expect to earn anything from £50,000 to £150,000. Freelance directors can charge significantly higher fees.
