Director

Directors have overall responsibility for the way films or television programmes are made.

They use their creative vision, organisational skills and technical knowledge to manage the whole production process.

They might lead a small team or a large cast and crew, to direct full-length feature films, short films, live and recorded television programmes, commercials, music videos or corporate videos.

Their main purpose is to make the creative decisions that guide the rest of the crew. In some cases they write their own scripts and raise finance for projects. On some productions they also operate camera or sound equipment – this is particularly common with documentaries or productions with a small budget.

The work could include: meeting producers; commissioning a script or an idea for a documentary; interpreting scripts and developing storyboards; deciding on the look, design and locations; and planning the shooting schedule and logistics.

It could also include: hiring the cast and crew; directing the technical crew; directing the actors, or the contributors to a documentary; and selecting shots and supervising editing in the final 'cut'.

Freelance directors are usually paid a fee for each individual contract or project. Rates can vary widely, and may be based on the budget available and your track record. Contact the Broadcasting Entertainment Cinematograph and Theatre Union (BECTU) for current pay guidelines.

People working on films may agree to work for little or no pay on the understanding that they will share in any profit that the film makes. You should check the exact terms before going ahead with this type of contract or agreement.

You could take various routes to become a director.

The most important requirements are to have substantial practical experience in TV or film, in-depth understanding of the production process, and a network of contacts in the industry.

Many successful directors start as runners and work their way up into other jobs like 3rd and 2nd assistant director or floor manager. Others move into directing after experience in a technical or creative role like camera work.

To get a job as a runner, you will need to show your commitment to working in the media. You could do this through taking part in activities like student or community film or TV, and finding work experience placements.

You may find it helpful to take a filmmaking or media production course that helps you to build practical skills and make contacts. Several universities and colleges offer relevant BTEC HNDs, degrees and postgraduate courses, and some private film schools offer intensive directing and filmmaking courses.

See Skillset’s website for details of industry-endorsed courses. Another way of breaking into film directing is to make your own short films (known as 'shorts'), which you could market to agents or enter into film festivals and competitions such as those run by the BBC and Channel 4.

You may find it helpful to take a filmmaking or media production course that helps you to build practical skills and make contacts. Several universities and colleges offer relevant BTEC HNDs, degrees and postgraduate courses, and some private film schools offer intensive directing and filmmaking courses. See Skillset’s website for details of industry-endorsed courses.

Another way of breaking into film directing is to make your own short films (known as 'shorts'), which you could enter into film festivals and competitions (such as those run by the BBC and Channel 4), and market to agents.

To make your own films, you will need access to equipment and actors, which you may be able to get through being involved in community film projects. Visit the Shooting People website for information about opportunities in independent film.