A film or TV director creates the overall visual and sound effect of a production. They use their organisational skills and technical knowledge to manage the whole production process, managing the production, technical and creative teams.

The Work

You could be:

• developing a creative vision of how the film or programme will look when finished
• commissioning or editing the script
• selecting and hiring the cast and crew
• meeting regularly with the producers and other crew members
• selecting filming locations and set designs
• planning the whole film in detail from the start, within the financial limits
• planning out the schedule within the time limits
• controlling the film set, telling all the actors, camera crew, technicians and designers what to do
• selecting shots and the music, and supervising the editing of the final version.

Pay

The figures below are only a guide. Actual salaries may vary, depending on:

• where you work
• the size of company or organisation you work for
• the demand for the job.

Some directors work for little or no pay but will share in any profit the film makes.

The Broadcasting, Entertainment, Cinematograph and Theatre Union (BECTU) website has recommended freelance rates of pay. For 2022/23 these are generally as follows:

• Film production - £300 per day / £1800 per week
• TV production - £250 per day / £1250 per week.

(Rates are negotiable and exclude holiday pay).

Conditions

• You would travel about the country to different locations, often having to stay away from home.
• You work both indoors and out in all weather conditions.
• Your working hours will be long and irregular, including evenings and weekends.
• Deadlines and budgets are usually tight.

Useful Subjects

• Drama
• English

Getting In

• Most directors have a degree but you also need production experience.
• Wide experience of the film industry is more important than educational qualifications.
• Most directors start as runners or even production assistants (see Runner, Production Assistant). Some start as actors. Others begin by making short independent films called 'shorts'.
• Entry is very competitive. The most common way is through making contacts in the business.
• Film magazines and websites advertise a few job vacancies, for example Mandy or Production Base.

Job Outlook Scotland

Job Outlook Scotland and UK

  Scotland

2024

3689

4.4 %

RISE

2029

3853

  United Kingdom

2024

79095

6.1 %

RISE

2029

83951

LMI data powered by Lightcast

What Does it Take?

You need:

• a high level of creativity and vision
• assertiveness
• good organisational skills
• strong communication skills with people at all levels
• the ability to delegate tasks and motivate others
• enthusiasm, drive and commitment
• decisiveness and good judgement
• attention to detail
• financial sense.

You should have:

• the ability to give and accept criticism
• the ability to keep calm under pressure and meet deadlines
• health and safety awareness
• up to date knowledge of industry technical standards and developments.

Training

• Training is on the job but some production companies arrange training courses.
• The British Film Institute has a directory of media courses and multimedia courses in the education section of the website.
• Both the BBC Academy and the National Film and Television School websites list several courses which may be relevant.
• Edinburgh College of Art at the University of Edinburgh offers a postgraduate degree in Film Directing.
• Edinburgh Napier University offers a postgraduate degree in Directing.

Getting On

• Most directors are freelance and work on short-term contracts for independent TV and film production companies.
• Some start up their own projects and get funding for them through Creative Scotland or other film agencies.

More Information

If you are aged 18 or over you may be interested in The Network through Screen Education Edinburgh. The Network is held each year alongside the TV Festival in Edinburgh. If selected you would attend for four free days of masterclasses and workshops which will provide you with the skills, knowledge and contacts to start a career in TV. You can usually apply from January to May.

There are local opportunities to take part in film competitions and workshops — like the Edinburgh and Lothian Schools Film Competition or the Glasgow Youth Film Festival.

BBC Scotland runs an apprenticeship scheme for people who are keen to get into a career in the media industry. As well as learning on the job at BBC Scotland at Pacific Quay in various departments, you will study towards a Level 3 Diploma in Creative and Digital Media at a Glasgow college. Ideally applicants will have National 5 English and Maths, good IT skills and a keen interest in media. You must be at least 18 at the start date of the apprenticeship. Entry is very competitive as places are limited. For any questions and updates by following @BBCGetin on Twitter. If you would like to find out more or check on application deadline dates visit BBC Careers.

Trainee Finder is ScreenSkills flagship new entrant programme which offers paid work placements across a range of roles in film and TV. Applications are currently closed for the 2024-25 programme. Recruitment will usually begin around September of the year before placement. Find out more and apply online by visiting the Film Trainee Finder website.

Video

Contacts

The following organisations may be able to provide further information.