Industry Jobs | Director

As one of the premier studio production companies in New York, Broadway Stages works to meet the growing needs of the film and TV industry while also focusing on the needs of our community. We provide the industry with a soundstage or location where they shoot their scenes, but they also need a skilled and experienced workforce. In this series, we look at the various jobs that make a production come to life. We hope it provides insight and encourages you to consider a career in the film and TV industry. This week, we look at the role of a Director.

What Is a Director?

In our Industry Jobs series, we have highlighted many leadership roles, each leading departments that are integral to bringing a production to life. Whether director of photography, production designer, sound designer, location manager, or other department heads, all areas of a production are concerned with one thing in particular: producing the director’s creative vision. The director is the lead role on a film or tv set and is involved from pre- through post-production. Directors also work on other types of productions, such as documentaries, music videos, live events, and commercials, so the director’s role might vary depending on the type of production. In this post, we will give a general overview of the role, focused on films and TV. So, what does a director do?

What Does a Director Do?

The director reports to the producer, and works closely with various department heads and the actors (but should not be confused with the 1st Assistant Director, or 1st AD, who is the key communication link between the director and the cast and crew). In the pre-production stage, the director will establish the creative vision for the production and will help their team understand that vision. At this stage, the director will need to become familiar with the script and communicate their vision of how to bring that script to life to the team of department leads they have been assembled. Also at this stage, the director will be involved in activities such as casting, location selection, and practical items that will help move the project to the next stage.

Next, in the production stage, the director provides guidance to the department heads and actors to help them bring forth effects and performances that produce the creative vision. This can include many aspects, from camera angles and shots, to how the actors deliver their lines. In the end, the director is responsible for the final decisions in all areas. Finally, in post-production, the director works with editors, the sound team, special effects, and music composers to create the final version of the film. To take a closer look at the role of a director, see this StudioBinder article and watch this PBS CrashCourse video. To hear firsthand about the role from professional directors, watch StudioBinder’s Director’s Chair video series on YouTube. Also, check out information about the role and firsthand advice from directors at Careers in Film.

How Do I Become a Director?

As the lead role on a set, a director should possess strong leadership and organization skills. A director should be a good communicator, with the ability to coach others so they give the desired performance or result. A director should also have a strong knowledge of the various departments and functions involved in a production, including familiarity with the equipment and technology used. And, importantly, as the lead storyteller of the production, a director needs to be creative. As with other on-set leadership roles, on-the-job experience working in a variety of on-set roles can help the prospective director gain experience while working up to the role.

There is no formal education required for this role, however, film school or courses can be helpful to learn about filmmaking. See Masterclass for some degrees to consider here. StudioBinder recommends that prospective directors consider attending film school; they offer more recommendations: studying the films of other directors, getting on-set experience in various roles, creating your own films, making a director’s reel of your work, submitting your films to film festivals, and attending festivals for networking opportunities. Read the full article here. Learn more about how to become a director, including the skills and experience needed at Backstage.

Learn about film and TV industry jobs, training, and more in the Broadway Stages’ Industry Resource Guide. Our guide provides information about industry-focused job posting sites; links to general recruiting sites; education and training programs; and state, city, and borough industry information. We also include a link to all of the blogs created to date, about the various jobs that make a production come to life.