Details of the Job
They develop a vision for the finished film, and define a practical route for achieving it. During pre-production, they make crucial decisions, such as selecting the right cast, crew and locations for the film. They direct rehearsals, and the performances of the actors once the film is in production. Directors also manage the technical aspects of filming, including the camera, sound, lighting, design and special effects departments.
Pay and Conditions
The range of typical starting salaries are £18,000-£25,000. With experience, the range of salary is 40,000-£55,000, and for departmental heads, £60,000-£80,000 plus benefits. Broadcasting Entertainment Cinematography and Theatre Union (BECTU) indicates that experienced production managers earn between £1,062 and £1,812 a week freelance for a 50-hour week, depending on whether you work on TV or dramas, or on feature films. Salaries vary considerably depending on the size of the company and the size and scale of the project. Your working hours on a shoot would often be long and irregular according to the production’s needs, and may include evenings and weekends. Work may be anywhere in the UK or overseas, so working conditions would vary depending on where the production was filmed.
Career Entry Routes
You could take various routes to becoming a director. The most important requirements are to have substantial 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 through other jobs like 3rd and 2nd assistant director or floor manager. Others move into directing after experience in camera work or acting. 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. To make your own films, you will need access to equipment, crew and actors. Getting involved in community film projects can help you with this.
D I R E C T O R