TV or film director
Take charge of the production of a film or TV programme and make the creative decisions that will guide the crew.
About the job
What it's like
You would take charge of the production of a film or TV programme.
You might lead a team of any size. You could direct feature films, short films, TV programmes, adverts, music videos or corporate videos. Your creative decisions would guide the rest of the crew.
You would:
Meet producers
Commission a script or an idea for a documentary
Decide how to shoot the script
Decide how the production should look and where it should be filmed
Plan the shooting schedule and logistics
Have the final say in which cast and crew members are hired
Guide the technical crew
Direct the actors, or the contributors to a documentary
Supervise editing to produce the final cut
Enforce health and safety rules
In some cases you might write your own scripts and raise money for projects. On small productions you might also use camera or sound equipment.
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
Directors UK - organisation for British film and television directors
British Film Institute - Film Academy courses to help young people to get into filmmaking
Creative Skillset – explore the roles in the creative industries and routes into work
Shooting People - Membership community and discussion forum for people making independent fims
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
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Creative
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- problem solving
- creative
- resourceful
- cooperating
- verbal communication
- working with technology
- developing a plan
- reliable
- resilience
- adaptability
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
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Art and Design
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Drama
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English
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Media
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Performance Arts
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Skills for Work: Creative Digital Media
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Skills for Work: Creative Industries
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Foundation Apprenticeship: Creative and Digital Media
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
There are no set qualifications required to enter this role however most directors have a degree (SCFQ level 9/10) and relevant industry experience.
To enter media, film, television, production or broadcasting National Certificate or National Qualification courses (SCQF 2-6) may require no formal qualifications but most courses ask for National 4/5 qualifications (SCQF level 4/5).
You can enter Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7) or Higher National Diploma courses (SCQF level 8) with National 4/5 qualifications and one to two Highers or equivalent qualifications.
To enter a degree (SCQF level 9/10) usually requires National 5 qualifications and a minimum of three Highers or a relevant HNC/HND.
To enter a postgraduate course (SCQF level 11) you will usually require an honours degree in a relevant subject.
The most useful qualifications include practical skills and work placements.
Qualifications and experience that show understanding of the industry, creative, management and production skills such as Skills for Work Creative Industries (SCFQ level 4).
There are also a number of industry bodies that can offer relevant training and qualifications such as the British Film Institute.
In-depth understanding of the production process
A good network of contacts in the industry
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