Film directors create motion pictures, television shows, and video productions to entertain and inform a viewing audience. They may direct a short, instructional film for their municipality about jury duty or a big-budget, special-effects filled blockbuster for a nationwide release. Film directors oversee many if not all creative aspects of a film and are often involved in its post-production, including editing and sound design. The BLS reports that some film director job responsibilities include:
- Selecting a script to turn into a film
- Auditioning and choosing actors and the members of a film's crew
- Approving and monitoring the budget for a film production
- Ensuring that the film is completed on time and within budget
The BLS predicts 9% job growth from 2014 to 2024 for producers and directors. The number of job opportunities for film directors in the motion picture and video industry is expected to increase thanks to the public demand for new movies and television shows. There is also demand overseas for films directed and produced in the U.S. Over time, new technology for video content delivery, including mobile phones and online television, may provide even more career opportunities for film directors across the country.
Becoming a Film Director
More and more schools are offering bachelor’s and master’s in film directing. Most film directors typically hold a bachelor’s in film or a related field and have several years of work experience. They often begin their film directing career as a film editor, actor, or assistant to an established director.
Academy of Art University and Full Sail University, both accredited for-profit institutions, offer online bachelor’s degrees in film with a curriculum that thoroughly covers directing and many other aspects of film production. Film programs typically require students complete one, sometimes several films. Example classes in a film or film directing program include:
- Film and Video Production
- Feature Script Analysis
- Film History
- Post Production
In order to coordinate the talents of what can be a large number of people working together to create a film, directors must develop strong leadership, management, and communication skills. Film directors also use their creative skills to bring a film script to life. As a film director’s reputation grows, he or she may advance to larger, more expensive projects.
