TV or film director
Use your creative vision to turn screenplays and scripts into films or programmes.
About the job
What it's like
Do you have what it takes to create the next unmissable Netflix series – or a gripping, talked-about documentary? In this role, you'll take charge of producing a TV programme or film.
As a TV or film director, you'll lead a production team. You'll direct feature films, short films, TV programmes, adverts, music videos or corporate videos. Your creative decisions will guide the rest of the crew.
In some cases, you might write your own scripts and raise money for projects. On small productions, you may help operate camera or sound equipment.
Your tasks might include:
commissioning a script or an idea for a documentary – you'll also meet with producers
deciding how to shoot the script, establishing how the production will look and where it should be filmed
planning the shooting schedule and logistics
having the final say in which actors and crew members are hired
guiding the technical crew and directing the actors or documentary contributors
supervising editing to produce the final cut
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
Creative Scotland – check out the organisation that supports the nation's cultural and creative sectors
Directors UK – explore the professional association of UK screen directors
British Film Institute – discover Film Academy opportunities designed to help young people break into the screen industries
ScreenSkills – browse roles across the creative industries and find routes into work
Like the sound of this career?
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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 a few ways you can become a TV or film director. Although, most people enter the profession through a university degree.
Let's explore the routes you can take.
University
A degree may be helpful for getting into this job. You could study subjects, such as:
Film and TV Production or Film Studies
Drama or Theatre
Creative Writing
English
Journalism
Media
Use the My World of Work course search to find university opportunities.
College
Getting qualifications at college, such as an HNC or HND, could help you find a job or progress to more advanced study. Useful subjects include:
Film and TV or Media Production
Digital Media
Content Creation
Acting and Performance
Creative Writing or Scriptwriting
Photography or Visual Arts
Work
You could start working in an entry-level role, such as a production runner. As your experience and contacts grow, you may be able to work your way up to become an assistant director or floor manager.
Some people move into directing after building a career doing camera work, screenwriting or acting.
You can also get started by making your own films, known as 'shorts'. You can market these to agents, post them online or enter them into film festivals and competitions. You'll need access to equipment, crew and actors to create your own short films.
It's a good idea to create a portfolio – this allows you to show off the projects you've worked on.
It's important to gather as much TV and film experience as you can. For example, you can work on student film or TV productions, get involved in community film projects or ask for work experience placements with production companies.
Volunteering in a relevant role can help you build the skills and experience you’ll need to become a TV or film director. Search for opportunities on Volunteer Scotland.
TV or film directors need an in-depth understanding of the production process and a good network of contacts within the industry.
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