How to become a Film, Stage and Television Director

Film, stage and television directors direct the overall production, or specific aspects of the production, of films, television programs or stage shows. They have the final responsibility for making sure that everything is ready to be filmed or performed.

Personal requirements for a Film, Stage and Television Director

Artistic flair
Good communication skills
Able to remain calm under pressure
Able to exercise authority

Education & Training for a Film, Stage and Television Director

You can work as a film, stage and television director without formal qualifications. Entry to this occupation usually requires extensive experience in the film, television or theatre industries. Your employment prospects may be improved if you have qualifications. You may like to consider a VET qualification. Applicants may be required to attend an interview and/or submit a folio of work. As subjects and prerequisites can vary between institutions, you should contact your chosen institution for further information.You can also become a film, stage and television director through a traineeship. Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 10. Alternatively, you can become a film, stage and television director by completing a degree in screen and media, film and television, theatre or creative arts. To get into these courses you usually need to gain your Senior Secondary Certificate of Education with English. Applicants may also be required to attend an interview and/or submit a folio of work. Institutions have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements. Contact the institutions you are interested in for more information.

Duties & Tasks of a Film, Stage and Television Director

Film, stage and television directors:

Study scripts to determine artistic interpretation
Plan and arrange for set designs, costumes, sound effects and lighting
Select actors for roles in the production by viewing performances and conducting screen tests and auditions
Plan, direct and coordinate filming or taping, instructing camera operators on the position and the angle of their shots and coordinating changes in lighting and sound
Edit film or videotape and add soundtrack and other effects
Coordinate the activities of the studio/stage crew, performers and technicians during rehearsals and productions.

Tasks

Overseeing creative aspects of film, television, radio and stage productions
Assessing locations and staging requirements for productions in association with specialist designers
Supervising the positioning of scenery, props and lighting and sound equipment
Planning and organising the preparation and presentation of programs
Assessing technical requirements of productions by studying scripts and discussing program content, set locations and stage directions with production team
Viewing film and video tape to evaluate and select scenes and determine which scenes need to be re-shot
Creating, planning, writing scripts for, recording, videotaping and editing programs
Determining lighting, film, shutter angles, filter factors, camera distance, depth of field and focus, angles of view and other variables to achieve desired mood and effect
Studying scripts and scenarios to determine theme and setting

Employment Opportunities for a Film, Stage and Television Director

Film companies, television stations, video production houses and theatre companies employ film, stage and television directors. Competition for jobs is very high and interstate and/or overseas experience is often needed to enhance employment prospects. Completion of a course will not guarantee entry to this occupation. Employment and advancement depend on considerable experience and talent.

Specializations

Film, Stage and Television Director

Average age
37 years
Future Growth
Strong
Gender Share
29% female
Average full-time
47 hours
Weekly Pay
$1,539
Skill level rating
Very high skill
Unemployment
Lower unemployment
Full-Time Share
76% Full-Time
Employment Size
17,000 workers
Employment by state
ACT: 1.8%
NSW: 46.6%
NT: 0.9%
QLD: 11.6%
SA: 4.8%
TAS: 1.2%
VIC: 27.2%
WA: 5.9%
Age brackets
15-19: 1.2%
20-24: 9%
25-34: 31.5%
35-44: 26.7%
45-54: 19.5%
55-59: 6.1%
60-64: 3.4%
65 and Over: 2.6%
Education level
Advanced Diploma/Diploma: 15.7%
Bachelor degree: 40.9%
Certificate III/IV: 7.6%
Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate: 10.8%
Year 10 and below: 3.4%
Year 11: 2.8%
Year 12: 18.7%