TV or Film Director

Explore This Path

Bring stories to life by making creative decisions on set design and actor choices.
Shape the entertainment landscape through impactful storytelling and visual artistry.
Direct live broadcasts and films, crafting unique experiences for audiences worldwide.

💰 Earn $79K-$157K

📚 Bachelor Degree

⏱️ 24–48 MONTH TRAINING

📈 8% JOB GROWTH

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What You’ll Do

Produce or direct stage, television, radio, video, or film productions for entertainment, information, or instruction. Responsible for creative decisions, such as interpretation of script, choice of actors or guests, set design, sound, special effects, and choreography.

Plan details such as framing, composition, camera movement, sound, and actor movement for each shot or scene.
Communicate to actors the approach, characterization, and movement needed for each scene in such a way that rehearsals and takes are minimized.
Direct live broadcasts, films and recordings, or non-broadcast programming for public entertainment or education.
Research production topics using the internet, video archives, and other informational sources.
Review film, recordings, or rehearsals to ensure conformance to production and broadcast standards.

Scoop

Minimum Education

Bachelor Degree

Career Prospects

Excellent (Increasing by 5% or more)

Training Time

2 to 4 years

Job Openings

13,900 Annually

Median Earnings

$105,080 in California

$82,510 Nationally

$25K

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$250K

Real Talk Reel

Want to see what it's like to be a TV or Film Director? We've curated a playlist for you to get a glimpse into a day in the life.

@jessanswers

Best For You If...

YOU Like 💕

Being creative or artistic
Influencing or leading others
Relating with or serving others

You are skilled in 💫

Active Listening
Critical Thinking
Judgment and Decision Making
Reading Comprehension
Speaking

You value 🙏

Accomplishing things
Having freedom
Receiving recognition

Deep Dive

TV or Film Director

Explore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.

Pathways to this Career

Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.

Vocational School

A vocational school typically equips students with specialized skills and practical training in specific trades or occupations, enhancing their employability and providing direct pathways to relevant careers.

🎓 Skills-Focused

⏱️ FINISH IN 6 months - 2 years

Bachelor's Degree

A bachelor's degree typically results in increased knowledge about a variety of academic subjects, specialized knowledge in a focused field of study, and is considered the foundational qualification for many careers.

🎓 College

⏱️ FINISH IN 4-5+ years

Associate's Degree

An associate's degree typically provides graduates with foundational knowledge and skills for entry-level jobs in the graduate's industry, or serves as a stepping stone towards further education.

🎓 College

⏱️ FINISH IN 2-3 years