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TV or Film Director

💰 Earn $78K-$171K
📚 Bachelor Degree
⏱️ 24–48 Month Training
📈 4.9% Job Growth
  • 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.
TV or Film Director
What TV or Film Directors DoProduce 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.
TV or Film Directors Education, Salary, and Growth
Minimum EducationBachelor Degree
Career ProspectsGood (Increasing by 1-5%)
Training Time2 to 4 years
Job Openings12,800 Annually
Median Earnings
$122,150 in California
$83,480 Nationally

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Is This Career Right For You?
YOU Like
  • Being creative or artistic
  • Influencing or leading others
  • Relating with or serving others
you value
  • Accomplishing things
  • Having freedom
  • Receiving recognition
you are skilled in
  • Speaking
  • Critical Thinking
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Active Listening
  • Judgment and Decision Making
Go Deeper: TV or Film Directors Explained
TV or Film Director
TV or Film DirectorExplore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.
How Do You Train for This Career?

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

Vocational School
Vocational SchoolA 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
Bachelor's DegreeA 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
Associate's DegreeAn 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
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Updated April 2026. Data sourced from O*NET and Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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