The name director is derived from the verb 'to direct'. It refers to the action of giving instructions and leading the actions of team members. Here, we will discuss the profile of a film director. The film director, together with the movie producer is responsible to shoot the film and ensure it proceeds as per the production plans. If you are intrigued by the idea of pursuing a career in movie direction, then here is broad description of a director work profile.
Work Nature
The work of a direct includes planning, implementation, supervision and leading. A director provides guidance to the actors and production team. There are three major stages of film making: scripting, production and editing. A director supervises all three stages and ensures the final product meets the expected standards. Director plays a pivotal role in coordinating between multiple production staff members.
Work Requirements
There are several universities and art institutes that offer courses in film making. You can opt for certificate courses, bachelors degree or masters degree. An aspirant director requires expertise in film making, film theory, lighting, cinematography, editing, etc. Important skills expected in directors are creativity, vision, an eye for detailing,
Work Timings
Film directors work under project commitments. They follow a work schedule to work, which specifies the location, timings and the exact nature of work to be executed. Most directors do not follow a typical 'morning 9 to evening 6 - weekdays only' schedule. Working in shifts is a typical work feature. Hence, it is not unusual to find directors working at night or on weekend.
Work Place
Film Directors have no fixed place of work. They work on location, which is determined as per the storyline of the movie. It can be an indoor or an outdoor shoot. Often they have to travel to outdoor locations, which may be in some other city or some other country altogether. Shooting in bad weather conditions is also common for this profile.
Work Hazards
Constant traveling and erratic work schedules often lead to mental and physical strain. If directors work under hostile conditions, it can lead to serious illnesses or injuries. Many times, directors have to lift and arrange heavy equipments such as tripods and cameras. This work can add to fatigue. This profile does not include any prominent health and safety hazards.
Career Prospects
Art is considered as a serious career in present times. Hence, the job scope for direction work has increased tremendously. Job opportunities are expected to increase on par with the average rate of employment. Job opportunities are expected to be higher in tinsel towns of New York and Los Angeles. Also, directors can work in overseas film industries.
Career Shortcomings
Finding success in movie direction requires hard work and luck. Often failure, lack of finance and job insecurity compels candidates to quit direction profile and move out of this job. Also, the salaries given to directors vary a lot as per the production house and grade of movies. Those directors who fail to stay updated with the current trends and viewer's expectations, find it difficult to survive the film industry over a long time.
Alternative Career Options
If you wish to experiment and try your hand at other film-making aspects, then there are several options for film directors. Many directors opt for production functions. They handle the various administrative and financial aspects of preproduction and post production stages. You can choose to work as movie critic, reviewer or a film reporter for a film magazine. If you are good in writing then you can explore the alternative of being a scriptwriter. Besides, you can work as an accessories supplier.
Making a career in director work will allow you to explore your creativity skills to the fullest limit along with a stable career. It gives you a medium for expression and lets you tread on an off beaten track.