Annual Salary
variable
Average UK salary in 2023 was £34,963
(source Office for National Statistics)
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Swap to Performing arts or Games or go back to all job sectors
TV and film directors lead the creative and technical production for cinema and television.
Average UK salary in 2023 was £34,963
(source Office for National Statistics)
You could work: evenings / weekends / bank holidays; away from home
There will be
0.5% more TV or film director jobs in 2027.
You could:
You could work at a film studio, at a TV studio or on a film set.
Your working environment may be outdoors some of the time and you may spend nights away from home.
You can get into this job through:
You could take a course at university to get into the industry. Courses include:
You'll usually need:
You may find it helpful to take a film-making or media production course that helps you to build practical skills and make contacts in the industry.
Relevant courses include:
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
Many directors start out as runners, helping out on film or TV sets, and work their way up through other jobs like 3rd and 2nd assistant director or floor manager. Others move into directing after getting experience in camera work, screenwriting or acting.
It's important to get as much experience as you can in film and TV, and an in-depth understanding of the production process.
You can do this by taking part in activities like student or community film or TV, and finding work experience placements on film projects.
You can search for film and TV companies to approach for experience through media business listing services like PACT and The Knowledge.
Another way to break into film directing is to make 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 make your own films. Getting involved in community filming projects can help with this.
You could also take short courses in production skills for directors run by film schools, regional screen agencies and private training providers. You can search for relevant industry approved courses through ScreenSkills.
Get as much experience of amateur film making as you can, to develop your skills and make industry contacts. Create a portfolio to showcase your talent.
You'll find more details about directing in film and TV through ScreenSkills.
Shooting People has information, resources and networks for independent film-makers.
You can find out more about creative careers from Discover Creative Careers.
With experience you might develop your own projects and raise the money to put them into production.
Creative Skillset has more information about working as a director.
You'll find more details about directing in film and TV through ScreenSkills.
Shooting People has information, resources and networks for independent film-makers.
You'll need: