What is a Director?
Job Description: Interpret script, conduct rehearsals, and direct activities of cast and technical crew for stage, motion pictures, television, or radio programs.
A Day in the Life of a Director
- Identify and approve equipment and elements required for productions, such as scenery, lights, props, costumes, choreography, and music.
- Compile cue words and phrases and cue announcers, cast members, and technicians during performances.
- Promote and market productions by giving interviews, participating in talk shows, and making other public appearances.
- Create and approve storyboards in conjunction with art directors.
- Cut and edit film or tape to integrate component parts into desired sequences.
- Collaborate with film and sound editors during the post-production process as films are edited and soundtracks are added.
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Skills Needed to be a Director
When polled, Directors say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Coordination: Adjusting actions in relation to others’ actions.
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Assistant Director
- Television Newscast Director
- Video Director
- Technical Director
- Music Video Director
Are There Job Opportunities for Directors?
In the United States, there were 134,700 jobs for Director in 2016. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 12.2% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 16,500 new jobs for Director by 2026. There will be an estimated 14,100 positions for Director per year.
The states with the most job growth for Director are Utah, Georgia, and Colorado. Watch out if you plan on working in Alaska, Maine, or Kansas. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Do Directors Make A Lot Of Money?
The typical yearly salary for Directors is somewhere between $34,450 and $163,540.
Directors who work in California, New York, or District of Columbia, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Directors in different U.S. states.
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $57,040 |
| Alaska | $61,280 |
| Arizona | $62,760 |
| Arkansas | $58,750 |
| California | $115,080 |
| Colorado | $68,290 |
| Connecticut | $84,900 |
| Delaware | $59,680 |
| District of Columbia | $89,390 |
| Florida | $70,630 |
| Georgia | $84,570 |
| Hawaii | $73,200 |
| Idaho | $55,600 |
| Illinois | $77,960 |
| Indiana | $48,300 |
| Iowa | $46,610 |
| Kansas | $56,680 |
| Kentucky | $60,530 |
| Louisiana | $56,290 |
| Maine | $51,310 |
| Maryland | $78,760 |
| Massachusetts | $70,480 |
| Michigan | $65,910 |
| Minnesota | $73,110 |
| Mississippi | $44,310 |
| Missouri | $65,560 |
| Montana | $51,920 |
| Nebraska | $51,620 |
| Nevada | $67,190 |
| New Hampshire | $59,830 |
| New Jersey | $92,180 |
| New Mexico | $75,110 |
| New York | $115,610 |
| North Carolina | $73,980 |
| North Dakota | $42,570 |
| Ohio | $60,590 |
| Oklahoma | $55,670 |
| Oregon | $68,280 |
| Pennsylvania | $76,050 |
| Rhode Island | $65,660 |
| South Carolina | $57,200 |
| South Dakota | $55,930 |
| Tennessee | $65,040 |
| Texas | $69,280 |
| Utah | $67,800 |
| Vermont | $58,760 |
| Virginia | $69,750 |
| Washington | $71,430 |
| Wisconsin | $57,110 |
| Wyoming | $45,930 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Directors
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Directors may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Hypertext markup language HTML
- Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop
- Extensible markup language XML
- YouTube
- Apple Final Cut Pro
- Adobe Systems Adobe After Effects
- Adobe Systems Adobe Audition
- Avid Technology Pro Tools
- Avid Technology Media Composer
- Graphics creation software
- Content management systems CMS
- Avid Technology iNEWS
- Broadcast Electronics AudioVAULT FleX
How to Become a Director
What education is needed to be a Director?
How Long Does it Take to Become a Director?
Where Directors Work
The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.
Other Jobs You May be Interested In
Those thinking about becoming a Director might also be interested in the following careers:
Are you already one of the many Director in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:
References:
Image Credit: Donald Judge via Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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