How To Become a Director (With Salary and FAQs)

Updated October 7, 2022

Successful film directors have the creativity and expertise to bring their stories to life on film. They fulfill their artistic vision by collaborating with scriptwriters, actors, technical crews, and editors in postproduction. Becoming a film director requires strategic planning and preparation, so it can be helpful to learn the typical requirements and steps necessary to pursue this career. In this article, we discuss what a director does, explain how to become a director, share the salary they typically earn and answer frequently asked questions about the profession.

What does a director do?

Directors play a vital role in the production of films. They create video productions, motion pictures and television programs that entertain audiences. They can direct projects such as a simple short film, an instructional film for their municipality about a big-budget project or a blockbuster movie for nationwide release. Film directors also supervise many creative aspects of a film and take part in its postproduction, such as sound design and editing. They're also responsible for completing projects within the allocated time and budget.Related: 7 Reasons To Become a Film Director (With Salary Information)

How to become a director

Being a film director can offer opportunities to develop new skills, mentor new talents and explore exciting film projects. A successful director needs strong leadership skills, a creative vision, extensive training and the ability to work well under pressure. Here are six steps you can take to become a film director:

1. Watch movies to learn about best film practices

Visit movie theaters to begin practicing analyzing other people's films. Simply watching films allows you to learn the basic elements of films that lead to emotional reactions in audiences. Watching films from renowned film directors is a great way to understand film language.You can also use the internet as a useful resource for videos to help you study, analyze and appreciate the film medium. Film directors need inspiration to be good at their work, even if it means obtaining it from other directors. Eventually, you can become more successful at evaluating films by identifying their merits and flaws.Related: 10 Reasons Why Filmmaking Is Important

2. Gain experience working with a crew on film sets

Becoming a director demands both work experience and educational training. Although a minimum of a bachelor's degree is usually required to become a director, you may also need hands-on experience to fully understand what's required of a successful director. You can start gaining this experience by working as an assistant to directors, film editors and cinematographers. Using these opportunities from the field to write and direct films is an alternative way to receive recognition as a potential film director. The on-the-job training you receive from working on film sets is invaluable to your directing career.Related: What Is On-the-Job Training?

3. Write screenplays

Becoming a director requires that you have a portfolio of films you've directed as proof of your abilities. You can write your own screenplay or collaborate with someone else. If you choose to write the script yourself, you can use screenwriting software to help you format it correctly. Becoming a film director doesn't necessarily imply you have to become a screenwriter, but learning screenwriting techniques can help you with directing films. Consider finding a mentor to help you learn the most important aspects of effective screenwriting.Related: Screenplay vs. Script: What's the Difference? (With Tips)

4. Attend film school

Attending film school not only equips you with formal education, but it also teaches you the discipline and skills needed to create an impactful film. Becoming a successful director requires dedication toward rehearsals, completing films on the set deadline and using the allocated funds appropriately, all of which you learn in film school.You may also study different positions within the film industry, which can be important in your future jobs. You may learn how to communicate with staff and what to expect from other roles such as camera operators, cinematographers and editors. Joining film school can also introduce you to individuals who share a similar passion for film, which can help you build a strong network.Related: How To Get Into Film School in 6 Steps (With Tips)

5. Direct a short film

Becoming a film director is more about hands-on experience as much as it's about formal credentials. You could start small with your phone and some friends just to familiarize yourself with the basics of directing. Once you're more confident in your skills, you can expand your parameters to a higher-budget production.Each film you make is a step closer to becoming a director for hire. For this reason, make as many films as you can and assemble them into a director's reel. Creating a director's reel is much like having a portfolio that proves your efforts and abilities in the field.Related: FAQ: How Long Is a Short Film?

6. Build your network

Having a strong and reliable network is essential in any profession. Therefore, try to expand your network in the film industry to include your friends, people who already work in the film industry and former schoolmates.Your network can help you get work opportunities, actors, funding and equipment necessary to make your directing career successful. It's also important to live where film directing and production are common. For instance, if you live in the USA, Hollywood might be a good destination.Related: Tips To Improve Your Career Development

Salary and job outlook for directors

A director earns an average salary of $82,495 per year, but variations in salary can depend on the project type and experience level. Your location may also influence how much you can expect to earn in this career, along with your level of experience and connections in the film industry. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects the profession of film directors to grow by 24% on average from the year 2020 to 2030, with approximately 15,600 openings. For the most up-to-date salary information from Indeed, click on the link provided.Related: 5 High-Paying Film Industry Jobs To Consider for Your Career

FAQs about becoming a director

The career path of a film director directing takes a considerable amount of time and practice. Before you pursue this career, it may be helpful to know about the following commonly asked questions:

What educational requirements should a director have?

While not always required, directors can benefit greatly from obtaining at least a bachelor's degree in a field such as film. Within a degree program like this, you can then select director courses like film editing, cinematography, screenwriting and film history.Alternative film degree options include subjects in journalism, acting, communication and acting. On a more advanced level, it can be beneficial to have a graduate degree, such as a Master's Degree in Film and Video Editing or a master's degree in a fine arts subject.Related: Is a Film Degree Worth It? (8 Reasons To Pursue This Degree)

Can I become a director without attending film school?

Although most directors possess a bachelor's degree, it's possible to become a director without going through film school. A director primarily requires the ability to work with actors by supporting and nurturing their roles in films.If you choose not to attend film school, you can work to become a director by signing up for studio positions, creating your own films and growing your reputation. Ultimately, the work experience you acquire is what makes you a good film director.Related: 14 Jobs That Don't Require a Degree (Plus Salaries)

How do film directors get paid?

Film directors earn salaries depending on the role assigned during film production. The job classification for film directors may include titles like associate director and primary directors. The main director earns the highest pay, while other directors earn based on their official titles and work experience. Alternatively, film directors working in professional productions under the Directors Guild of America Guidelines receive salaries based on the type of production and the number of weeks they spend on the job. Directors working on different classes of films earn different salaries.Directors may also earn through percentage agreements. They receive a percentage of the box office sales of part of the entire film profits based on their contract agreement. A director may also earn money through royalties, which include proceeds from cable licensing fees, sales of first-run screening tickets, money from traditional television showings and DVD sales.

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