TV or film director

Career path and progression

With experience you might develop your own projects and raise the money to put them into production.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

• knowledge of media production and communication
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to work well with others
• leadership skills
• the ability to use your initiative
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• ambition and a desire to succeed
• broadcasting and telecommunications knowledge
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

Related subjects

Most relevant

• Film Studies - TV or film directors make creative decisions about how every scene is shot, framed, and edited. Film Studies builds the visual storytelling language they rely on – covering camera work, narrative structure, genre conventions, and how great directors across different eras have shaped their craft.
• Drama - TV and film directors work closely with actors, guiding their performances to bring characters and stories to life. Understanding acting techniques, emotional expression, and how to communicate a vision to performers is a core part of the job.
• English Literature - TV and film directors interpret scripts and source material, analysing themes, character motivations, and narrative arcs to shape the overall vision of a production. A strong understanding of storytelling, symbolism, and how texts create meaning helps them make creative choices that resonate with audiences.
• English Language - TV and film directors communicate constantly – pitching ideas to producers, giving notes to actors, and explaining their vision to large creative teams. They also develop scripts and storyboards, so the ability to express ideas clearly and persuasively, both in writing and in person, is essential.
• Art and Design - TV and film directors make decisions about the visual style of a production, including composition, colour palettes, lighting, and set design. Understanding visual principles helps them create a distinctive look and communicate their ideas to cinematographers, production designers, and costume departments.

Also relevant

• Media Studies - TV or film directors work within major media industries, so understanding how broadcasting and film production are structured – from commissioning and scheduling to audience engagement – is useful. Media Studies helps them navigate the industry and shape work that connects with its intended audience.
• Music - TV and film directors work with composers and sound designers to choose or commission music that sets the tone and emotion of each scene. Understanding rhythm, mood, and how music interacts with visuals helps them make decisions that elevate the storytelling.
• Business - TV and film directors often need to plan budgets, manage resources, and negotiate with producers and financiers. Those who develop their own projects must raise funding and understand how the commercial side of the film and TV industry works.
• Psychology - TV and film directors need to understand human behaviour and emotion to create believable characters and compelling stories. This knowledge also helps when managing large, diverse teams and getting the best performances out of actors under pressure.
• Design and Technology - TV and film directors oversee the physical creation of sets, props, and practical effects, and need to understand how things are built and how materials work on camera. This practical knowledge helps when planning shoots and solving creative problems on set or on location.