The Film Director – A Job Description

A ________________________

The film director is the driving creative force in a film's production, and acts as the crucial link between the production, technical and creative teams. Film directors are responsible for creatively translating the film's written script into actual images and sounds on the screen - he or she must visualize and define the style and structure of the film, then act as both a storyteller and team leader to bring this vision to reality. Their main duties include casting, script editing, shot composition, shot selection and editing. While the practical aspects of filmmaking, such as finance and marketing, are left to the producer, film directors must also always be aware of the constraints of the film's budget and schedule. In some cases, they assume multiple roles such as director/producer or director/writer. Being a film director requires great creative vision, dedication and commitment. Film directors are ultimately responsible for a film's artistic and commercial success or failure.

B ________________________

Movie directors may write the film's script or commission it to be written; or they may be hired after an early draft of the script is complete. They must then develop a vision for the finished film, and define a practical route for achieving it. During pre-production, film directors make crucial decisions, such as selecting the right cast, crew and locations for the film. They then direct rehearsals, and the performances of the actors once the film is in production. Directors also manage the technical aspects of filming, including the camera, sound, lighting, design and special effects departments.

During post-production, film directors work closely with editors through the many technical processes of editing, to reach the final cut or version of the film. At all stages, film directors are responsible for motivating the team to produce the best possible results. They must also appreciate the needs and expectations of the film's financiers.

C ________________________

Movie directors must have exceptional artistic vision and creative skills to develop an engaging and original film. Unerring commitment and a deep passion for filmmaking are essential, along with the ability to act as a strong and confident leader. Film directors must constantly make decisions, but must also be able to delegate, and to collaborate with others. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are vital to get the best from the filmmaking team.

Movie directors must inspire and motivate the team to produce the film they have envisioned. They need an extensive understanding of the entire filmmaking process, from both technical and creative points of view. A capacity for long hours of intensive work, attention to detail, and the ability to remain calm and think clearly under great pressure, are key skills for this role. Film directors also need great self-belief and the determination to succeed.

D ________________________

While there are numerous training courses and reference books on directing, formal qualifications are not necessary to become a film director. Studying the art and craft of directing is important, but the role can only really be mastered through in-depth practical experience. Writing a screenplay, directing one's own short film or an amateur play, are all good starting places. Extensive industry experience is also crucial to this role; up-to-date knowledge of filmmaking techniques and equipment is vital, as is learning how to work with actors to create a performance.

As many film directors work their way up over many years from entry-level positions, getting work experience as a runner on a film set or in a production office is an ideal starting point. Observing successful film directors at work, whilst immersing oneself in the practical process of filmmaking, are vital first steps on this fiercely competitive and highly challenging career path.

Taken and adapted from http://www.creativeskillset.org/film/jobs/direction/article_3880_1.asp

Summary. The film director is the key figure in film production. He is ultimately responsible for a film's artistic and commercial success or failure. He acts as a link between the production, technical and creative teams. His main duties include casting, script editing, shot composition, shot selection and editing. He mustn’t forget about the film's budget and schedule either.

During pre-production, the film director makes crucial decisions: he should select the right cast, crew and locations for the film. He works out the shooting script and the story-board.

Then he directs rehearsals, and the actors’ performances when the film is in production.

The director also manages the technical aspects of filming, including the camera, sound, lighting, design and special effects.

During post-production, film directors work closely with editors to reach the final cut of the film.

At all stages, film directors are responsible for inspiring and motivating the team to produce the best possible results. That’s why the director should be able to act as a strong and confident leader. On the one hand, he must constantly make decisions. On the other hand, he must be able to delegate, and to collaborate with others. Excellent communication skills are very important.

It goes without saying that the film director needs to understand the entire filmmaking process, including technical and creative aspects. He must be able to work long hours. He must be able to remain calm and think clearly under great pressure.

There are numerous training courses and reference books on directing, but formal qualifications are not necessary to become a film director. What is really important is getting practical experience. Observing successful film directors at work might do you a lot of good as well.