What Is A Director In Film? Everything You Need To Know

What Does a Film Director Do?

Film directors lead the entire creative direction of a film project. They take charge of a film’s creative vision and work to execute it from pre-production to the end product. Directors make final decisions to determine the entire look and feel of a film project including those that impact the set locations, special effects, shot angles, actors’ performances, and more. From the start to the finish, directors are closely involved in every aspect of a film project. 

Directors in film take on many tasks throughout film production. Below are the top duties of a film director:

• Review or adjust scripts, and select the best script to turn into a film
• Work with film producers to hire heads of departments, such as the production designer or photography director
• Watch auditions, selecting and directing actors
• Instruct other film crew members, such as lighting, wardrobe, and make-up managers
• Manage all elements of the production, both on and off set
• Lead of film’s editing process alongside the crew, and curate a “director’s cut” to showcase to the producer
• Ensure the production is staying on schedule and within budget

The director is hands-on for the entire pre-production, production, and post-production processes and guides the film crew and actors to bring a film idea to life. Working for the director is an entire team made up of editors, designers, artists, and other types of directors. Let’s discover 3 different types of directors commonly found on a film set.

3 Types of Film Directors

1. Assistant Director
   The assistant director is the right hand of the principal Director. In pre-production, assistant directors analyze the film’s script and break down what is needed in terms of actors, location, equipment, and crew. Assistant directors are responsible for figuring out what to film and when to film it according to the availability of the crew and actors. Oftentimes, they’ll create a shooting schedule, set how long each scene should take to film, and manage the set while filming takes place. With the help of assistant directors, directors can focus their energy on the actors, the framing of each shot, and more direct involvement in the film’s process.
   
2. Director of Photography
   The name may give it away, but directors of photography (DoPs) essentially oversee the photographic communication of a film project. Working closely with the director, DoPs discuss the overarching feeling and look of a film and determine how to create it through lighting, framing, and camera movement. They’ll assemble a crew and the equipment needed to execute said vision. Throughout filming, DoPs are in charge of the crew and what affects the raw footage a camera captures including lighting, composition, filters, exposure, angles, and more. DoPs also select cameras, lenses, and filters that are used during shooting. The relationship between a DoP and the director is a deeply collaborative and creative one during the entire film production.
   
3. Art Director
   An art director reports to the production designer of a film. Art directors design sets, manage artists and construction workers, and help visually represent the look of a film project. Up to 4 or 5 months before shooting starts, art directors will study the script and determine props or special items needed. They’ll also work to find cost-effective solutions for decorating or construction issues. Art directors in film are normally freelancers, work long hours, and spend lots of their time traveling to different locations around the globe. 

How To Become a Film Director

Now that we’ve explored a few possible avenues directors can take, you may feel up for the challenge of becoming the next world-renowned director. To become a film director, the top priority is to have a creative eye and a passion for the world of film. While a degree in film or related fields is helpful, it isn’t required to become a film director. Famous directors such as Greta Gerwig, David Fincher, Wes Anderson, James Cameron, and Steven Spielberg didn’t pursue a film degree in higher education. More than anything, experience is highly prized in the film industry. To become a director without film school you must do the following: learn the fundamentals of filmmaking, connect with a mentor in the film industry, start small jobs in filmmaking, have continuous patience, and never stop learning. 

Let’s get technical for a moment. Not just anyone can become a film director. You must have natural skills and personality traits that ensure you’ll excel in this role. Below are just a few abilities you must carry to become a director in film:

• Sharp eye for detail
• Good communication skills
• Creative mindset
• Organization
• Confident personality
• Passion for film

If you’ve got at least a few of these traits, you can succeed as a film director. However, you also need time; it can take 7 to 10 years to become a film director. While that may sound like a long time, it’s also an incredible opportunity to continually grow in skills, make connections, and learn. Stay the course and have patience as you work your way up to the position of director. 

Find an Enthusiastic Director For Your Upcoming Film

Do you have an idea for a film, but struggle to know how to execute it? Let Avalanche Studios help you out. We offer full-service production for film projects, and our award-winning team of directors, producers, and editors are ready to put your idea on the big screen. Finding a director never felt so easy! When you work with Avalanche Studios, we help with pre-production, production, and post-production phases so that your film project is set up to be a blockbuster hit from day one. Request a quote from our team, and we’ll get in touch with you to create a breakthrough film together.