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A: Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) is the most common. Others often partake in graduate programs and earn a Master of Arts (MA)

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All Subjects and Degree Programs Agricultural Studies Architecture Design Biological Sciences Business Management Computer Science Culinary and Cosmetic Services Engineering Health Professions and Medical Services Humanities and Liberal Arts Legal Studies Mechanical and Electrical Repair Media Related Communications Physical Science Psychology School Administration Transportation and Distribution Services Visual and Performing Arts

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Q: What are the disadvantages of being a film director?

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Q: What are the disadvantages of being a film director?

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A: An immense amount of competition, standing out from other filmmakers ie; being chosen out of hundreds of directors for a film

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Movie directors lend their creative spin to everything from a new action adventure to a zombie apocalypse sequel. Using their gift of imagination, they make stories come alive on film. Along with the glamorous side of the profession comes hard work, long hours and possible failure. Weighing the pros and cons of being a director can help you decide if the potential rewards are worth the unavoidable risks.

Perhaps the greatest advantage of a director is having an outlet for creative talent and expression of artistic vision. Today anyone with a smartphone can create and globally market their videos with varying degrees of success. That same passion calls aspiring directors to Los Angeles, New York and Seattle. The allure of making an acclaimed film that will be long remembered proves irresistible.

Becoming a director offers unparalleled opportunity to dabble in diverse genres and try your hand at making documentaries, comedies, exposés, war movies, horror flicks, science fiction and much more. You get to select and hire your own dream team of screen writers, actors, set designers, composers, technicians, cinematographers and visual effects artists. You retain control from preproduction to shooting on location to postproduction. Ultimately, you end up with a movie that distinctly reflects your voice, style and approach to filmmaking.

A disadvantage of becoming a movie director is the stiff competition you will face from other directors vying for the same jobs and sources of project funding. Producers and investors are bombarded with movie ideas and can have their pick of eager directors. You will need a list of impressive credits and accolades to catch their eye.

Breaking into the business also requires networking, working capital, perseverance, special talent and a thick skin. You will likely start out directing student films, indies and low-budget movies. You will know that you've hit the big time when you receive endorsements and a membership invitation to the Director's Guild of America. Joining the DGA opens doors to directing bigger and better productions. However, first you must pay the initiation fee and be approved by the organization. The initiation fee for feature film directors in 2020-2021, for example, was $13,025.

Directors starting out often work for free to gain experience and make reels to pitch to producers. For those who do find paid jobs, entry-level film director salary is more apt to fall on the lower end of the wage continuum. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, one in four directors earn less than $48,170, and the lowest paid 10 percent earn less than $33,730, or $16.22 per hour. Beginner salaries don't go far in big cities like Los Angeles where the cost of living is much higher than other parts of the country.

Stiff competition for jobs can also result in periods of unemployment, which is a disadvantage of this occupation. You should have a hefty savings account to tide you between jobs. Directors are often self-employed freelancers who pay health insurance premiums out of pocket, so you will need to budget for that, as well.

Years of experience can increase opportunities and earning potential for those who don't get discouraged and give up. BLS reports that the median annual wage earned by directors and producers is $71,620. Twenty-five percent earn more than $111,270 per year. Famous directors earn millions.

Becoming a director can one day earn you Academy Awards and Emmys that attest to your brilliance as a filmmaker. If you have the talent and ambition, you could become the next Stephen Spielberg, Alfred Hitchcock, Martin Scorsese or Stanley Kubrick. Many legendary directors are self-made and did not study film in college. O*NET OnLine indicates that only 49 percent of directors completed college.

Although a degree is not necessary for many positions, formal education can catapult your career if you're not already a star or otherwise established in the film industry. Being accepted into a school like AFI Conservatory, for example, offers the advantage of learning your craft from master cinematic storytellers in the film industry.

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What Are the Advantages & Disadvantages of Becoming a Movie Director?

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What Are the Advantages & Disadvantages of Becoming a Movie Director?. Successful movie directors make movies that resonate with those who watch them. The chasm between successful directors and those who are not is seemingly wide. This disparity also applies to the advantages, the disadvantages and the potential ...

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Q: What bachelor degree programs are helpful to directors after college? 

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Q: What bachelor degree programs are helpful to directors after college? 

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A: Lighting techniques, film, history, screenwriting, acting, directing, production, design, visual effects, and digital editing

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What Are the Educational Requirements for a Film Director?

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Film directors wear many hats, and they must have both technical and artistic skills. They usually have a bachelor's degree in a field related to…

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Q: How do film directors typically get hired?

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Q: How do film directors typically get hired?

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A: Most start as runners who copy the production's paperwork and run around distributing it to the crew.

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Last week saw the publication of my report 'Cut Out Of The Picture', which looked at gender inequality in the UK film industry. In the process of researching and writing the report, we spoke to over 200 film professionals about how someone becomes a film director.

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Q: What jobs can you get with a film degree?

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Q: What jobs can you get with a film degree?

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A: Film crew, camera operator, music director, multimedia illustrator, film producer, film editor, production planner and cinematograhper

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Film majors usually choose that degree path because they desire a career in film where they have the opportunity to write or produce stories for an audience. However, there are also other positions that film majors may qualify for and be interested in, such as camera operator and production editor. As a film major, the courses you take can help you develop your skill set and give you the experience you need to find success in the industry.

In this article, we describe what a film major is, provide a list of jobs for film majors, share where you may find work as a film major and offer a list of skills that can prepare you for employment in the industry.

Related: 30 Best Pieces of Career Advice No One Ever Told You

What is a film major?

A film major is a student at a college or university who studies film and television production and the process of media programming. It's common for students to work both independently and with classmates to complete larger projects, like an entire film production that may include ideation, script writing and other film production tasks. During college courses, students learn more about film history, the theory of film and how to build the skills they'll need, like creativity and writing, to succeed in the industry.

Film majors may expect to take courses such as:

Practical experience in the film industry begins while studying film in college. You may join a student-led club that provides you with the opportunity to film and produce small-scale content for platforms like social media or to create content for school advertising, social events and other campus highlights. Along with their coursework, many film majors find freelance or volunteer opportunities where they can take on independent filming projects.

Related: 14 Career Advice Tips for College Students

15 popular jobs for film majors

If you're currently in school as a film major or have recently graduated with your degree in film, here are some jobs in the industry you may be interested in:

National average salary: $25,025 per year

Primary duties: A film crew member is responsible for creating and maintaining the rigging that holds lighting and camera and sound equipment. They work closely with the chief lighting technicians and cinematographers, develop set designs to meet the expectations of the film's director and develop rigging plans to prepare the necessary equipment for the filming process.

National average salary: $32,494 per year

Primary duties: A camera operator works for the cinematographer and alongside the chief lighting technician and the grip team. They operate the cameras during filming and ensure they capture the scene, following the instructions of the director on set.

National average salary: $33,776 per year

Primary duties: A music director hires musicians, manages the music budget and designs the musical compositions throughout the film. They also compose the film's musical score and conduct rehearsals to make sure everyone is prepared for their part in the production.

National average salary: $35,493 per year

Primary duties: A media researcher performs research on production staff, time periods and filming locations, among other details, as needed by the producer or director. They may need to determine the historical accuracy of costumes and scenes or locate film contributors, primary resources and other related content for documentaries. Media researchers commonly use social media, public forums and other media to collect information for programming.

National average salary: $41,862 per year

Primary duties: Multimedia illustrators produce original designs, both in 2D and 3D imaging, and often using computer generation software. They work with production managers to develop the direction of the design and conceptualize storyboards that they'll use to guide their designs.

National average salary: $42,336 per year

Primary duties: A film producer oversees an entire film production. They choose scripts, secure financing, hire and manage cast and crew, assign responsibilities and coordinate the various parts of film production, including writing and directing. Film producers also manage a budget, oversee editing and develop strategies for marketing the project to an intended audience.

National average salary: $43,513 per year

Primary duties: A film editor edits raw footage of films, using the original vision of the film project as guidance. They may need to adjust sound, dialogue, special effects and any graphics, and they often work with assistant editors for larger projects.

National average salary: $44,981 per year

Primary duties: The production planner develops a shooting schedule that considers any restrictions from crew or specific locations where they'll be filming. They organize transportation, book accommodations and acquire any necessary travel credentials or documentation for traveling to film locations. Production planners also supervise production assistants.

National average salary: $47,257 per year

Primary duties: A cinematographer oversees all visual aspects of a film. They create the look, mood, tone, lighting and framing of each scene and supervise the lighting technicians and camera operators to ensure scenes are artistically and visually accurate. Cinematographers also work with the director to make critical decisions about camera placement, movement and aspect ratio.

National average salary: $52,297 per year

Primary duties: A location manager finds and reserves locations for filming. They negotiate contracts, obtain permits and provide locals with any necessary details about filming, like any streets that will close down or how long production will be in the area.

National average salary: $52,560 per year

Primary duties: A lighting technician, or gaffer, is responsible for all lighting and lighting equipment associated with a film. They design the lighting based on the script, program lights, operate lighting equipment to highlight a certain part of the scene and frequently consult with the director to ensure the lighting they use meets the film's needs.

National average salary: $55,453 per year

Primary duties: A broadcast presenter presents the news or other programs to a television audience. They write scripts, read from a teleprompter, offer commentary on the content they're covering and meet with producers to establish any goals of the broadcast. Broadcast presenters also perform research on the stories they're sharing and interview guests.

National average salary: $56,182 per year

Primary duties: An associate producer is responsible for writing scripts, selecting shots during production and post-production and booking television appearances. They also submit contracts to talent, help scout locations, hand out scripts and manage any issues with the crew.

National average salary: $60,831 per year

Primary duties: A screenwriter creates the dialogue, characters and storyline of television productions or films. They present screenplays and ideas to film executives, develop stories into scripts and work with producers and directors on making script revisions.

National average salary: $96,441 per year

Primary duties: A film director establishes the creative vision of a project. They develop staging and set design, guide the cast in their roles, hire important crew members, choose the filming style and oversee post-production editing.

Typical employers of film majors

If you're looking for a new career as a film major, here are some types of employers that hire individuals with similar education:

Broadcast networks

Movie theaters

Advertising or marketing agencies

Public relations companies

Production companies, both large-scale and smaller independent ones

Newspapers

Digital content firms

Event companies

Market research agencies

Higher education institutions

Related: How to Write a Film Resume (With Examples)

Skills for a film major job

Here are some skills that can help you secure a position that utilizes your degree:

Communication skills: Communication skills include reading, writing, speaking and listening to ensure clear communication and collaboration with coworkers. Communication is important on any production set, as it's common for many people to work together on a project.

Research skills: Research is completing tasks such as fact-checking and editing content to meet the expectations of directors, producers and editors. Your research skills can enhance the accuracy of the production.

Flexibility: The film industry often requires flexibility throughout all positions within the production and support teams. With flexibility, you gain the ability to adapt to changes in the script, your work environment and your responsibilities.

Authorship and adaptable writing skills: Authorship is the ability to write content that has a purpose and focus to a specific audience. When you have adaptable writing skills, you're better able to adjust, revise and redirect the writing to fit the context, environment, tone and mood desired by the producers and directors of the film.

Self-discipline: Working independently and in teams requires self-discipline and the ability to develop creative ideas and concepts on your own.

Leadership: Leadership is the ability to lead others by example. If there are multiple crew members who rely on your work and guidance to complete their part of the project, your leadership skills can keep a project on the established timeline and motivate those you work with.

Creativity and innovation: Creativity and innovation are important skills to have if you want to work in the film industry because it's an inherently creative field. You may need to do things like share your script ideas or manage a creative aspect of production.

Commitment: Because productions may operate outside of normal business hours, commitment from each person involved with the project is beneficial. Your commitment can help a project stay on its timeline and budget.

Related: What Are Skills? (With Tips on How to Improve Them)

Should I earn a postgraduate degree?

Choosing to earn a postgraduate degree will likely depend on the career path you're most interested in. While there are several positions in the industry that you can qualify for with a bachelor's degree in film, there are others, like teaching, that may require a master's or other graduate certification. A Master of Fine Arts degree also provides hands-on experience with directing, writing and other film-related roles, and allows you to work closely with established professionals in the field. Higher-level degrees can help you stand out among other candidates who are applying for the same positions.

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Film majors usually choose that degree path because they desire a career in film where they have the opportunity to write or produce stories for an audience. However, there are also other positions that film majors may qualify for and be interested in, such as camera operator and production editor.

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Q: What schools have the best film programs?

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Q: What schools have the best film programs?

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A: USC, NYU, American Film Institute, UCLA and Coloumbia University

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Over the past couple of years, film schools have been gearing up, building VR labs and greenscreen studios and stocking up on 3D stereoscopic cameras. All that technology, though, only makes a difficult decision - where to go to film school - more challenging. When it comes to mastering the cinematic arts, is it better to shoot on ?a 360-degree 3D camera? Or can more be learned from an antique 35mm? Fortunately, THR's annual Top 25 Film Schools list can help. The magazine consulted with educators, industry professionals and alumni and ranked the best of the best based on not just how much tech they have but also the quality of their faculty and facilities, their reputations in the industry and the achievements of their graduates.
Profiles by Borys Kit, Pamela McClintock, Rebecca Sun, Joelle Goldstein, Mia Galuppo, Tatiana Siegel and Brian Porreca.

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Over the past couple of years, film schools have been gearing up, building VR labs and greenscreen studios and stocking up on 3D stereoscopic cameras. All that technology, though, only makes a difficult decision - where to go to film school - more challenging.

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Q: How much do film directors typically make?

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Q: How much do film directors typically make?

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A: Between $250,000 to $2 million per year (salary varies on experience). New directors usually make $250,000 to $500,000 per film.

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How Much Do Film Directors Make: Everything You Need To Know - NFI

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Depending on experience, most film directors earn between $250,000 to $2 million per project. New directors typically earn between $250,000 to $500,000 per film, while studio film directors earn about $1 million per movie. The Legends: Well-Known Directors With box office earnings totaling over $9 billion, Steven Spielberg is a legendary director who earns one […]

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Q: What skills do you need to have as a film director?

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Q: What skills do you need to have as a film director?

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A: Knowledge of media production, attention to detail, leadership skills and the ability to work with others

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a university course

a college course

working towards this role

producing and releasing your own films

specialist courses run by private training providers

University

You could take a course at university to get into the industry. Courses include:

film or television production

broadcast production

filmmaking

drama

TV, film and theatre studies

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

More Information

College

You may find it helpful to take a film-making or media production course that helps you to build practical skills and make contacts in the industry.

Relevant courses include:

Level 3 Diploma in Film and Television Production

Level 3 Diploma in Performing and Production Arts

Level 3 Extended Diploma in Creative and Digital Media

T Level in Media, Broadcast and Production

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T level

More Information

Work

Many directors start out as runners, helping out on film or TV sets, and work their way up through other jobs like 3rd and 2nd assistant director or floor manager. Others move into directing after getting experience in camera work, screenwriting or acting.

Volunteering

It's important to get as much experience as you can in film and TV, and an in-depth understanding of the production process.

You can do this by taking part in activities like student or community film or TV, and finding work experience placements on film projects.

You can search for film and TV companies to approach for experience through media business listing services like PACT and The Knowledge.

Other Routes

Another way to break into film directing is to make your own films, known as 'shorts'. You can market these to agents, post them online or enter them into film festivals and competitions. You'll need access to equipment, crew and actors to make your own films. Getting involved in community filming projects can help with this.

You could also take short courses in production skills for directors run by film schools, regional screen agencies and private training providers. You can search for relevant industry approved courses through ScreenSkills.

More Information

Career tips

Get as much experience of amateur film making as you can, to develop your skills and make industry contacts. Create a portfolio to showcase your talent.

Further information

You'll find more details about directing in film and TV through ScreenSkills.

Shooting People has information, resources and networks for independent film-makers.

You can find out more about creative careers from Discover Creative Careers.

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TV and film directors lead the creative and technical production for cinema and television.

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Q: Do you need to go to University to be a film director?

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Q: Do you need to go to University to be a film director?

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A: Film directors are not required to attend University, however it is highly reccomended for experience and skill purposes

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Is becoming a film director right for me?

How to become a Film Director

Film directors are not required to have a university degree. However, the extra training and experience can make it easier to find a good job. Both bachelor's and master's degree programs in cinema studies and film production are available in this field.

The New York Film Academy is a highly regarded program. Other programs with strong reputations include the American Film Institute, University of Southern California, and the New York University Tisch School of the Arts. While students can earn a degree specifically in this field, many film directors also have degrees in writing, journalism, or visual communication.

Many film directors have several years of experience in a related field such as acting, writing, or supervising scripts before they move on to directing.

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Film directors are not required to have a university degree. However, the extra training and experience can make it easier to find a good job. Both bachelor's and master's degree programs in cinema studies and film production are available in this field.

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Q: How many years of schooling does it take to be a film director?

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Q: How many years of schooling does it take to be a film director?

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A: Directors/producers usually need a bacherlor's degree from a 4-year institution