The scene is two people at a kitchen table, and the first take is flat. The director walks over to the actress, says one quiet sentence, and asks the camera to move closer for the next take. On take three the room goes silent. The director is the person who decides how a story looks, sounds and feels on screen, and who brings everyone on set to that same idea.
What a director does
The director is hired by the producer, sometimes in development and sometimes once the script is nearly ready. They read the script as a set of images and performances. In pre-production they choose the cast with the casting director, decide the look of the film with the director of photography and the production designer, choose locations and rehearse with the actors.
On set the director decides how each scene is staged and shot, and works with the actors on their performances. The first assistant director runs the set and keeps the day on schedule, so the director can focus on the work in front of the camera. In post-production the director sits with the editor to shape the cut, then signs off on the grade, the sound mix and the music.
Responsibilities
- Interpret the script and set the creative vision
- Cast the actors together with the producer and casting director
- Agree the look and style with the heads of department
- Plan shots and scenes, often with storyboards or a shot list
- Direct the actors and the camera on set
- Shape the film in the edit and approve the final picture and sound
How the role touches the budget
The director rarely manages money, but nearly every creative choice has a price. Another take, a bigger set, a crane shot or an extra day at a location all cost money. A good director knows the size of the budget and works with the line producer to spend it on what matters most on screen. The director's fee sits above the line. Falling behind schedule is often the main way a shoot goes over budget, and the director has a large share in that.
How people become directors
Most directors start with short films, music videos, documentaries or commercials, and use that work to show what they can do. Some come from writing, acting, editing or camera work. Film schools help, but a strong short or a first feature that reaches festivals is often what opens the next door.
In TV and commercials
On a TV series several directors each shoot a block of episodes, following the style set by the showrunner or the producer. In commercials the director is represented by a production company and pitches a treatment to the advertising agency. The shoot is short, and the agency and client approve each step.