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Director - Theatre and Film, Motion Picture Director
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
Film directors make stories come alive on screen. They need a strong sense of the story they are telling, to shape and integrate each project into a clear artistic whole.
Documentary directors work with a relatively small crew on location. In small budget films, they may write, edit, and produce the film as well as direct it. They likely work with a crew of 2 people: a cinematographer or camera operator, and a sound recordist.
Dramatic directors work with a larger group of people. They work with actors to develop and guide their performances. They also work with producers and crew members to create the look and feel of a project. They oversee the project during all 3 phases of production:
During pre-production, directors consult with producers about hiring crew members such as:
During this phase, directors also:
During production, dramatic directors work closely with actors and crew members. For each shot setup, film directors:
It is common to rehearse the scene once or twice before shooting the first take.
Because dramatic films are shot out of sequence, directors must keep the overall story in mind while working on individual shots, scenes, and sequences. When they plan camera coverage, they keep the final edit in mind. They make sure that they’ve captured enough material so that even after editing, the can still realize their overall vision.
During post-production, directors may work with producers, film editors, composers, VFX artists, and sound editors to complete the film. If automated dialogue replacement (ADR) is necessary, directors may need to work with actors in a recording studio to re-record dialogue.
With feature films, directors may help promote the project before it is released. This may involve touring major cities and participating in media interviews, talk shows, and other public appearances.
Film directors often work long and irregular hours. They may work outdoors in all kinds of weather, or indoors.
Some parts of the job can be stressful. Directors may need to deal with rejection, uncertainty, time pressures, budget constraints, multiple crew leads and actors, and creative issues.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in studying scripts to determine artistic interpretations; and in co-ordinating the activities of production staff to develop desired effects
Interest in co-ordinating the activities of performers, extras and production personnel; and in advising them on the interpretation and delivery of performances, and in conferring with crew and specialists throughout production and post-production to achieve desired presentations
Interest in instructing cast members and production personnel to develop and achieve presentations that reflect desired artistic interpretations
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Film directors need:
They should enjoy:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 26 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Jun 02, 2022 and May 01, 2024.
Review these skills to learn:
| Attention to detail | 16 |
|---|---|
| Tasks: Organize and co-ordinate production | 16 |
| Tasks: Edit motion picture film and arrange film segments into sequences | 15 |
| Tasks: Interpret scripts, select the cast and advise in the interpretation and delivery of the performance | 15 |
| Work under pressure | 14 |
| Tasks: Co-ordinate and direct the photography of production | 14 |
| Tasks: Determine treatment, scope and scheduling of production | 14 |
| Tasks: Supervise staff or team | 13 |
| Construction Specialization: Organized | 12 |
| Construction Specialization: Effective interpersonal skills | 12 |
There are no standard education requirements for film directors. However, most have related post-secondary education and experience. Many are experienced actors, editors, or writers. For information about related education options, see the Actor and Creative Writer occupational profiles.
Film directors need a good understanding of visual storytelling, including:
Familiarity with the techniques and practices of theatrical arts and cinematic conventions is helpful. Formal training in filmmaking should include theory, history, and hands-on experience in production. This experience can help them gain an understanding of all areas of production, including a basic understanding of the acting process. They need to know the common challenges and realities of various crew departments.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your search for programs related to this occupation, visit Post-Secondary Programs.
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
These organizations in Alberta offer courses, workshops, or residencies for directors:
There are other training options for directors in Canada, including:
There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Film directors generally are hired on a contract basis to direct:
The film industry is highly competitive. Films are expensive to make so producers rarely hire inexperienced directors.
Aspiring directors usually need years of related experience before being given full responsibility to direct a film. To gain experience and build their reputations, they may apply for arts grants. They use these to produce their own projects, which they then enter in film festivals. Aspiring filmmakers may find help getting equipment and training from organizations such as:
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
In the 5131: Producers, directors, choreographers and related occupations occupational group, 76.8% of people work in:
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the 5131: Producers, directors, choreographers and related occupations occupational group is expected to have an above-average annual growth of 2.2% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 58 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Note
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For example, only some of the new positions to be created will be for this occupation. It also applies to other data for the NOC group such as number of people employed.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Film directors’ incomes vary considerably from one director to another and from one year to another. Their incomes depend on their reputation and the stage they’re at in their career.
Some film directors work at other jobs and finance their own projects.
Directors who work on a contract basis negotiate their fees before production begins. In some cases, Directors’ Guild of Canada (DGC) guidelines may apply.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
Good Reliability, represents a CV of between 6.01% and 15.00% and/or fewer than 30 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 50% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $17.44 | $37.96 | $31.41 | $32.00 |
| Overall | $20.89 | $46.61 | $39.29 | $43.14 |
| Top | $26.84 | $50.35 | $42.21 | $44.77 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $78,713 |
|---|---|
| Information, Culture, Recreation | $79,493 |
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $82,424 |
| Public Administration | $91,850 |
Calgary Society of Independent Filmmakers (CSIF) website: www.csif.org
Canadian Film Centre website (CFC) website: cfccreates.com
Cultural Human Resources Council (CHRC) website: www.culturalhrc.ca
Directors’ Guild of Canada (DGC) website: www.dgc.ca
EMMEDIA Gallery and Production Society website: emmedia.ca
Film and Video Arts Society of Alberta (FAVA) website: fava.ca
Film Studies Association of Canada (FSAC) website: www.filmstudies.ca
National Film Board of Canada (NFB) website: www.nfb.ca
National Screen Institute (NSI) website: nsi-canada.ca
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2024. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
