Film Director

Film directors are responsible for making shows come alive on screen. They may work in genres such as feature films, television programs, documentaries, training and promotional films, shorts and animation.

Documentary directors work with a relatively small crew on location. In small budget productions, they may write and produce the film as well as direct it, and work with a crew of two people: a camera operator and a sound engineer.

Dramatic directors work with actors to get the best possible performance from them. Before production begins, they:

• meet with producers and screenwriters to discuss shots and changes to the script
• work with the art director to create or approve storyboards
• identify needed sets, props, costumes and locations
• consult with producers about hiring crew members (for example, an art director, cinematographer, costume designer, production co-ordinator)
• consult with producers and casting directors about hiring cast members, holding auditions for speaking parts and contracting larger roles to actors considered right for the part
• consult with the cinematographer about desired mood, texture, contrasts and dominant colour and plan shots
• prepare a working budget and shooting schedule.

During production, dramatic directors work closely with actors and crew members. For each shot, film directors communicate the approach they want for the scene, comment on characterization, explain the blocking and perhaps run through the scene once or twice before shooting the first take.

At the end of each day of shooting, directors and producers view the rushes (the day's work on film) to check the work in progress and make changes in future shoots. Because dramatic films are shot out of sequence, directors must visualize the "through line" of the story and judge if the work is on track.

After filming is finished, directors may collaborate with producers, film editors, composers and sound editors as the film is edited and the soundtrack added. On feature films, directors may be asked to help promote films before they are released. This may involve touring major cities and participating in media interviews, talk shows and other public appearances.

Hours of work for film directors often are long and irregular. They may work indoors or outdoors in all kinds of weather. Dealing with time pressures, budget limitations and creative responsibilities can be stressful.

Film directors need the following characteristics:

• the ability to command respect
• the ability to visualize a finished product
• the communication and interpersonal skills required to work effectively with performers, artists and technicians, and to develop a network of supporters and contacts
• a willingness to accept artistic, psychological and emotional risks
• the ability to work long days 
• good time management skills.

They should enjoy being innovative, controlling and co-ordinating the work of others, and dealing with people.

Above-average occupational growth is expected in Alberta for 2016 to 2020. Job openings are a result of employment turnover and newly created positions.

Film directors generally are hired on a contract basis to direct:

• government training films or videos
• educational films or videos
• commercials
• music and other videos
• travelogues
• nature films
• documentaries
• television dramas
• feature films.

The film industry is highly competitive and films are expensive to produce so producers are reluctant to hire inexperienced directors. Many years of related experience usually are required before aspiring directors are given full responsibility for directing a film. To gain experience, they may produce projects themselves by financing them personally or through arts grants, and enter their work in film festivals to build their reputations. Organizations such as the Calgary Society of Independent Filmmakers and Emmedia Gallery and Production Society may help provide equipment and training for aspiring filmmakers.

Film directors are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 5131: Producers, directors, choreographers and related occupations. In Alberta, 89% of people employed in this classification work in the Information, Culture and Recreation (PDF) industry.

The employment outlook in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

• trends and events affecting overall employment (especially in the Information, Culture and Recreation industry)
• location in Alberta
• employment turnover (work opportunities generated by people leaving existing positions)
• occupational growth (work opportunities resulting from the creation of new positions that never existed before)
• size of the occupation.

Over 1,800 Albertans are employed in the Producers, directors, choreographers and related occupations occupational group. This group is expected to have an above-average annual growth of 2.2% from 2016 to 2020. As a result, 40 new positions are forecast to be created each year, in addition to job openings created by employment turnover. Note: As filmdirectors form only a part of this larger occupational group, only some of these newly created positions will be for film directors.

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

Calgary Society of Independent Filmmakers website: www.csif.org

Canadian Film Centre website: www.cfccreates.com

Cultural Human Resources Council website: www.culturalhrc.ca

Directors' Guild of Canada website: www.dgc.ca

Emmedia Gallery and Production Society website: www.emmedia.ca

Film and Video Arts Society website: www.fava.ca

Film Studies Association of Canada website: www.filmstudies.ca

National Film Board of Canada website: www.nfb.ca

National Screen Institute website: www.nsi-canada.ca

For more information on career planning, education and jobs, visit the Alberta Learning Information Service (ALIS) website, call the Alberta Career Information Hotline toll-free at 1-800-661-3753 or 780-422-4266 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Works Centre near you.