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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:
| Starting | $27.59 |
|---|---|
| Overall | $33.86 |
| Top | $35.56 |
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
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 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.
Film directors make stories 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 films, they may write and produce the film as well as direct it. They likely work with a crew of 2 people: a camera operator and a sound engineer.
Dramatic directors work with actors to get the best performance from them. Before production begins, they:
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, directors and producers view the rushes (the day’s work on the 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 whether the work is on track.
After filming finishes, directors may work with producers, film editors, composers and sound editors as the film is edited and the soundtrack added. On feature films, directors may 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, budgets and creative aspects of the job can be stressful.
Film directors need:
They should enjoy being innovative, coordinating the work of others, and dealing with people.
There are no standard education requirements for film directors, but most have related post-secondary education and experience. Many are experienced actors, editors or writers. Sometimes, they wrote the film they are directing. For information about related education options, see the Actor and Creative Writer occupational profiles.
Film directors need a good understanding of visual storytelling, photography and lighting as they relate to filmmaking. Formal training in filmmaking also should include theory, history and hands-on experience in production.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
During the summer months, Banff Centre for the Arts and Creativity offers a variety of courses, workshops and residencies designed for people who have some related education or experience. The National Screen Institute also offers training opportunities and workshops for individuals with professional experience in film direction, production or writing. The Film and Video Arts Society of Alberta (FAVA) and Calgary Society of Independent Filmmakers (CSIF) periodically offer courses in film and video directing.
There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.
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. Organizations such as the Calgary Society of Independent Filmmakers (CSIF) 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 [pdf] in this occupation will be 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.
Film directors’ incomes vary considerably from one director to another and from one year to another depending on the director’s reputation and the economy. 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.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $15.00 | $36.80 | $27.59 | $26.87 |
| Overall | $15.00 | $45.67 | $33.86 | $34.70 |
| Top | $17.00 | $47.40 | $35.56 | $37.14 |
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.
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.
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $82,171 |
|---|---|
| Information, Culture, Recreation | $76,035 |
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $67,553 |
| Educational Services | $31,975 |
Calgary Society of Independent Filmmakers (CSIF) website: www.csif.org
Canadian Film Centre website (CFC) website: www.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: www.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, 2017. 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.