Director (Film, Television, Radio or Stage) Kaitohu (Kiriata, Pouaka Whakaata, Irirangi, Whakaari rānei)

Directors instruct cast and crew and oversee the artistic and production aspects of film, television, radio or stage creations.

Directors may do some or all of the following:

  • study scripts to determine how they will be produced
  • instruct actors, presenters and performers on how a scene or role is performed
  • work with crew to assess technical requirements of productions
  • collaborate with make up, hair and wardrobe departments
  • direct or collaborate on the positioning of scenery, props, and lighting and sound equipment
  • direct or collaborate on how a production is to be filmed
  • be involved in final editing in collaboration with the editors.

Physical Requirements

Directors need to be reasonably fit and healthy as the hours are often long and demanding, and they may work outdoors in challenging locations.

Useful Experience

Useful experience for directors includes:

  • journalism or research work
  • management work
  • camera operation
  • video editing or production
  • directing media productions
  • graphic design
  • photography
  • acting.

Personal Qualities

Directors need to be:

  • skilled researchers and storytellers
  • good communicators, with the ability to manage and motivate teams
  • good decision-makers
  • creative and imaginative
  • disciplined and organised
  • able to work well under pressure.

Skills

Directors need to have:

  • knowledge of how to best use pictures and sound to present a story or information
  • storytelling capability
  • understanding of how to structure a live or prerecorded programme
  • understanding of the technical aspects of production, such as design, lighting, video recording, sound recording and editing
  • knowledge of photography and music
  • the ability to create productions for specific audiences
  • creative and artistic ability to analyse scripts, books, plays and other writing.

Conditions

Directors:

  • may work long and irregular hours
  • work in offices, studios, theatres, and outdoors on location
  • may have to travel long distances and sometimes overseas to get to location shoots.

Subject Recommendations

There are no specific secondary education requirements to become a director. However, English, media studies, and music, dance and drama are useful.

Directors may specialise in a particular area of production, such as feature and documentary films, television, radio or stage.

Years Of Training

There are no specific entry requirements to become a director. However, a relevant tertiary qualification in screen, radio or stage production may be useful.

Experience in the entertainment industry and proven ability are essential.

Director (Film, Television, Radio or Stage)