Director (film, television, radio or stage)

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• Knowledge, skills and attributes
• Working conditions
• Salary details
• Tools and technologies
• Education and training/entrance requirements
• Apprenticeships and traineeships
• Recognition of prior learning

Summary of occupation

A film director needs:

• good leadership and motivational skills
• strong communication skills
• the ability to stay calm in stressful situations
• good organisational skills
• creativity and adaptability
• the ability to coordinate the work of large groups of people.

Film, stage and television directors work in film and television studios, theatres and other performance spaces, and on film or television sets in actual locations. When working outside they generally require specific, usually clement weather conditions. They work long hours, often until late, and may be required to work on weekends or public holidays. They may be required to travel locally, across the State, interstate or overseas to shoot on location.

According to industry, film, television, radio and stage directors can expect to earn approximately $1400.00 per week (full-time and before tax) depending on their level of experience, the scale and nature of the project they are working on, and the level of funding that a given production is receiving.

Film, stage and television directors use office equipment, as well as using laptop computers and mobile phones to stay in contact with key people in the entertainment industry. They also need to be familiar with many of the technical aspects of the filmmaking process, but not necessarily require any practical experience with the equipment involved.

To become a film, television or stage director you usually need to complete a certificate, diploma or bachelor degree in screen, film, media or a related area.

Various relevant certificate courses are offered through various TAFE Colleges (Institutes of Technology).

The Diploma of Screen and Media (Film and TV) and Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media (Director) are both offered through Central Institute of Technology (Perth campus).

Curtin University of Technology (Bentley campus) offers the Bachelor of Arts (Screen). Edith Cowan University (Mt Lawley campus) offers the Bachelor of Creative Industries (Film and Video) and Murdoch University (South St campus) offers the Bachelor of Media (Screen production).

Apprenticeships and traineeships

As an apprentice or trainee, you enter into a formal training contract with an employer. You spend most of your time working and learning practical skills on the job and you spend some time undertaking structured training with a registered training provider of your choice. They will assess your skills and when you are competent in all areas, you will be awarded a nationally recognised qualification. Visit the ApprentiCentre to find out more.

If you are still at school you can access an apprenticeship through your school. You generally start your school based apprenticeship by attending school three days a week, spending one day at a registered training organisation and one day at work. Talk to your school's VET Co-ordinator to start your training now through VET in Schools. If you get a full-time apprenticeship you can apply to leave school before reaching the school leaving age.

If you are no longer at school you can apply for an apprenticeship or traineeship and get paid while you learn and work.