What Do TV Directors Do (including Their Typical Day At Work)

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Job Description, Daily Responsibilities, and Work Life

TV Directors

TV Directors interpret script, conduct rehearsals, and direct activities of cast and technical crew for stage, motion pictures, television, or radio programs.

Salary
$96690
Becoming One
Hard
Education
Bachelor's degree
Job Satisfaction
Job Growth

Personality



Job Description

Job Description

TV Directors interpret script, conduct rehearsals, and direct activities of cast and technical crew for stage, motion pictures, television, or radio programs. They also plan details such as framing, composition, camera movement, sound, and actor movement for each shot or scene.

Other tasks include:

  • Communicate to actors the approach, characterization, and movement needed for each scene in such a way that rehearsals and takes are minimized.
  • Direct live broadcasts, films and recordings, or non-broadcast programming for public entertainment or education.
  • Confer with stage managers to arrange schedules for rehearsals, costume fittings, and sound or light development.
  • Study and research scripts to determine how they should be directed.
  • Supervise and coordinate the work of camera, lighting, design, and sound crew members.
  • Confer with technical directors, managers, crew members, and writers to discuss details of production, such as photography, script, music, sets, and costumes.

We asked TV Directors how satisfied they are with their job. Here is what they said.

Job satisfaction

67%

How meaningful is this job

43%


67% of them said they were satisfied with their job and 43% said they find that their job makes the world a better place or helps to make someone else’s life better.



Typical Day At Work

On a daily basis, TV Directors compile cue words and phrases and cue announcers, cast members, and technicians during performances. They study and research scripts to determine how they should be directed.

A typical day for a Stage, Motion Pictures, Television and Radio Director will also include:

  • Confer with stage managers to arrange schedules for rehearsals, costume fittings, and sound or light development.
  • Establish pace of programs and sequences of scenes according to time requirements and cast and set accessibility.
  • Identify and approve equipment and elements required for productions, such as scenery, lights, props, costumes, choreography, and music.
  • Review film daily to check on work in progress and to plan for future filming.
  • Choose settings and locations for films and determine how scenes will be shot in these settings.

We asked some TV Directors a few questions to find out what else does their work day look like. Here is what we found.

Do you have telephone conversations everyday in this job? 77% said yes
How important is it to work in a team in this job? 82% said very important
Do you have group discussions everyday in this job? 83% said yes
Do you talk or work with customers everyday in this job? 23% said yes
Do you have to deal with angry customers everyday in this job? 17% said yes
Do you have to make decisions everyday in this job? 77% said yes

Other responsibilities

Besides their typical day, TV Directors also interpret stage-set diagrams to determine stage layouts and supervise placement of equipment and scenery. They may also supervise and coordinate the work of camera, lighting, design, and sound crew members.

On a weekly to monthly basis, TV Directors Collaborate with producers to hire crew members, such as art directors, cinematographers, and costume designers. They might also Hold auditions for parts or negotiate contracts with actors determined suitable for specific roles, working in conjunction with producers.

In addition, they Study and research scripts to determine how they should be directed.

Although specific duties may vary, many of them Create and approve storyboards in conjunction with art directors.

To some TV Directors, it is also their responsibility to Identify and approve equipment and elements required for productions, such as scenery, lights, props, costumes, choreography, and music.


Working life

Working hours

More than 40 hours per week

Working schedule

Irregular work schedule that changes depending on weather conditions, customer demand or contract duration.

In a typical work week as a Stage, Motion Pictures, Television and Radio Director, you can expect to work more than 40 hours per week.

Do TV Directors work in an office-style work environment?

Every day
99%


Once a year
1%


Do TV Directors work outdoors?

Once a year
44%


Once a week
22%



Is this right for me

Best personality for this career

The Entrepreneurs and The Artists

People who are suitable for this job tends to like starting up and carrying out projects. They like leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business..

They also like working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.

You can read more about these career personality types here.



Learn more about TV Directors

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Related to Stage, Motion Pictures, Television and Radio Directors Job Description

Stage, Motion Pictures, Television and Radio Directors job description, what do Stage, Motion Pictures, Television and Radio Directors do, typical day for Stage, Motion Pictures, Television and Radio Directors, what is it like to work as a Stage, Motion Pictures, Television and Radio Director, how many hours do Stage, Motion Pictures, Television and Radio Directors work, day to day work of a Stage, Motion Pictures, Television and Radio Director

Additional resources

http://www.bls.gov/OOH/entertainment-and-sports/producers-and-directors.htm
http://www.dga.org/
http://www.producersguild.org/
http://nast.arts-accredit.org/


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