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Career Profile

Film director

Film directors shape how a film looks, sounds and feels, guiding the cast and crew to turn a script into a finished screen story.
Creative and Media
Average weekly salary
$1862
Future demand
Strong
Most common education level
Bachelor degree

What does a film director do?

A film director decides how a story is told on screen. They interpret the script, set the visual and emotional tone, cast the actors, and work with the cinematographer, production designer, editor and composer to build a single coherent film. On set they direct performances and shape each shot. In post-production they work with the editor and sound team to finish the film. The role is creative, and it is also requires strong leadership – directors make hundreds of decisions a day, often in fast-paced environments with strict budget and time requirements.

Film directors work on feature films, short films, documentaries, television drama, streaming series, commercials and music videos. Most work project to project rather than in ongoing employment, often through production companies, broadcasters, streaming services and advertising agencies. Many direct alongside writing, producing or editing, particularly early in a career.

Is film directing right for me?

A career in film directing may suit you if you think in pictures, care about storytelling, and can lead a large group of people towards one idea. Creative vision matters, but the day-to-day reality is communication, preparation and decision-making under pressure.

Creativity and innovation
Creative expression, storytelling and original thinking.
Communication
Clear written and verbal communication skills, supported by strong interpersonal skills.
Digital and technical capability
Proficiency in using technology, digital tools, and relevant software.
Leadership
The capacity to lead through effective decision-making, accountability, and support for others.

Problem-solving and decision-making
The ability to identify issues, evaluate options, and make informed decisions.

Teamwork
An ability to work effectively and collaborate with a range of stakeholders.
Adaptability
An ability to manage change positively and perform effectively in changing environments.

How to become a film director

Many aspiring film directors start with a film and screen production degree to develop the technical, creative and production skills needed in the industry. Alongside formal study, building a strong portfolio of films and screen projects is essential for gaining recognition and career opportunities.

Every journey is individual, and there is no single route into directing. Here is one path to becoming a film director:

  1. Complete a degree in film and screen production, or a related creative arts field.
  2. Make short films and other projects throughout your study to build a showreel.
  3. Learn how the departments work, including camera, sound, editing and production.
  4. Gain set experience in assistant or crew roles, and through placements and mentoring.
  5. Keep directing, enter festivals, and build the relationships and body of work that lead to bigger projects.

How long does it take to become a film director?

UniSQ's Bachelor of Film and Screen Production takes three years of full-time study, or the part-time equivalent. The Film Production major requires some on-campus attendance for studio-based courses, which is where the hands-on directing practice happens. 

Building a directing career takes longer than the degree. Most directors spend years making short films and working in crew or assistant roles before they direct something substantial, and progress depends on the strength of the work rather than time served.

Start your journey with UniSQ

Build the directing, storytelling and production skills for a screen career with UniSQ, gaining hands-on experience creating film and screen projects in purpose-built film, TV and podcasting studios.

Bachelor of Film and Screen Production
Go to degree
Need help planning your career journey?
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Responsibilities and work settings

Day-to-day responsibilities

Breaking down the script and planning how each scene will be shot.

Casting actors and rehearsing performances.

Working with the cinematographer and designers to set the look of the film.

Directing cast and crew on set and making decisions as the shoot changes.

Working with the editor, sound team and composer through post-production.

Where you might work

Arts and creative organisations

Digital business and marketing agencies

Government agencies, departments and councils

Media, publishing and broadcasting organisations

Museums, galleries and heritage institutions

Non-profit, charity and community organisations

Universities and higher education providers

Film director FAQs

Pay for film directors varies enormously with the project, the budget and your track record, and most directors work project to project. For further information, please view the salary information on this page. Many directors add income from writing, producing, commercials or teaching. 

No qualification is mandatory for directing. Most working directors have studied film, screen production or a related creative field, because a degree gives you access to equipment, crew and structured practice. UniSQ's Bachelor of Film and Screen Production has you making films from your first semester.

A film director needs visual storytelling, leadership and clear communication, plus a working understanding of camera, sound, editing and production scheduling. Being able to decide quickly, and hold the whole film in your head while doing it, matters more than any single technical skill.

A director makes the creative decisions – how the story is told, how it looks, and how it is performed. A producer puts the project together and keeps it viable, handling finance, contracts, schedule and budget. On smaller productions one person often does both.

Directing is competitive and most of the work is project based, so it suits people who are persistent and keep making things. Screen production in Australia spans feature film, television, streaming, documentary and advertising, and the occupation shows a strong future demand rating on yourcareer.gov.au. A UniSQ film and screen production degree gives you the practice and the showreel to start.

Related careers

Director
Editor
Producer

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Disclaimer: UniSQ’s Career Finder is a guide only. While reasonable care is taken to ensure accuracy, career information may change over time. Career statistics are sourced from Your Career and Jobs and Skills Australia. © Commonwealth of Australia. Licensed under CC BY 4.0. Salary figures listed on this page are in Australian Dollars (AUD).