Working as a TV director in the entertainment industry can be an exciting, if risky, experience. Unlike in the film industry, where projects are often built around a director’s vision, a TV director will frequently work for hire, interpreting the showrunner’s and writing staff’s vision for one or more episodes. To become a TV director, you’ll need basic director’s training and the ability to adapt to a variety of jobs. Although there is no one-size-fits-all path to becoming a TV director, there are a number of steps an aspiring director can take to focus their directing career on television.
In almost any medium, a director’s primary responsibility is to work with actors to interpret a script. In television, directors collaborate closely with cinematographers to select shots and ensure adequate coverage of each scene. The showrunner, who is the show’s overall creative voice and vision, must also be served by directors. People skills are clearly required to become a TV director in order to maintain good working relationships and make people want to work together again and again.
It is necessary to study the medium in order to get a job as a TV director. The first step toward becoming a competent professional is to understand how television shows are created, shot, and produced. Many directors begin their careers as television interns or assistants. An ambitious new professional will be able to form valuable relationships and gain inside knowledge of the work by learning the trade up close.
Some directors may begin their careers by enrolling in a film school. Many prestigious universities offer film programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels, with a focus on learning to direct. Directors will be able to learn from professionals and create short films and projects that can be used as a calling card for their style and ability in a formal school setting. Film school can also be a great place to meet new people and form relationships that can lead to job opportunities later on.
One way to try to become a TV director is to form good relationships with talented writers. When a writer sells a pilot script for a TV show, they want the episode directed by someone they can trust. Writers who work on a current show’s staff may be able to refer friends for directing jobs. Because television is often referred to as a writer’s medium, it is critical to form friendly and positive relationships in order to advance in a plan to become a TV director.
It can be difficult to get your first job, and it may take several years of apprenticeship and training. Most professional TV directors have an agent or manager who assists them in landing jobs, but finding an agent without a professional track record may be difficult. As a result, many TV directors break into the industry after gaining recognition for directing a short film, commercial, web series, or even a play. A young professional’s chances of becoming a TV director can be greatly improved by combining an attention-grabbing short film with a reputation as a team player.