Technical directors work in the entertainment industry and are in charge of the small details that go into making movies, television shows, and stage productions. The position reports to the executive director. Lighting, animation, special effects, stunts, and art are all common technical director jobs. They may also work in the fields of video game design and software development.
In television, the technical director can take on a variety of responsibilities, effectively transforming into a general director. He or she may be in charge of lighting, staging, and editing for local programming. Lighting and art direction are two of the responsibilities of a technical director in a theater. These may include not only performance oversight, but also the design and creation of the required elements.
In both television and theatre, technical directors are in charge of overseeing craftsmen as well as coordinating outside vendors and service providers. The director’s job may also entail conducting research and developing prototypes or methods to see how well they align with the project’s budget, vision, and audience expectations.
In video game design and development, the role of technical director is becoming more common, but it is often just one of several positions that a person can hold. Technical directors with expertise in 3-D, animation, and graphics are occasionally hired in this field.
Technical director jobs in television typically require a bachelor’s degree in communication or journalism, whereas technical director jobs in theatre may require a bachelor’s degree in theatre arts or drama. Individuals with related degrees or experience may, in general, also serve as technical directors. An advanced degree may be required in some cases where specialized program material or techniques are used.
The familiarity with the equipment and processes used in the director’s specialty area is the most important requirement for a technical director job. Lighting technical directors must understand not only the theory and operation of various lighting configurations, but also how the lighting affects different cameras. Directors of animation and special effects will need a thorough understanding of digital equipment and techniques.
Due to the high level of competition, someone with practical or technical skills who also has a creative bent may find it difficult to land one of the many available technical director jobs. By using tact, flexibility, and vision, successful directors can work with a wide range of creative and sometimes difficult personality types. They may find themselves in a financially and personally rewarding career if they can do this.