Skip navigation
More information from O*NET OnLine:
Summary  •  Details  •  Custom

Directors- Stage, Motion Pictures, Television, and Radio - 27-2012.02

O*NET-SOC Description

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

Sample of Reported Job Titles

  • Director
  • Television Director (TV Director)
  • Artistic Director
  • Newscast Director
  • Stage Manager
  • Technical Director
  • News Production Supervisor
  • Television Newscast Director
  • Assistant Director
  • Associate Artistic Director

SOC Occupation Groups

Related Occupations

Tasks

  • Choose settings and locations for films and determine how scenes will be shot in these settings.
  • Collaborate with film and sound editors during the post-production process as films are edited and soundtracks are added.
  • Collaborate with producers to hire crewmembers such as art directors, cinematographers, and costumer designers.
  • Communicate to actors the approach, characterization, and movement needed for each scene in such a way that rehearsals and takes are minimized.
  • Compile cue words and phrases, and cue announcers, cast members, and technicians during performances.
  • Compile scripts, program notes, and other material related to productions.
  • Confer with stage managers to arrange schedules for rehearsals, costume fittings, and sound/light development.
  • Confer with technical directors, managers, crew members, and writers to discuss details of production, such as photography, script, music, sets, and costumes.
  • Consult with writers, producers, or actors about script changes, or "workshop" scripts, through rehearsal with writers and actors to create final drafts.
  • Create and approve storyboards in conjunction with art directors.
  • Create graphics for television broadcasts.
  • Cut and edit film or tape to integrate component parts into desired sequences.
  • Direct live broadcasts, films and recordings, or non-broadcast programming for public entertainment or education.
  • Establish pace of programs and sequences of scenes according to time requirements and cast and set accessibility.
  • Hold auditions for parts or negotiate contracts with actors determined suitable for specific roles, working in conjunction with producers.
  • Identify and approve equipment and elements required for productions, such as scenery, lights, props, costumes, choreography, and music.
  • Interpret stage-set diagrams to determine stage layouts, and supervise placement of equipment and scenery.
  • Introduce plays, and meet with audiences after shows to explain how the play was interpreted.
  • Perform producers' duties such as securing financial backing, establishing and administering budgets, and recruiting cast and crew.
  • Plan details such as framing, composition, camera movement, sound, and actor movement for each shot or scene.
  • Promote and market productions by giving interviews, participating in talk shows, and making other public appearances.
  • Review film daily to check on work in progress and to plan for future filming.
  • Select plays or scripts for production, and determine how material should be interpreted and performed.
  • Study and research scripts to determine how they should be directed.
  • Supervise and coordinate the work of camera, lighting, design, and sound crewmembers.

Detailed Work Activities

  • assess script quality
  • audition performers
  • communicate visually or verbally
  • compose scripts
  • conduct research on work-related topics
  • confer with other departmental heads to coordinate activities
  • convey moods or emotions through music
  • coordinate production materials, activities or processes
  • create art from ideas
  • direct and coordinate activities of workers or staff
  • direct camera operators
  • direct talent
  • edit video film scenes
  • establish pace of program or sequence of scenes
  • evaluate length, content, or suitability of program for broadcast
  • evaluate talent or individual
  • express creativity through music, dance, or acting
  • give direction in audio recording studio
  • hire director or production staff
  • hire, discharge, transfer, or promote workers
  • interpret stage-set diagrams to determine stage layout
  • make decisions
  • operate film or sound editing equipment
  • operate recording or broadcast studio controls
  • rehearse cast to develop performance
  • rehearse role from script
  • research topics for programs
  • review assembled film or video tape on monitor
  • review film, recordings, or rehearsals
  • review script to determine costumes required
  • signal directions or warnings to coworkers
  • tell stories through musical, visual, or dramatic arts
  • use computers to enter, access or retrieve data
  • use film production techniques
  • use library or online Internet research techniques
  • write business correspondence

Military Crosswalk Titles

  • Motion Media Director/Editor (Navy - Enlisted)

Apprenticeship Crosswalk Titles

  • Director, Television

DOT Crosswalk Titles

  • Director, Motion Picture
  • Director, Radio
  • Director, Stage
  • Director, Television
  • Dramatic Coach
  • Manager, Stage
  • Program Coordinator