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TV or film director apprenticeships

Creative and media

TV or film director apprenticeships - where to start

You can get into this job through

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • working towards this role
  • producing and releasing your own films
  • specialist courses run by private training providers


    • University

    You could take a course at university in film or television production before moving into directing. You'll usually need 2 to 3 A-Levels, or equivalent.

     

    College
    You may find it helpful to take a film-making or media production course that helps you to build practical skills and make contacts in the industry. Entry requirements for these courses vary. 

    Work
    Many directors start out as runners, helping out on film or TV sets, and work their way up through other jobs like 3rd and 2nd assistant director or floor manager. Others move into directing after getting experience in camera work, screenwriting or acting.

    Volunteering

    It's important to get as much experience as you can in film and TV, and an in-depth understanding of the production process. You can do this by taking part in activities like student or community film or TV, and finding work experience placements on film projects. You can search for film and TV companies to approach for experience through media business listing services. 

    Other Routes
    Another way to break into film directing is to make your own films, known as 'shorts'. You can market these to agents, post them online or enter them into film festivals and competitions. You'll need access to equipment, crew and actors to make your own films. Getting involved in community filming projects can help with this. 

    You could also take short courses in production skills for directors run by film schools, regional screen agencies and private training providers. A network of industry contacts will be extremely useful.


    TV or film director apprenticeships - what it takes

    Skills and knowledge

    You'll need: 

    • knowledge of media production and communication 
    • to be thorough and pay attention to detail 
    • the ability to work well with others
    • leadership skills 
    • the ability to use your initiative 
    • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure 
    • ambition and a desire to succeed
    • broadcasting and telecommunications knowledge
    • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

    TV or film director apprenticeships - what you'll do

    Day-to-day tasks

    Your day-to-day duties may include: 

    • meeting producers to plan filming schedules and resources 
    • developing scripts or ideas for programmes 
    • developing storyboards
    • deciding how the production should look and where it should be filmed 
    • hiring the cast and crew 
    • explaining technical requirements to different teams
    • directing actors on set or location 
    • supervising the editing
    Working environment
    You could work at a film studio, at a TV studio or on a film set. Your working environment may be outdoors some of the time and you may spend nights away from home.

    Career path and progression - TV or film director apprenticeships

    With experience you might develop your own projects and raise the money to put them into production.

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    Considering an Apprenticeship?

    There are lots of benefits to apprenticeships, here are our top 5:

    • Paid Training
      Not only will your organisation (or the Government) pay for all of your training, but you’ll be paid to do it. That means you could actually get paid to get your degree and have no debt!
    • Range of career opportunities
      There are over 625 different apprenticeships to choose from, in a range of industries. Whether you’re interested in law, marketing, construction or engineering, you’ll find something up your street!
    • Earn & learn
      As an apprentice, the minimum you’ll earn is £6.20 an hour, but we’ve seen apprentices earn a starting salary of up to £30,000 a year! You could also get other employee benefits like gym memberships, paid holiday and sick pay.
    • Great career prospects
      Employers think apprentices are 15% more employable than those with other qualifications. In fact, many large employers train their graduates and apprentices together!
    • Learn on the job
      There’s only so much you can learn when you just do a qualification. As an apprentice, you’ll also get to learn on the job - whether that’s designing amazing graphics, chopping vegetables or building engines!

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