Director

The job of a director is to stage stories. This includes both real and fictional events, television productions and theatre plays as well as advertising or image films . The director plays a key role in performances and filming. Directing means being responsible for the staging of a production on an artistic and content-related level.

What are the tasks and responsibilities of a director?

Directing involves first developing the overall concept for a theatre performance or film. Based on a script or a specific text, such as a play or an opera score, the director forms an inner idea of how the text will be realised. He works closely with the production company , especially with regard to the economic and organisational conditions. A central task of the director is to guide the actors in the realisation of the respective roles and characters. In rehearsals, he teaches the actors how to move and how to speak their lines. The director creates text templates for film and television projects himself or commissions them from a scriptwriter. He also takes care of the design of the film set or the stage area. In collaboration with the set designer, he decides on the background and backdrops , and discusses the optimal camera work and lighting with lighting technicians and cameramen.

What areas do directors work in?

Directors work in television, film, theatre and radio drama. Directors usually work on a freelance basis, often for municipal, regional or state theatres, musical producers, private theatres, television and radio stations, advertising agencies and audiobook publishers. Particularly in the area of film productions, directors are responsible not only for guiding the actors but also for the staff on set. In the case of films, their overall responsibility includes the artistic preparation and follow-up work, as well as the script, camera work and editing.

The path to becoming a director

Many directors find their way into this profession via a career change. Some were initially actors. Numerous film and music academies offer courses in directing. Speech training, camera work and an examination of aesthetic and philosophical backgrounds are important components of the programme. This also includes learning how to lead a team under the not always easy conditions of a large-scale production. It makes sense to gain practical experience in the studio and on stage at an early stage. As an assistant director, you have the advantage of making valuable contacts, for example with theatre directors, producers, scriptwriters and actors.

What skills does a director need?

A director needs many different skills. They must be able to motivate, lead and coordinate technical and artistic staff. They also need the ability to bring together the acting, dramaturgical, visual, linguistic and musical levels. Experience as a performer or in another related profession is helpful for this.

Everyday work and workplace

The realisation of ideas for film and television involves a long lead time and usually also extensive follow-up work. The tasks of a director are varied and the day-to-day work is colourful. Most of a director's work takes place in the studio or on a stage. Film shoots often require a change of location , for example for various outdoor shots. This happens in the open countryside, but also in halls, factories, on ships and often in special buildings.