DIRECTORS Directors are integral to the success of

DIRECTORS Directors are integral to the success of any film project. As a director you'll contribute to all the creative elements of a production and will be responsible for shaping them into a cohesive film. In order to do this you'll need a strong creative vision and the ability to communicate your ideas to a variety of people throughout the production process. This will include your production team, crew, actors and those responsible for financing the film. Ian AKILIMALI

Steven Spielberg ■ Steven Allan Spielberg KBE OMRI (born December 18, 1946) is an American filmmaker. He is considered one of the founding pioneers of the New Hollywood era and one of the most popular directors and producers in film history. Spielberg won the Academy Award for best director twice, first with 'Schindler's List' and later with 'Saving Private Ryan. ' Ian AKILIMALI

Earnings and Contract ■ Employment is usually offered on a freelance/self-employed basis and the fees you will command as a freelance director will vary considerably, depending on the size and scale of the project and the level of experience of the director. ■ Information about freelance rates and other general topics is available from Directors UK, which also contains a 'Find a director' listing where you can promote yourself. ■ Income from directing work is often erratic so it may be necessary to work alongside full or part-time jobs. If this is the case, you may be able to find work which is related to your directing, such as teaching and lecturing or other industry roles such as editing, assistant directing or production management. ■ You'll work as a self-employed freelancer on fixed-term contract. Ian AKILIMALI

Working Hours ■ Like many roles in film and television, directing often involves working unsocial hours in the evenings and at weekends. During the production phase, a typical filming day is between 10 -12 hours. However as a director you should expect to supplement this work with extra time spent in meetings discussing other aspects of the production. ■ Filming is often on location and you should be prepared to travel within the UK, and sometimes abroad, for work. Ian AKILIMALI

Experience Gaining as much experience as possible working on film and broadcast television projects will provide you with real-world insight into how films are made and how a production is run. Aspiring directors often combine work as runners and assistants on projects alongside making their own self-funded or low-budget film projects in order to develop their directing skills and build their reputation. Look for job vacancies at: • Mandy. com • The Call Sheet • The Knowledge • grapevinejobs Work experience provides an opportunity for you to network and build your contacts. Those working within the industry have often followed a similar career path of paid or voluntary work experience so networking is expected and supported. Ian AKILIMALI

What role could they undertake after they have been successful in this role? ■ The roles Directors could undertake are becoming more successful directors then before or maybe producers. Examples of famous directors are Clint Eastwood, Woody Allen and Ron Howard. Ian AKILIMALI