How to become
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- working towards this role
- specialist courses run by private training providers
University
You can do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in:
- creative media production
- film and television production
- filmmaking
- drama or theatre studies
- business
Courses that include practical skills and work placements may give you an advantage when looking for work.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
More Information
College
You could take a college course, which would teach you some of the skills needed to apply for trainee positions with a production company.
Courses include:
- film and television production
- creative media production and technology
- creative and digital media
- T Level in Media, Broadcast and Production
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level
More Information
Work
You could start as runner or production assistant on set, and work your way up to 3rd or 2nd assistant director (AD), then 1st AD. It can take several years to progress from being a runner through to 1st AD.
Volunteering
It's important to get as much experience as you can in film and TV, and to develop a good understanding of the production process.
For example, you can:
- work on student film or TV productions
- get involved with community film projects
- find work experience placements with production companies
You can search for film and TV companies to approach for experience through media business listing services like PACT and The Knowledge.
Other Routes
You can take short courses in production skills for directors and assistant directors run by film schools, regional screen agencies and private training providers. You can search for relevant industry approved courses through ScreenSkills.
More Information
Career tips
Get as much experience of amateur filmmaking as you can to develop your skills. This will give you insights into the creative process and help you to make industry contacts.
You can also create a portfolio to showcase your talent.
You may find it useful to get a qualification in health and safety, as this is likely to be part of your duties.
Professional and industry bodies
You could join the Assistant Directors Guild UK for professional development opportunities, industry news and to build up your contacts.
Further information
You'll find more details about directing in film and TV through ScreenSkills.
You can get more information about careers in the film industry from My First Job in Film and Get Into Film.