Video And Motion Picture Director Science & Engineering Professionals
SaveWhat Does a Video And Motion Picture Director Do?
Video and motion picture directors are responsible for the overall production of a movie or television program. They edit and translate the script into audiovisual images. Video and motion picture directors supervise and manage the film crew. They convey their creative vision on the actors, audio and video equipment operators, lighting technicians, etc and direct them. Video and motion picture directors also supervise the editing of the footage.
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Where Do I Start?
Cinematography
The science of recording light and electromagnetic radiation in order to create a motion picture. The recording can happen electronically with an image sensor or chemically on light sensitive materials such as film stock.
Sign up to trackReady to go deeper? Pick up to 3 skills to focus on from the list below.
These are common skills for this role. Real-world experience matters more than ticking every box — use this as a guide, not a checklist.
Skills You Need to Become a Video And Motion Picture Director
Essential Skills
Essential Skills
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EssentialCinematography knowledge
The science of recording light and electromagnetic radiation in order to create a motion picture. The recording can happen electronically with an image sensor or chemically on light sensitive materials …
Recommended Books
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EssentialFilm Production Process knowledge
The various development stages of making a film, such as scriptwriting, financing, shooting, editing, and distribution.
Recommended Books
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EssentialLighting Techniques knowledge
The characteristics of techniques used to create atmospheres and effects on camera or on stage; the equipment required and appropriate setup to use.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialAudiovisual Equipment knowledge
The characteristics and usage of different tools that stimulate the sight and audio senses.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialPhotography knowledge
Art and practice of creating aesthetically appealing images by recording light or electromagnetic radiation.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialAdapt To Type Of Media skill
Adapt to different types of media such as television, movies, commercials, and others. Adapt work to type of media, scale of production, budget, genres within type of media, and others.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialAnalyse A Script skill
Break down a script by analysing the dramaturgy, form, themes and structure of a script. Conduct relevant research if necessary.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialDevelop Creative Ideas skill
Developing new artistic concepts and creative ideas.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialEnsure Visual Quality Of The Set skill
Inspect and amend the scenery and set-dressing to make sure the visual quality is optimal with in constraints of time, budget and manpower.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialFinish Project Within Budget skill
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EssentialFollow Work Schedule skill
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EssentialStudy Media Sources skill
Study various media sources such as broadcasts, print media, and online media in order to gather inspiration for the development of creative concepts.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialStudy Relationships Between Characters skill
Study characters in scripts and their relationships to each other.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialWork With The Director Of Photography skill
Work with the director of photography on the artistic and creative vision that needs to be followed during production of a movie or theatre production.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialLead Cast And Crew skill
Lead a film or theatre cast and crew. Brief them about the creative vision, what they need to do and where they need to be. Manage day-to-day production activities to …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialTell A Story skill
Tell a true or ficticious story so as to engage an audience, having them relate with the characters in the story. Keep the audience interested in the story and bring …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialWatch Scenes skill
Watch raw scenes and shots after shooting to ensure quality. Decide which shots will be used and what needs to be edited.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialWork With Motion Picture Editing Team skill
Work together with the motion picture editing team during post-production. Make sure the finished product is according to specifications and creative vision.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialWork With Playwrights skill
Work with writers through workshops or script development schemes.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialWork With Pre-Production Team skill
Consult with the pre-production team about expectations, requirements, budget, etc.
Course recommendations coming soon.
Optional Skills (5 of 19 displayed)
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OptionalAttend Rehearsals skill
Attend rehearsals in order to adapt sets, costumes, make-up, lighting, camera set up, etc.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalEdit Digital Moving Images skill
Use specialised software to edit video images for use in an artistic production.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalEdit Recorded Sound skill
Edit audio footage using a variety of sofware, tools, and techniques such as crossfading, speed effects, and removing unwanted noises.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalOperate A Camera skill
Capture moving images with a camera. Operate the camera skilfully and safely to obtain high quality material.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalOrganise Rehearsals skill
Manage, schedule and run rehearsals for the performance.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalPerform Video Editing skill
Rearrange and edit video footage in the course of the post-production process. Edit the footage using a variety of sofware, tools, and techniques such as colour correction and effects, speed …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalSet Up Cameras skill
Put cameras in place and prepare them for use.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalAdapt A Script skill
Adapt a script and, if the play is newly written, work with the writer or collaborate with playwrights.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalAttend Read-Through skill
Attend the organised reading of the script, where the actors, director, producers, and scriptwriters read the script thoroughly.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalCarry Out Auditions skill
Hold auditions and assess and select candidates for roles in the productions.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalCoordinate Rehearsals skill
Organise rehearsal schedules for actors and crew, collect and update necessary contact information as well as organise any additional meetings for the actors and crew.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalCreate Production Schedules skill
Create the timeline for the production of a motion picture, broadcast program or artistic production. Decide how long each phase will take and what its requirements are. Take into account …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalDesign Lighting skill
Design the right atmosphere and an aesthetically appealing film with light. Give instructions on which equipment, settings, and cues should be used.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalHelp Set Rehearsal Schedule skill
Develop and communicate rehearsal schedules, taking into account the availability of the physical spaces and of the participating team.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalHire Human Resources skill
Manage the process of hiring human resources, from identifying potential candidates to assessing the adequacy of their profiles to the vacancy.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalLiaise With Event Sponsors skill
Plan meetings with sponsors and event organisers to discuss and monitor upcoming events.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalSupervise A Script skill
Supervise script preparation, maintenance, and distribution for all productions.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalSupervise Camera Crew skill
Supervise the camera crew to make sure they use the right equipment, angles, frames, shots, etc., according to the creative vision.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalSupervise Sound Production skill
Supervise the creation of sound and decide which music and sounds to use for the movie and theatre production.
Course recommendations coming soon.