Film and Television Directors

Employment for directors in the motion picture and video industries is expected to grow much faster than the average for all careers from 2023 through 2033, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Faster-than-average employment growth is expected for directors who work for media streaming distribution services, social networks, and other media networks and content providers.

Job growth will occur as a result of the increasing global demand for films and television programming made in the United States, and the development of other delivery methods for films and TV shows, such as the Internet, smartphones, and other portable electronic devices. However, competition is extreme and turnover is high. Many positions in the motion picture industry are held on a freelance basis. As is the case with most film industry workers, directors are usually hired to work on one film at a time. After a film is completed, new contacts must be made for further assignments.

Television offers directors a wider variety of employment opportunities such as directing sitcoms, made-for-television movies, newscasts, commercials, even music videos. The number of cable television networks and streaming services is growing, and directors are needed to help create original programming to fill this void.