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Director

Leads the creative vision on set: performance, coverage and tone, working closely with the 1st AD and DoP.

Duties

• Read the call sheet and sides before arriving
• Maintain radio/set etiquette and H&S
• Hand over notes/kit status at wrap
• Prep shot lists and blocking with DoP
• Direct performances
• Work through the edit with the Editor

Reports to

Producer / Showrunner

Works with

1st AD, DoP, Cast, Production Designer, Editor

Career path

Shadow / Episode Director → Director

Day to day

Rehearse and block with cast, agree coverage with DoP, keep to the 1st AD's schedule, review rushes.

Call times

Director calls with the 1st AD before unit call for blocking; wraps after rushes/next-day prep. Prep and post follow office/edit hours.

What to wear

Smart-casual in the office; practical layers and comfortable shoes on set.

Tools & kit

Laptop, phone, notebook, budget and schedule documents.

Tips

Confirm credit, fee, schedule of payments, exclusivity and any backend on a signed deal memo or contract before starting.

Software

• Scriptation / PDF annotation
• Shot Designer / storyboard tools
• Movie Magic Scheduling (read-only)
• ChatGPT for draft shot-list notes (Director approves)

Related roles

Second Unit Director, 1st AD

More Directors roles