Video Director Job Description
Video directors are creative professionals who communicate ideas and create images in music videos. Inspired by a specific song, they create a visual story that supports the theme and lyrics of the musical track. While there are formal training programs available at colleges and universities for directing, many video directors find work based on their talent and experience alone. It is a competitive field, and because employment is not steady, some video directors find work in other media as well.
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Duties
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Video directors are in charge of the overall creative direction of music videos. They interpret musicians' songs and craft a story for the video based on the music. Video directors are also responsible for auditioning and selecting cast members for the video, conducting rehearsals and directing the work of the cast and crew. They also choose the design elements for videos, including costumes, sets, lighting and choreography.
Education
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Formal education is not necessarily required for employment as a video director. Many in the field, however, attend film school and obtain bachelor's or advanced degree in film or multimedia studies. Experience is the most important asset for a video director. Some aspiring directors begin their careers as actors or writers, while others cultivate experience by working under established directors. Video directors may also work on television shows, independent films or documentaries to gain experience.
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Environment
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Many video directors work in Los Angeles or New York because there are many studios for filming in those cities. Videos can be shot on location, though, so video directors may have to travel to other cities as well. Shooting schedules for music videos tend to be brief, lasting as little as one day, but work hours are often long and irregular. Video directors are often under a great deal of pressure, as they must complete their projects on time and according to budget. The uncertain nature of their work also leads to unpredictable earnings and tight competition for jobs. Video directors may have to take on projects in other media to make a living.
Salary
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According to Simply Hired, the average annual salary for video directors is $60,000 as of April 2010. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that median annual wages of producers and directors in the motion picture and video industry was $85,940 in 2008.
Emplolyment Outlook
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Most of the television networks previously dedicated to music videos have expanded their programming to include reality and variety shows, so less airtime is devoted to videos. As a result, music videos do not have the significance that they did in the 1980s and 1990s, and record companies are slashing budgets for them. There may be less traditional employment opportunities for video directors, though. Many bands and musicians are now using web-based projects to promote themselves, so there may be work for new directors with these kinds of assignments. Because video directors work on a freelance basis, however, competition for these positions should be intense.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit clipboard with marking with hands image by patrimonio designs from Fotolia.com
