You could take a course at university to get into the industry. Courses include:

• film or television production
• broadcast production
• filmmaking
• drama
• TV, film and theatre studies

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

You may find it helpful to take a film-making or media production course that helps you to build practical skills and make contacts in the industry.

Relevant courses include:

• Level 3 Diploma in Film and Television Production
• Level 3 Diploma in Performing and Production Arts
• Level 3 Extended Diploma in 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

Many directors start out as runners, helping out on film or TV sets, and work their way up through other jobs like 3rd and 2nd assistant director or floor manager. Others move into directing after getting experience in camera work, screenwriting or acting.

It's important to get as much experience as you can in film and TV, and an in-depth understanding of the production process.

You can do this by taking part in activities like student or community film or TV, and finding work experience placements on film projects.

You can search for film and TV companies to approach for experience through media business listing services like PACT and The Knowledge.

Another way to break into film directing is to make your own films, known as 'shorts'. You can market these to agents, post them online or enter them into film festivals and competitions. You'll need access to equipment, crew and actors to make your own films. Getting involved in community filming projects can help with this.

You could also take short courses in production skills for directors run by film schools, regional screen agencies and private training providers. You can search for relevant industry approved courses through ScreenSkills.

You'll need:

• knowledge of media production and communication
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to work well with others
• leadership skills
• the ability to use your initiative
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• ambition and a desire to succeed
• broadcasting and telecommunications knowledge
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

You could:

• meet producers to plan filming schedules and resources
• develop scripts or ideas for programmes
• develop storyboards
• decide how the production should look and where it should be filmed
• hire the cast and crew
• explain technical requirements to different teams
• direct actors on set or location
• supervise the editing

You could work at a film studio, at a TV studio or on a film set.

Your working environment may be outdoors some of the time and you may spend nights away from home.