The names and surnames of the world's and country's leading directors are on everyone's lips. However, few people know how to get this profession, where to study and how to get a job. Find out by reading our detailed review.
A director is a person who manages all creative processes in theatre, cinema or television. He has a fairly wide range of responsibilities, the competent implementation of which will allow him to create a real masterpiece. The first directors appeared simultaneously with theatrical productions. They are first mentioned in Dahl's dictionary as people who control the performance of actors and the creation of a performance. But the very concept of directing arose only at the end of the 19th century. It was used as an ensemble or the subordination of all processes in the theater to one concept. This idea originated simultaneously in Paris and Berlin. In the 20th century, directing began to develop rapidly in cinema. But it should be remembered that the origins of this art remain in the theater, from where the director’s experience was transferred.
Description
Nowadays, directing has undergone tremendous development. Now this is not one person, but a whole range of specialists who report to the production director. Depending on the type of work, the essence of the profession is determined. There are such directions of directing:
The essence of the director's profession is the management of filming processes. He sees the big picture and clearly understands what each character should be like. The director is the interpreter of the script, who conveys the author's idea to the actors and monitors its implementation.
What specialties to study?
In order to get a chance to get a job as a director, you should choose one of the following specialties:
- Theater directing.
- Directing feature films.
- Directing non-fiction films.
- Directing an animated film.
- Filmmaking.
- Directing non-fiction film and television films.
- Directing theatrical performances and celebrations.
- Directing shows.
- Stage direction.
- Circus directing.
- Directing.
All of the above specialties will allow you to work as a director. You should choose based on the area in which you would like to show your talent: cinema, theater, television, circus, pop, etc.
What do you have to do at work and specializations?
Each director performs a whole range of management responsibilities:
The director, in the full range of his responsibilities, acts as a link between all components of the filming process. Good direction is a guarantee of the success of any film or show.
Who is this profession suitable for?
This profession is suitable for strong and strong-willed people. The director must be a born leader and be able to manage a huge number of personnel at the same time. He must be a professional in his field and have enormous creative potential. The director is impartial and does not play favorites - this is important in a creative team. This specialist must be well-read, artistic and intellectually developed. A broad outlook is the director's best assistant.
Demand
This profession is not in great demand. Few people dare to invest in young, unknown directors.
How much do people working in this profession earn?
The director's fees depend on where he is employed. If these are not very profitable small theaters or a circus, then the salary is about 15-30 thousand per month. Large-scale performances in large, famous theaters and filming are completely different numbers. The amounts are not disclosed.
Is it easy to get a job?
If you are a famous director, then projects will find you on their own. It's difficult for beginners. Investors usually look for eminent professionals, not university graduates. Directing is available to those who have connections and solid sponsors. They are the decisive factor and help to reach people.
How does one usually build a career?
The beginning of his career is the position of assistant director. You will carry out small assignments and gain the most important thing - practice and experience. After all, by watching a professional work, you will very quickly learn from his accumulated experience over the years.
The director is the next stage of development. If you are not working on a very large project, this is the top. In large-scale events, you are an assistant director. You control the supporting processes and get the opportunity to show your directorial qualities. Your work is checked and corrected by the production director. It is he who corrects shortcomings and teaches you the most significant subtleties of this work.
A stage director is the pinnacle of a career. You get all the power and assistants who will take care of secondary processes. Now you are in charge of the creative areas of work. This position is given only to the most experienced and well-established directors.
Prospects for the profession
The main prospect of the profession is participation in famous film projects. As a result, you will be able to gain popularity and love from the public and investors. They are the ones who will provide you with further work and substantial fees. High-quality films that are admired by critics are a passport to the world of foreign cinema. This is a completely different level and an opportunity to earn substantial amounts.
DIRECTOR(French régisseur, from Latin rego - manage), creative worker in spectacular arts (theater, cinema, television, circus, stage). The director stages a play (dramatization, opera, ballet, concert or circus program) on the stage. In modern performing arts, he is often called a stage director or simply a stage director. The director who directs the creative work of the entire theater (or other entertainment group) is called the chief director.
The functions of a director in a modern theater are extremely large and varied: he carries out the entire range of work on organizing both the creative and technical process of preparing a performance or program.
The first stage of the director's work on a play is the birth of a general concept and the creation of a stage version of the play (often jointly with the playwright). After this, the director forms a production team, identifying candidates for a set designer, costume designer, composer, choreographer (if necessary, also an assistant director; lighting designer; director of stage movement, fights and fights; choirmaster; lyricist, etc. ). Based on the total amount of work and prepared sketches, with the direct participation of the director, a financial estimate for the performance is drawn up (including for the production of all the material parts). At the same time, the director determines the performing actors (i.e., distributes roles) and appoints an assistant director who is responsible for the technical organization of the rehearsal and production process and recording all stages of work on the performance.
Further, the director’s work consists of several directions. On the one hand, this is the general coordination and control of the activities of all members of the production team (with artists - creating a layout of the scenery and costume designs; with the composer - determining the general concept of the musical design of the performance; with movement specialists - developing the plastic score of the performance; etc. ). The director’s task is to achieve the integrity of all components, combining them in a single creative solution. Therefore, each stage of the work of all members of the production team is approved by the director. At the same time, the most important part of the preparation of the performance begins - rehearsals, the work of the director with the actors, aimed at developing the talent of the performers in relation to each role and the entire production as a whole.
There is a common expression in the theater: “the director dies in the actors.” In practice, this often means that the director is blamed for all the production shortcomings of the play; Artists are praised for successful performances. In fact, the success or failure of any of the components of the performance (including all acting work) is determined primarily by the director, the main driving force of the creative process and the main co-author of the performance. Based on this, it is clear that the director must not only be a good organizer, but also have the broadest erudition and skills of almost all theatrical professions - from acting to the technological process of making scenery; from a thorough knowledge of the technical capabilities of the theater’s sound, lighting and editing equipment to economic literacy; from masterly mastery of communication techniques and the ability to create a favorable psychological atmosphere in the production team to the practical skills of pedagogical and scientific activities necessary in studying the stage history of the chosen play and in working with actors, etc.
Therefore, university preparation and training in the profession of a director consists of many academic disciplines that are urgently needed in future work: the skill of a director and an actor; scenic speech ; dance; stage movement; history of theater, literature, painting, music, dance and other arts; fundamentals of economics and psychology; material part of the theater, etc.
Tatiana Shabalina
Stage director(fr. regisseur, from lat. rego manage) - the head of a creative team working on the creation of a film, play or show. The profession is suitable for those who are interested in world artistic culture (see choosing a profession based on your interest in school subjects).
Features of the profession
The production director is responsible for the artistic component of the work. Actors, cameramen, sound engineers, production designers, movement directors, etc. work under his leadership. The literary basis is a script or a play, and the production director is not always their author. But in the end, it is he who is responsible for what the viewer sees. The success or failure of the project will be associated with his name.
A production director can specialize in staging feature films or documentaries, theatrical performances, circus programs, musical shows, and public events.
Usually the production director is simply called the director, because and without a clarifying “trailer” it is clear that he is responsible for the production. This applies to any production director, regardless of specialization.
Let us describe some options for this profession.
In the theatre the director manages the creative team involved in the production: he selects actors, works with them on roles, together with the sound engineer and stage designer thinks through the design of the performance, etc. At the same time, he reports to the creative director of the theater (if he is not one himself), and they jointly select the plays for the production. The assistant director helps him solve organizational issues during rehearsals and during the performance. He interacts with technical services, actors, and makes sure that everything happens without a hitch during the performance.
Circus art radically different from the theatrical. Just as a circus troupe differs from a theater troupe: circus performers work in dynasties, practicing their routines for years. They often involve a risk to life. In addition, the circus troupe is not only people, but also trained animals. The circus works to entertain the public, and the main task of the circus director is to make each act as bright and spectacular as possible. All this brings its own specifics to the work of a circus director. However, the principles of his work are similar to the work of a theater director. He thinks through the intrigue of the performance, works with the actors, production designer, design engineers, prop makers, lighting engineers, sound engineer and other participants in the circus show.
Movie- This is a complex production process. (Like television.) A film director has a whole team of assistants: a second director, a director for working with actors, an assistant director (an assistant director who keeps track of the footage), consultants, etc.
Although at least two of this crew are designated by the word "director", they perform other tasks. For example, the second director (in Western cinema - First Assistant Director) helps the production director in developing the director's script, formulates information for makeup artists, costume artists, acting assistants, etc., and plans the filming process. And he makes sure that the entire production process goes smoothly, that the set is ready for work every time, that the actors and costume designers are in their places, etc. This is a very large amount of work, and usually a film director has two second directors. The acting director (also known as acting assistant or casting director) looks for suitable performers for roles and organizes their photo and screen tests.
The main organizational burden when creating a film is borne by producers, who deal with issues of budget, distribution, etc. The film producer is also responsible for attracting key participants in the process, including the director, unless, of course, he himself is the initiator of the production. Both the producers and the director report to the management of the film studio. The director's work on the film begins with the script. He can take a ready-made script, or he can write it himself or in collaboration with a professional screenwriter. He can take as a basis a finished literary work or a completely fresh plot. Even if a film director makes a film based on a ready-made script, he finalizes it in his own way: second-by-second and frame-by-frame he describes the shooting plan for each scene. The result is a director's script. He always studies materials related to the theme of the film and turns to specialists who can advise him on some issues. Participates in drawing up estimates and, together with the producer and second director, outlines a work plan. Together with the production designer, chief cinematographer, and sound engineer, he discusses the artistic concept of the film and its design, approves sketches, designs, scenery, etc. Together with the composer and sound engineer, he outlines the explication of the sound (graphic diagram). Selects actors (with the help of a casting assistant), works with each of them on the role, rehearses scenes, etc. Supervises the filming. When the filming process is completed, he selects the necessary takes and manages the editing and dubbing process.
Some directors successfully combine work in theater and cinema. For example, the artistic director of the Lenkom Theater Mark Zakharov became known back in the 1960s as a theater director. Having headed the theater in 1973 (at that time - the Moscow Theater named after Leninsky Komsomol), he very quickly brought it to the ranks of the most popular in Moscow. Each performance by Zakharov is an event in the theatrical life of the capital: “Funeral Prayer”, “Royal Games”, “Barbarian and Heretic”, the legendary “Juno and Avos” and many others. At the same time, he is the author of wonderful films loved by millions: “The Twelve Chairs”, “An Ordinary Miracle”, “That Same Munchausen”, “The House That Swift Built”, “Formula of Love”, “Kill the Dragon”.
Workplace
A production director can work in cinema, television, theater, circus, etc. - depending on his specialization. Although some directors successfully realize themselves in different areas.
Salary
Important qualities
The profession of a production director requires artistry, imaginative thinking, good intelligence, broad outlook, imagination, self-discipline, high ability to work and leadership qualities. And another important quality is a sense of modernity. The director must feel how relevant a particular topic or idea is in the modern world.
Knowledge and skills
The director must master the theory and practice of directing, acting, the basics of stage and musical design, cinematography, and understand the laws of dramaturgy. Knowledge of the history of literature, fine arts, theater, and cinema is very important. Knowledge of classical and modern works of drama and cinema is required. Knowledge of foreign languages is desirable.
Training to become a stage director
Drama and musical theater
- Russian University of Theater Arts - GITIS. Directing department. Department of Drama Directing
- St. Petersburg Humanitarian University of Trade Unions. Faculty of Arts. Specialty: Theater Directing
- Theater Institute named after. B. Shchukina. Directing department. Specialty: Theater Directing
And other universities of theatrical art.
Director- a creative profession in demand in the television and film industries, as well as in circus and pop art, and video blogging. Directors are responsible for directing a film, theater play, music video, etc. The profession belongs to the category “person-artistic image”, it can be safely chosen by people who are inclined to study the Russian language and literature, who have pronounced charisma and creative inclinations.
Who is the director?
The director is the main person in any creative team. He works with a script prepared by a screenwriter, and he is subordinate to lighting designers, actors, sound engineers - all members of the creative team. Many guys dream of becoming directors, but only a few achieve success in this profession. The most talented directors are engaged in filmmaking, and they can also realize their potential in the following areas:
- theatrical performances;
- circus performances;
- animated and short films;
- commercials;
- video for vlogs;
- television programs, news stories, etc.;
- clip making;
- computer, mobile, online games, as well as games for consoles.
There are directors who stage national and one-man concerts, various events: weddings, graduations, corporate parties and others. The director, reading the script or correcting it, sees how this or that production will ultimately look. He determines the type of actors, works with colors, angles - does everything to make the script “come to life” on the screen, on the theater stage, in real life.
Features of the profession
A director is more than just a director. He finds a common language with capricious actors, is able to increase the budget and attract the public with the help of non-standard advertising. He also performs the following types of work:
- ensuring a continuous production process in accordance with deadlines;
- working with new and old productions, updating and improving the latter;
- the director casts actors, distributes roles, makes proposals for updating and expanding the cast;
- takes part in the creation of sketches and layouts of the design of the future production, costumes, scenery, special effects, constantly monitoring all processes;
- conducts regular rehearsals;
- interacts with the personnel responsible for the artistic and production part.
The production director can take part in the development of marketing events; he directs actors and other members of the creative team to courses and master classes necessary to improve their skills and general professional level. He often makes adjustments to the script, gives advice regarding design - he bears full responsibility for the production process. The director is absorbed in creativity; the producer/customer is most often responsible for the financial side and marketing.
There are editing directors who assemble the footage into a single film. Event directors interact with private and commercial clients, responsible for the successful execution of an event, presentation, theatrical performance, etc. The mapping director is responsible for the creation of 3D projections and laser shows, the music video director is responsible for the development and production of video clips.
Pros and cons of the profession
pros
- Full disclosure of creative potential.
- Opportunity to work with famous producers, actors and other professionals.
- Gaining popularity in narrow or wide circles.
- The profession is prestigious, it is associated with emotional return, but not with physical work.
- Numerous business trips around Russia and other countries as part of a creative team are possible.
- Talented directors receive awards, fame and very high income.
- A director can engage in video blogging, film criticism, journalism - many related fields are available.
Minuses
- Unfortunately, not all directors achieve success and popularity, so many graduates of specialized universities work in small theaters, shoot short films and stage holidays. This job brings good income, but does not satisfy ambitions.
- There is a huge competition in universities, because more than 20-25 applicants can apply for a place.
- High emotional stress, creative crises are possible.
- Irregular work schedule, high demands placed on the quality of productions.
- A long career path, because university graduates can only count on the position of assistant or assistant director.
Important personal qualities
Creativity, charisma, the ability to think outside the box, developed communication skills are traits inherent in directors. N An unimportant role is played by professional acumen, the makings of an organizer, speaker and leader, the ability to persuade and take a leading position in a team. Authoritarianism, attention to small details, a unique style, energy and sense of humor, and developed artistic taste are required.
Director training
You can get an education at a theater college or university, which applicants can enroll in after 9th and 11th grade, respectively. The colleges offer the following related areas of training:
- “Socio-cultural activities (by type)” (code: 51.02.02);
- “Animation (by type)” (code: 55.02.02) and others.
College is a great start, but for great directing you need higher education in the following areas (with different training profiles):
- “Theater Directing” (code: 52.05.02);
- “Directing theatrical performances and celebrations” (code: 51.03.05);
- “Directing Film and Television” (code: 55.05.01).
When entering a university, you need to take the Unified State Exam in literature (this subject is most often required), society or history, as well as the Russian language. Applicants must undergo a creative test and an interview, the results of which are decisive for the admissions committee. After completing your studies, you can continue your training in the form of an assistantship-internship, where you need to study for another 2 years.
Universities
The best universities for directors
- GITIS.
- TI them. B. Shchukina.
- VGIK.
- MSPU.
- RGUFKSMIT.
- SPbGIK.
- SPbGUP.
- SPbGIKIT.
- BSIIK.
- KazGIK.
Best Colleges for Filmmakers
- THTK.
- CP No. 11.
- MGKI.
- MMPK.
- MGTC named after L. A. Filatov.
Courses
Higher School of Directors and Scriptwriters
The educational institution operates a large number of long-term and short-term courses, adapted for students with different levels of training. Here you can learn more about editing, the history of cinema, the art of cinematography and screenwriting, special effects, documentary or feature films - programs are available for every taste. There are discounts on tuition and accommodation, and there is a summer film school.
Place of work
Directors, depending on the area of training, can find work in children's, musical and adult theaters, film studios, television centers and production agencies. They can also collaborate with representatives of the arts: singers, dancers, musicians. Directors often find work in circuses, event agencies, media holdings and other companies. In the early stages of their career, they may interact with private clients or take part in independent projects.
Salary
The salaries of famous directors are very high; university graduates receive little, but have the opportunity to gain invaluable experience. The greatest income is received by directors working in the film, television and theater industries. The level of remuneration directly depends on the university and teaching staff, the availability of successful projects, as well as on individual talent and potential.
Salary as of 02/18/2020
Russia 25000—70000 ₽
Moscow 30000—120000 ₽
Professional knowledge
- Fundamentals of acting and screenwriting.
- Different types of directing (theoretical and practical skills): film and television, theater, variety and others.
- Fundamentals of editing and camera work.
- History of art.
- Time management.
Famous directors
- Woody Allen.
- Guillermo del Toro.
- Fedor Bondarchuk.
Today, not a single public event, not a single performance or feature film is complete without such a wonderful specialist as a director, who is he, what are his responsibilities - let's look further.
Who are the directors?
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In order for various types of media and entertainment, such as films, various television shows, theater productions, to be interesting and attract attention, a firm hand of an experienced organizer is required. And that’s how the director feels. Exactly he is the main one on the set or on stage.
The professionalism of the director depends on:
- the composition and how they will perform their roles;
- what decorations will be used;
- will computer graphics be used or will everything be filmed on location;
- who will write and what quality it should be.
Also, the order on the set depends on this specialist, since he connects a large number of people who are in one way or another related to the filming of a film, television show, concert or performance.
If we consider the directions of the director’s activity, they can be:
- stage director is in charge of a large team of specialists. It is he who will have to make decisions regarding the script, cast and much more;
- ordinary director is an assistant to the director. Most often, he takes part in large projects and is involved in the selection of actors for organizing extras, as well as when filming minor scenes of the film;
- assistant director called a specialist who is just preparing to become a real director. Very often this position is occupied by university graduates, as this is the first step on their career ladder;
- director in charge of editing– a specialist who reviews all the footage and assembles the final version of the film. Very often the director is present during editing;
- is responsible for everything we hear when watching a movie or radio. This specialist is not only responsible for voice acting, but also mixing the video and audio track;
- theater director– is involved in selecting actors, explaining what he wants to see on stage, is responsible for sound and stage lighting.
What qualities should you have?
In order to become a director, you should know what qualities make him a professional:
- presence of artistry;
- must have imaginative thinking;
- have good intelligence;
- have a broad outlook;
- vivid imagination;
- develop iron self-discipline;
- have high performance;
- be a leader;
- acutely feel what the modern viewer requires.
Only in this case can you become a real professional.
What should you know and be able to do?
A professional director must know and be able to:
- fundamentals of theory, as well as the practice of directing;
- understand the principles of acting;
- master the basics of stage design;
- understand music and choose it correctly;
- understand the basics of operator work;
- know all the laws and principles of drama.
Knowledge regarding:
- stories;
- literature;
- visual arts;
- theater;
- movie.
Moreover, the director must understand the difference between various works that can become the basis for a script.
Conclusion
A lot of creative professions can be combined into one specialty - who the director is, what his functions are - we looked at this in this article.
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