6 templates for feature, TV, commercial, corporate video, music video, and indie directing roles, with the employee-versus-contractor and FLSA notes the generic templates skip. Copy or download as DOCX.
A film director leads the creative vision of a film or video, turning a script into a finished piece by directing the cast, leading the crew, and shaping every shot from prep through post. Hiring one is different from most roles, because directing is usually project-based and often a contractor engagement rather than a permanent employee hire, and the job description has to be clear about which it is.
These six templates cover the most common versions of the role: feature film, TV and episodic, commercial and advertising, in-house corporate video, music video, and indie or short film. Each is ready to use, with the employee-versus-contractor and FLSA notes that the generic templates leave out. For the fundamentals behind any posting, the guide to writing a job description is a useful companion.
TL;DR
A film director leads the creative vision of a film or video: directing cast and crew, shaping the look and tone, and overseeing the edit. Most directors are engaged per project as 1099 contractors, not W-2 employees. When a director is a salaried employee, the role is generally exempt under the FLSA creative professional exemption. The federal occupation reports a median wage of $83,480 a year. Download six templates by project type.
What a Film Director Does
A film director owns the artistic vision of a project and is responsible for bringing the script to the screen. That means interpreting the script, casting with the team, directing actors, leading the crew, making the creative calls on set, and guiding the project through editing and finishing to a final cut, all on schedule and budget.
The federal occupation is 27-2012 Producers and Directors, which groups directors with producers for statistical purposes. Because the role spans feature, television, commercial, corporate, and music video work, the templates here are organized by project type so you can match the posting to what you are actually producing.
Film Director Duties and Responsibilities
Director duties cluster into four areas: creative vision, leading cast and crew, managing the production, and overseeing post. A strong job description picks the specific responsibilities from each area that fit your project, rather than listing every possible task.
Creative vision
Own the artistic vision of the project
Interpret and shape the script
Decide look, tone, and pacing
Lead cast and crew
Direct actors and guide performances
Lead the cinematographer and department heads
Cast principal roles with the team
Manage the production
Deliver on schedule and on budget
Plan shots, blocking, and shot lists
Solve problems on set day to day
Oversee post
Guide the edit and assembly
Oversee sound, color, and finishing
Deliver the final cut
For a feature the creative vision leads; for an in-house corporate role the production management and stakeholder work carry more weight. For a structured way to scope the role, the guide to defining job responsibilities walks through the process.
Which Template Should You Use?
Pick the template by the type of project, and decide up front whether the role is an employee or a contractor. The core structure is the same across all six, but each one emphasizes the scope, the engagement, and the classification that fit a specific kind of directing role.
Feature Film
Films, production companies
The full creative-lead version: own the vision from prep through post, direct cast and crew, and deliver the film on schedule and budget.
TV / Episodic
Series, streamers
For episodic work: direct assigned episodes within a showrunner's established style, fast, and to continuity.
Commercial / Advertising
Agencies, brands
For commercial shoots: bring a creative brief to life, work with agency and client, and deliver brand-aligned content.
Corporate Video
In-house, W-2
The one version that fits a standard employee hire: an in-house director leading marketing, brand, and training video.
Music Video
Artists, labels
For music videos: develop the treatment and direct a stylized shoot, usually per project on a budget-tied fee.
Indie / Short
Independent, lean
For small productions: a resourceful director who wears several hats and delivers on a lean budget and crew.
Match the Template to the Project
Making a film? Feature Film Director. Directing episodes? TV / Episodic. A brand spot? Commercial / Advertising. Hiring an employee for your marketing team? Corporate Video Director, the one W-2 version. A music video? Music Video Director. A small independent project? Indie / Short. When in doubt, decide employee versus contractor first, then pick the project type.
6 Film Director Job Description Templates
Download all six as a single Word document or copy individual templates. Each follows the same structure: project and job summary, key responsibilities, qualifications, an engagement or classification note, and how to apply, with an EEO statement. Fill in the brackets and post.
Download All 6 Job Description Templates
Feature, TV, commercial, corporate video, music video, and indie. All in one DOCX.
Template 1: Feature Film Director
The full creative-lead version: own the vision from prep through post, direct cast and crew, and deliver the film. Use this for a feature on a production company or studio project.
Status / term: __ (project length, prep, shoot, post)
Compensation: $_____ (fee, weekly rate, or scale)
ABOUT THE PROJECT
[One or two sentences about the production company and the project: genre, budget
tier, schedule, and what kind of director you are looking for.]
JOB SUMMARY
[Production Name] is seeking a Film Director to lead the creative and artistic
vision of [project]. The director translates the script to screen, directs cast
and crew, and oversees the look, tone, and performances from prep through post.
This is a [project-based / contract] role for an experienced storyteller.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
•Develop and own the creative vision for the film
•Interpret and shape the script with the writer and producer
•Cast principal roles with the casting team and producer
•Direct actors and guide performances on set
•Lead the crew: cinematographer, production designer, and department heads
•Make creative decisions on shots, blocking, pacing, and tone
•Oversee the edit, sound, and color in post-production
•Deliver the film on schedule and within the agreed budget
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
•Demonstrated directing experience and a strong reel or portfolio
•Ability to lead a cast and crew under schedule and budget pressure
•Strong visual storytelling and script interpretation skills
•Collaborative leadership across creative departments
•[Union / DGA status as required by the production]
ENGAGEMENT NOTE (read before posting)
Directors are often engaged as independent contractors for a single project. If
you engage a director as a W-2 employee on salary, the role is generally exempt
under the FLSA creative professional exemption. If you engage as a 1099 contractor,
use a deal memo or work-for-hire agreement instead. Confirm the right structure for
your situation. This is general information, not legal advice.
HOW TO APPLY
To apply, send your reel and resume to __ by ______.
[Production Name] is an equal opportunity employer.
Template 2: TV / Episodic Director
For episodic work: direct assigned episodes within a showrunner's established style, fast, and to continuity. Use this for series and streaming projects.
For commercial shoots: bring a creative brief to life, work with agency and client, and deliver brand-aligned content on a tight timeline. Use this for ad and branded-content work.
[Production / Agency Name] is seeking a Commercial Director to direct [campaign /
spot]. The director brings the creative brief to life on screen, leads the shoot,
and delivers brand-aligned commercial content on a tight timeline. This is a
[project-based] role that balances creative vision with client and brand goals.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
•Translate the creative brief and storyboard into a finished spot
•Collaborate with the agency, client, and creative team
•Direct talent and crew on commercial shoots
•Deliver brand-aligned content on tight timelines and budgets
•Make creative calls on look, pacing, and tone within the brief
•Oversee the edit and delivery of commercial versions and cutdowns
•Balance creative ambition with client expectations
•Keep the shoot on schedule and on budget
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
•Commercial or branded-content directing experience and a reel
•Ability to work within a brief and to brand guidelines
•Strong, efficient leadership on fast commercial shoots
•Comfort collaborating with agencies and clients
•[Relevant union status if applicable]
ENGAGEMENT AND HOW TO APPLY
Commercial directors are usually engaged per project, often as contractors.
Confirm the right structure and use a deal memo where appropriate.
To apply, send your reel and resume to __ by ______.
[Production / Agency Name] is an equal opportunity employer.
Template 4: Corporate Video Director (In-House)
The one version that fits a standard employee hire: an in-house, salaried director leading marketing, brand, and training video end to end. Use this for a W-2 role on your marketing team.
Corporate Video Director Job Description (In-House)
CORPORATE VIDEO DIRECTOR JOB DESCRIPTION (IN-HOUSE)
Company: __
Department: __ (Marketing / Communications)
Location: __
Reports to: __ (Marketing Manager / Owner)
Employment type: [ ] Full-time [ ] Part-time
FLSA status: Exempt (salaried), confirm against duties and salary level
Salary range: $_____ to $_____ per year
JOB SUMMARY
[Company Name] is hiring an in-house Corporate Video Director to lead our video
content from concept to delivery. You will plan, direct, and oversee videos for
marketing, brand, training, and internal communications, working with our team and
outside vendors. This is a full-time role on our [marketing] team for a hands-on
creative leader.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
•Plan and direct video content for marketing and brand
•Translate goals and briefs into video concepts and scripts
•Direct shoots: on-camera talent, lighting, and crew or vendors
•Manage the full production process from concept to delivery
•Maintain brand consistency across all video content
•Collaborate with marketing, sales, and leadership on priorities
•Manage equipment, software, and any freelance crew
•Track timelines, budgets, and content performance
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
•Video production and directing experience with a strong portfolio
•Skilled across pre-production, directing, and overseeing the edit
•Comfortable owning brand-aligned content end to end
•Strong project and stakeholder management
•[Degree or equivalent experience in film, video, or media]
CLASSIFICATION NOTE
A salaried in-house video director is generally exempt under the FLSA creative
professional exemption, provided the duties and salary level are met. This is the
one version of the role that fits a standard W-2 hire on a marketing team. This is
general information, not legal advice.
COMPENSATION AND HOW TO APPLY
Salary range: $_____ to $_____ per year
Benefits: __
To apply, send your reel and resume to __ by ______.
[Company Name] is an equal opportunity employer.
Template 5: Music Video Director
For music videos: develop the treatment and direct a stylized shoot, usually per project on a budget-tied fee. Use this for label, artist, and music production work.
Music Video Director Job Description
MUSIC VIDEO DIRECTOR JOB DESCRIPTION
Company / Production: __
Artist / Project: __
Location: __
Reports to: __ (Producer / Label / Artist)
Engagement type: [ ] Independent contractor (1099) [ ] Other
Status / term: __ (shoot dates, deliverables)
Compensation: $_____ (project fee, often a share of the video budget)
JOB SUMMARY
[Production Name] is seeking a Music Video Director to create the visual concept
and direct the music video for [artist / track]. The director develops the
treatment, directs the shoot, and delivers a finished video that fits the artist's
vision and the song. This is a project-based role for a strong visual storyteller.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
•Develop the creative treatment and concept for the video
•Collaborate with the artist, label, and producer on vision
•Direct the shoot: talent, performance, and visual style
•Lead the crew and make creative calls on look and pacing
•Manage the project within the video budget
•Oversee the edit, color, and final delivery
•Align the final video with the artist's brand and the track
•Deliver on the agreed schedule
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
•Music video or comparable directing experience and a reel
•Strong visual and conceptual storytelling
•Ability to work within an artist's vision and a set budget
•Efficient leadership on fast, stylized shoots
•[Relevant union status if applicable]
ENGAGEMENT AND HOW TO APPLY
Music video directors are almost always engaged per project as contractors, often
for a fee tied to the video budget. Use a deal memo or work-for-hire agreement.
To apply, send your reel and resume to __ by ______.
[Production Name] is an equal opportunity employer.
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For small productions: a resourceful director who wears several hats and delivers on a lean budget and crew. Use this for shorts and independent features.
[Production Name] is seeking an Indie / Short Film Director for [project]. On a
small, independent production, the director often wears several hats: shaping the
script, directing cast and crew, and staying close to the edit, all on a lean
budget. This is a project-based role for a resourceful, hands-on storyteller.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
•Own the creative vision on a lean, independent production
•Shape the script and shot list with a small team
•Direct cast and crew, often with limited resources
•Make practical creative calls to fit the budget and schedule
•Collaborate closely with the producer and key crew
•Stay involved through the edit and delivery
•Help with planning, scheduling, and problem-solving on set
•Deliver a finished film for festivals, clients, or release
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
•Directing experience or a strong short / indie reel
•Resourcefulness on a small budget and crew
•Versatility across the production process
•Collaborative, hands-on leadership
•Passion for the project and the story
ENGAGEMENT AND HOW TO APPLY
Indie and short directors are engaged per project, often as contractors and
sometimes on a deferred or profit-share basis. Put the terms in writing.
To apply, send your reel and resume to __ by ______.
[Production Name] is an equal opportunity employer.
Employee, Contractor, and FLSA
This is the part the generic templates skip, and for a directing role it is the part that matters most: whether you are hiring an employee or engaging a contractor, and what that means for classification. Get this right and the rest of the hire, the paperwork, and the onboarding all fall into place.
Most directors are hired per project, not as employees
This is the most important thing to settle before you write the posting. Film and video directors are usually engaged for a single project, from a day to a few months, and are frequently independent contractors paid on a 1099 rather than W-2 employees. The federal labor data describes assignments that may run from one day to a few months. That changes the paperwork: a contractor signs a deal memo or work-for-hire agreement, not an offer letter, an I-9, and a W-4. Decide which you are doing first, because the rest of the hire follows from it.
The exempt-versus-non-exempt question only matters for employees
If you do hire a director as a salaried W-2 employee, the role is generally exempt under the FLSA creative professional exemption, because directing requires invention, imagination, originality, or talent in a recognized creative field. That exemption does not apply to independent contractors at all, since federal wage and hour rules cover employees, not contractors. So the classification question is real only for the in-house corporate video director version of the role. For project-based contractor hires, the governing terms come from the contract and, on union productions, from a guild agreement, not from overtime rules.
The one version that fits a small business is the in-house video director
If you are a small business owner reading this, the role you are most likely to hire as a real employee is an in-house corporate video director on your marketing team, a salaried W-2 person who owns your video content end to end. That version onboards like any other employee: a signed offer letter, an NDA or IP-assignment agreement, equipment and software access, and brand guidelines. FirstHR fits that side: e-signature for the offer letter and agreements, document management for brand and equipment policies, and onboarding workflows for software access and training. To be clear about scope, FirstHR is an onboarding and HR platform for W-2 employees, not a production or contractor-payment system, and it does not run payroll or administer benefits. For project-based contractor directors, only the e-signature on a contractor agreement applies. Applicant tracking is coming soon.
Creative Professional Exemption
When a director is a salaried W-2 employee, the role is generally exempt under the FLSA creative professional exemption (29 CFR 541.302), which covers work requiring invention, imagination, originality, or talent in a recognized creative field. The exemption applies to employees only, not to the 1099 contractors who make up most directing engagements.
Directing roles prioritize a reel and a track record over formal credentials. Scale the requirements to the project type, weighting feature experience for a film and end-to-end video production skill for an in-house corporate role.
Requirement
What to look for
Reel / portfolio
A strong body of directed work, the central requirement
Experience
Directing experience matched to the project type
Storytelling
Strong visual storytelling and script interpretation
Leadership
Lead cast and crew under schedule and budget pressure
Collaboration
Work across cinematography, design, and editing
Education
Bachelor's degree common; reel often outweighs it
Engagement
Clear on W-2 employee versus 1099 contractor
Keep the posting neutral and inclusive, since the EEOC prohibits job advertisements that show a preference based on a protected characteristic, and the SHRM guide covers the standard sections of a job description.
Film Director Pay
Director pay varies widely by project type, budget, and experience, and project-based fees and union scale complicate any single number. Use government data as a baseline, then adjust for your project and market.
Median $83,480 a Year for the Group (BLS)
The federal occupation of producers and directors had a median annual wage of $83,480 in May 2024, with the lowest 10 percent under $43,060 and the highest 10 percent over $198,530 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). Directors in the motion picture and video industries had a higher median of $103,440.
The group held about 167,000 jobs and is projected to grow about 5 percent from 2024 to 2034, with roughly 12,800 openings a year. A few directors earn extraordinary sums while most do not, so benchmark to your specific project type, whether a project fee, a day rate, union scale, or a salary for an in-house role.
Hiring a Director as a Small Business
Most directing hires happen inside production companies, studios, agencies, and networks, not small businesses. The version a small business actually hires is the in-house corporate video director: a salaried marketing employee who owns your video content. That hire looks much more like a normal employee than a project-based director, which is why a role like a brand manager or a project manager is a closer cousin than a feature director. Here is how to think about it.
The practical rule is to decide the engagement first. If you need a one-time video, you are almost certainly engaging a contractor for a project, and the right paperwork is a contractor agreement, not an onboarding flow. If you are building an in-house video function, you are hiring an employee, and the corporate video director template above is the one to use. Be honest with yourself about which one you need before you post, because it determines everything that follows.
From Hiring to Onboarding
The job description is step one. What comes next depends entirely on whether you engaged an employee or a contractor. For a contractor, it is a signed agreement and little else. For a W-2 in-house hire, it is a full onboarding, and a smooth, repeatable process pays off.
Settle employee or contractor
Decide first whether this is a W-2 employee or a 1099 contractor. The whole process and paperwork follow from that one choice.
Send the offer or deal memo
For a W-2 hire, an offer letter confirms role, salary, and start date. For a contractor, use a deal memo or work-for-hire agreement instead.
Get IP and NDA signed
Creative work means IP assignment and confidentiality matter. Get these signed with e-signature before the first day or first shoot.
Set up access and brand docs
For an in-house hire, set up software access, equipment, and brand guidelines, and store the signed documents in one place.
For a W-2 corporate video director, the offer letter template handles the offer and an onboarding template gives the new hire a structured start. FirstHR connects the offer, NDA and IP-assignment agreements, e-signatures, and onboarding workflow in one place for a small business hiring a creative employee. FirstHR is an onboarding and HR platform for W-2 employees, not a production or contractor-payment system, and it does not run payroll or administer benefits, so connect those separately. For a project-based contractor director, only the e-signature on a contractor agreement applies. Applicant tracking is coming soon to FirstHR.
Key Takeaways
A film director leads the creative vision: directing cast and crew, shaping look and tone, and overseeing the edit.
Most directors are engaged per project as 1099 contractors, not W-2 employees; decide which before you post.
Use the template that matches the project: feature, TV, commercial, corporate video, music video, or indie.
A salaried W-2 director is generally exempt under the FLSA creative professional exemption; this does not apply to contractors.
The in-house corporate video director is the one version a small business typically hires as a real employee.
Use BLS data as a baseline: the producers and directors group reports a median near $83,480 a year.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a film director do?
A film director leads the creative and artistic vision of a film or video, translating the script to screen. The director shapes the story, casts principal roles with the team, directs actors and guides performances, and leads the crew, including the cinematographer and department heads. On set, the director makes creative decisions about shots, blocking, pacing, and tone, then oversees the edit, sound, and color in post-production. Throughout, the director is responsible for delivering the finished project on schedule and within budget. The exact scope varies by setting: a feature director owns the full vision, a TV director works within a showrunner's established style, a commercial director serves a brief, and an in-house corporate video director leads a company's marketing content.
Is a film director an employee or an independent contractor?
Most film and video directors are engaged as independent contractors for a single project rather than as W-2 employees. Federal labor data notes that assignments may be short, ranging from a day to a few months, and directors typically move from project to project. A contractor is engaged with a deal memo or work-for-hire agreement and paid on a 1099, not an offer letter with an I-9 and W-4. The main exception is an in-house corporate video director on a company's marketing team, who is usually a salaried W-2 employee. Decide which arrangement you are using before you write the posting, because the paperwork, the tax treatment, and the onboarding all follow from that single choice. This is general information, not legal advice.
Is a film director exempt or non-exempt under the FLSA?
When a film or video director is a salaried W-2 employee, the role is generally exempt under the FLSA creative professional exemption. That exemption applies when an employee's primary duty requires invention, imagination, originality, or talent in a recognized field of artistic or creative endeavor, which directing clearly meets. The federal salary level for exemption is $684 a week, and director salaries typically exceed it easily, with several states setting higher thresholds. Two caveats matter: the exemption applies only to employees, not to the independent contractors who make up most directing engagements, and it is largely academic at director pay levels. So the classification question is practical mainly for an in-house corporate video director. This is general information, not legal advice.
What is the difference between a film director and a producer?
They are different roles that work closely together. The director leads the creative and artistic side: the vision, the performances, the look, and the final cut. The producer leads the business and logistical side: financing, budget, scheduling, hiring, and keeping the production on track. On a small production one person sometimes does both, but they are distinct jobs with distinct skills. The federal occupation groups producers and directors together for statistical purposes under a single code, which is why wage data often covers both, but the day-to-day responsibilities are separate. When you write a job description, be clear about which role you are hiring for and where the line sits on your project.
What should a film director job description include?
A strong film director job description names the type of project up front, whether feature, TV, commercial, corporate video, music video, or indie, and includes a short project summary, a job summary that makes the creative-lead scope clear, and responsibilities grouped into creative vision, leading cast and crew, managing the production, and overseeing post. It should state the engagement type clearly, whether W-2 employee or 1099 contractor, since that is the single most important detail for a directing role. List real requirements such as a reel or portfolio, directing experience, and leadership under schedule and budget pressure. For an employee hire, note the FLSA exempt classification and a salary range. Close with an equal opportunity statement and clear instructions to submit a reel. This is general information, not legal advice.
How much does a film director make?
Pay varies widely by project type, budget, and experience. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics groups producers and directors together and reported a median wage of $83,480 a year for that group in May 2024, with the lowest 10 percent under $43,060 and the highest 10 percent over $198,530. Directors in the motion picture and video industries had a higher median of $103,440. Pay ranges enormously: a few high-profile directors earn extraordinary sums while most do not, and project-based fees, day rates, and union scale all complicate any single number. An in-house corporate video director is typically a salaried role in the mid-five-figure to low-six-figure range depending on market. Benchmark to your specific project type and market. This is general information, not legal advice.
Do I need a union or DGA director?
It depends on your production. The Directors Guild of America sets minimum salaries, pension and health contributions, and creative rights for directors on signatory productions, and many studio and network projects are DGA productions. Smaller independent films, commercials, corporate video, and music videos are often non-union, especially early in a director's career. Whether you need a guild director comes down to your project's budget, your signatory status, and the norms of your segment of the industry. For a small business hiring an in-house corporate video director on a marketing team, union status is generally not a factor at all. Confirm your obligations for your specific production. This is general information, not legal advice.
What skills and qualifications does a film director need?
Most directing roles prioritize a demonstrated body of work over formal credentials, so a strong reel or portfolio is the central requirement. Beyond that, directors need strong visual storytelling and script interpretation, the leadership to guide a cast and crew under schedule and budget pressure, and collaborative skill across creative departments such as cinematography, design, and editing. Federal data notes that producers and directors typically hold a bachelor's degree, often in film or a related field, though experience and a reel frequently outweigh the degree. Scale the requirements to the project: a feature needs proven feature experience, while an in-house corporate video director needs end-to-end video production skill and stakeholder management more than festival credits. This is general information, not legal advice.
