Overview of the role
The director in unscripted television is the creative lead responsible for translating editorial vision into compelling filmed content on specific shoots, sequences, or episodes. Working within the broader series framework established by series producers and series directors, they focus on the visual execution and creative delivery of individual filming assignments.
The director operates as the on-location creative authority, directing both technical crews and contributors to capture material that serves the story while meeting the aesthetic and editorial standards of the production. They must balance creative ambition with practical constraints, ensuring comprehensive coverage that provides editors with the material needed to construct engaging narratives.
This role demands both artistic vision and practical expertise. directors must possess strong visual sensibilities for framing, composition, lighting, and movement, while maintaining sharp editorial instincts to guide contributors and adapt to real-time story developments. They work collaboratively within the production hierarchy, executing the creative vision while contributing their own expertise to enhance the overall quality of the series.
Core responsibilities
These core responsibilities are provided as a guide and are not exhaustive. The exact responsibilities in a particular job will vary depending on the scale / budget band / genre of the production.
- Analyse treatments, shooting scripts, and story outlines to understand the specific objectives and editorial requirements of each shoot.
- Collaborate with producers and series producers to clarify tone, narrative beats, visual style, and intended outcomes.
- Conduct focused research on contributors, locations, and subject matter to inform appropriate filming strategies and interview approaches.
- Identify potential creative and logistical challenges, developing contingency plans to ensure shoot success.
- Prepare shot lists and visual approaches that align with series standards and editorial objectives.
- Work closely with producers to ensure editorial briefs are met while maintaining focus on visual execution and creative delivery.
- Participate in pre-production meetings and story conferences, contributing creative input on visual storytelling approaches.
- Provide expertise on how best to capture story elements through camera positions, sound design, and contributor performance.
- Balance editorial requirements with aesthetic goals, ensuring filmed material serves both narrative and visual objectives.
- Maintain clear communication with series directors regarding stylistic consistency and creative standards.
- Brief camera operators, sound recordists, and technical crew on required style, tone, coverage, and visual approach.
- Make informed decisions about shot composition, camera angles, and setups that best serve the storytelling objectives.
- Coordinate multiple cameras effectively during complex shoots, ensuring comprehensive coverage and visual continuity.
- Ensure technical standards for focus, exposure, sound quality, and visual consistency are maintained throughout filming.
- Capture sufficient material for post-production including wide shots, close-ups, cutaways, and transitional sequences.
- Build authentic rapport with contributors, creating comfortable environments that encourage natural, engaging performances.
- Guide presenters and talent to ensure delivery is clear, authentic, and aligned with the established series tone and style.
- Direct contributors through interviews, actuality sequences, and set pieces while preserving authenticity and avoiding over-direction.
- Handle sensitive contributors with empathy and professionalism while maintaining focus on editorial objectives.
- Anticipate crucial story beats in real-time situations, positioning cameras strategically to capture key moments effectively.
- Guide technical crews discretely to maintain authenticity during observational filming while ensuring comprehensive coverage.
- Respond quickly to unscripted developments, adapting filming strategies to ensure no essential story elements are missed.
- Capture contextual material including establishing shots, atmospheric elements, and environmental details that enrich storytelling.
- Balance planned sequences with spontaneous moments, maximising story potential while respecting contributor boundaries.
- Prepare and deliver interview questions that elicit clear, emotionally engaging contributions aligned with story requirements.
- Adapt interview style to match programme tone, whether journalistic, intimate, conversational, investigative or even comedic etc.
- Monitor continuity throughout interviews to ensure responses provide sufficient context and clarity for editorial use.
- Coordinate pick-up interviews, additional questions, and supplementary material to strengthen narrative arcs.
- Direct cutaway activities and supplementary shots that enhance visual storytelling and provide editorial flexibility.
- If required, direct complex multi-camera shoots from gallery positions, making real-time shot-calling decisions to maintain coverage and pacing.
- Collaborate effectively with vision mixers, floor managers, script supervisors and camera supervisors to coordinate technical execution with creative vision.
- Conduct efficient rehearsals that prepare both contributors and crew while managing time constraints and technical requirements.
- Adapt live direction strategies quickly under pressure, maintaining creative standards while responding to real-time developments.
- Ensure multi-camera setups serve both live recording needs and post-production editorial requirements.
- Balance filming schedules with creative requirements, ensuring essential coverage is obtained while allowing flexibility for authentic moments.
- Prioritise filming elements effectively, distinguishing between essential editorial beats and creative enhancement opportunities.
- Adapt to delays and unexpected circumstances by adjusting shooting order, coverage plans, and creative approaches as needed.
- Collaborate with production management to maintain budget discipline while achieving creative objectives.
- Communicate schedule adjustments and coverage status to relevant production team members promptly.
- Ensure fairness, accuracy, and transparency in contributor portrayal throughout filming processes.
- Verify that all necessary releases are completed and compliance requirements are addressed before and during filming.
- Prioritise contributor wellbeing, particularly when working in sensitive environments or with vulnerable participants.
- Implement and monitor health and safety standards across all filming locations and activities.
- Escalate compliance concerns or duty of care issues to appropriate senior staff when necessary.
- Provide detailed story notes, coverage reports, and interview summaries that assist edit producers in understanding filmed material.
- Communicate the creative intent behind visual and editorial choices to ensure editors can realise the intended vision.
- Recommend additional pick-up material or supplementary coverage needed to strengthen edited sequences.
- Review assemblies or rough cuts when requested, offering constructive creative feedback that supports the editorial process.
- Clarify contributor context and shooting circumstances to assist compliance and legal review processes.
- Receive feedback from producers, series producers, and senior staff constructively, implementing changes effectively.
- Adjust directorial style and creative approach to reflect evolving editorial priorities or series requirements.
- Explain creative decisions clearly when requested, maintaining transparency about artistic choices and practical constraints.
- Balance stakeholder feedback with on-location realities, finding practical solutions that serve both creative and logistical needs.
- Learn from production experiences to continuously improve directorial effectiveness and creative contribution.
- Maintain visual and stylistic consistency with established series standards while bringing fresh creative perspectives to individual shoots.
- Collaborate with other directors and series directors to ensure cohesive visual approach across multiple episodes or story strands.
- Stay current with technical developments and creative trends that can enhance production value and storytelling effectiveness.
- Contribute creative ideas that enhance individual shoots while serving the broader series objectives and brand identity.
- Build relationships with technical suppliers and crew members that support ongoing production quality and efficiency.
Skills
Check out role specific skills, transferable skills and attributes for the role of director.
- Strong visual sensibilities with expertise in shot composition, framing, lighting principles, and camera movement that serves storytelling objectives.
- Comprehensive technical knowledge of camera systems, lenses, sound recording equipment, and lighting setups across varied production environments.
- Excellent interpersonal abilities for directing diverse contributors and talent while building trust and encouraging authentic performances.
- Sharp editorial instincts for pacing, story structure, and unscripted narrative development that anticipate post-production requirements.
- Proven ability to work effectively with both intimate documentary crews and /or large multi-camera technical teams.
- Calm, decisive leadership under pressure with ability to adapt quickly to changing circumstances while maintaining creative focus.
- Communication: articulates creative vision clearly to contributors, crew, and production stakeholders, adapting communication style to different audiences and situations.
- Collaboration: works effectively within established hierarchies while contributing creative expertise, supporting producers and series directors while leading technical teams.
- Creative problem-solving: develops innovative solutions when stories develop differently than planned, balancing creative ambition with practical constraints and time limitations.
- Leadership: provides confident, supportive direction to crews and contributors, creating productive working environments that encourage both technical excellence and authentic storytelling.
- Project management: maintains shoot organisation and ensures comprehensive coverage while managing multiple competing priorities and stakeholder expectations.
- Resilience: sustains creative focus and professional performance during extended, unpredictable filming periods while managing stress and maintaining team morale.
- Creative vision: maintains clear artistic perspective on how storylines should look and feel while serving broader series objectives and editorial requirements.
- Empathy: demonstrates genuine sensitivity to contributor needs and circumstances, building trust that enables authentic, compelling storytelling.
- Integrity: ensures fair, accurate, and responsible portrayal of real people and events while maintaining the highest ethical standards in all filming situations.
- Adaptability: excels in unpredictable environments, quickly adjusting creative approaches to capture emerging story opportunities while maintaining production momentum.
- Diplomacy: handles sensitive situations, diverse personalities, and competing stakeholder interests with professionalism and cultural awareness.
- Accountability: accepts full responsibility for shoot outcomes, coverage quality, and creative delivery while working collaboratively within the broader production team.