Overview of the role
The series director is the creative leader on location, responsible for shaping and delivering the editorial and visual vision of a series. Working closely with the series producer and executive producer, they translate the commissioned brief into content that meets the tone, style, and storytelling expectations of the broadcaster or platform.
A series director is accountable for directing both contributors and crew to ensure that the filmed material is strong enough to carry storylines across multiple episodes. They are responsible for capturing authentic performances and testimony, balancing editorial integrity with logistical realities, and safeguarding compliance and duty of care.
In studio or on location, the series director is the decision-maker under pressure, often having to adapt plans quickly while maintaining the bigger picture of the series’ structure. They keep a consistent overview of multiple story arcs, ensuring that the narrative is both engaging and achievable in post-production. They also liaise with edit producers and editors after the shoot to make sure the filmed material can be shaped into the strongest possible programmes.
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.
- Understand the commissioned brief, format beats, and tone of the series.
- Translate written treatments and production documents into practical, achievable shoot plans.
- Work with the series producer and executive producer to establish visual style and creative direction.
- Understand expected deliverables
- Direct camera and sound crews, ensuring they capture coverage that serves both story and style.
- Brief and motivate all technical staff and junior team members to work cohesively.
- Manage contributors sensitively, building trust to elicit authentic performances or testimony.
- Track contributor journeys and story arcs across multiple filming days.
- Make informed decisions about which scenes or interactions to prioritise.
- Anticipate gaps in coverage and ensure material is gathered to support the edit.
- Direct set-piece scenes, large groups, or complex technical shoots.
- Conduct or oversee master interviews, ensuring clarity, structure, and emotional engagement.
- Capture actuality that is both visually dynamic and editorially relevant.
- Adapt plans quickly to changing circumstances (weather, locations, contributor availability).
- Problem-solve in real time while keeping the editorial vision intact.
- Balance ambition with time and budget constraints.
- Ensure fairness, accuracy and transparency in the way contributors are filmed.
- Be alert to compliance issues on location and escalate when required.
- Prioritise contributor wellbeing, managing sensitive material responsibly.
- Update series producer, executive producer, and production management on progress, risks, and story development.
- Ensure clarity around what material has been gathered and what gaps remain.
- Provide feedback on contributors, locations, and team performance.
- Collaborate with production management to keep shoots on schedule and on budget.
- Brief edit producers on storylines and intended shape of the series.
- Contribute to post-production by providing commentary notes, interview questions, and guidance on story beats.
- Maintain a solid working knowledge of camera systems, lenses, rigs, and accessories, understanding their strengths and limitations in different filming environments.
- Demonstrate in-depth understanding of lighting principles, including natural light, artificial sources, and mixed lighting setups, and how these affect tone, mood, and contributor appearance.
- Advise on the best technical options for different genres, formats, and shooting conditions – whether multi-camera studio, observational documentary, or large-scale entertainment.
- Collaborate with camera supervisors, lighting directors, and sound recordists to ensure the technical execution aligns with the creative vision.
- Make informed decisions about kit selection, set-up, and positioning to balance practicality, cost, and aesthetics.
- Stay up to date with emerging technologies and trends in cameras, lighting, and filming techniques, and adapt them appropriately to enhance production value.
- Use an established network of trusted crew, technicians, and creatives to recruit the best possible teams for each production.
- Maintain strong working relationships with production companies, studios, and facilities houses to secure resources efficiently.
- Liaise with talent agents, presenters, and contributors to build programmes around the right on-screen voices.
- Work closely with commissioners and executives, fostering trust and clarity in creative discussions.
- Identify and introduce new talent (on and off screen) to ensure fresh perspectives and diverse representation.
- Draw on industry contacts to solve problems quickly — whether sourcing specialist kit, last-minute crew cover, or access to unique locations.
Skills
Check out role specific skills, transferable skills and attributes for the role of series director.
- Strong editorial and visual storytelling instincts.
- Ability to inspire and manage crews and contributors simultaneously.
- Confidence in directing both actuality and structured content.
- Acute sense of pace, tone, and series shape.
- Experience of compliance, fairness, and legal considerations in production.
- Quick and effective decision-making in unpredictable situations.
- Ability to balance the needs of multiple episodes and storylines at once.
- Up-to-date knowledge of camera, sound and lighting equipment
- Communication: clear, authoritative, and empathetic communication with contributors, crew, and senior stakeholders.
- Leadership: ability to lead large teams and maintain morale in challenging circumstances.
- Creative problem-solving: adapting plans, storylines, and approaches in response to shifting circumstances.
- Delivering under pressure: making decisive choices calmly while keeping to schedule and budget.
- Vision: clear sense of tone, look, and story shape for the series as a whole.
- Resilience: ability to withstand long hours, unpredictable conditions, and shifting editorial demands.
- Integrity: honest and principled in dealings with contributors and editorial choices.
- Collaboration: works co-dependently with producers, production managers, and editors.
- Contacts: maintains a wide and trusted contacts book, enabling recruitment of the best crews and ensuring strong relationships with production companies, studios, talent, and commissioners.
- Adaptability: thrives in unpredictable environments and can pivot quickly while maintaining overall direction.