Film Director
Is in charge of making a film — directs the actors and has the final say on every creative matter.
Overview
A Film Director is a person who is in charge of making films and tells the actors how to play their parts. They have full control over how they want events in the film to proceed and have the final say in all matters concerning the film.
Where they work
- Media and Entertainment conglomerates
- Production houses
- Film making agencies/organisations/studios
Work environment
You have to work outdoors sometimes or indoors depending on the project. Work hours are usually in shifts. Entrepreneurship: you can start your own production house once you become successful in this field.
Skills and interests
This career might suit you if…
- You have a creative bent of mind
- You are comfortable working in groups
- You enjoy creative writing
- You are comfortable working in a team
Eligibility and education roadmap
Please check the duration of the course during enrolment.
Route 1
- 1Complete 10+2 in any stream.
- 2Complete Bachelor's degree in any discipline/Fine Arts (B.F.A.) after which you can pursue a Diploma in Film-Making
Alternative route 2
- 1Complete Bachelor's degree and follow it up with Master's degree (M.F.A.) in Film-Making
Alternative route 3
- 1Complete a PG Diploma in Film-Making.
Forms, exams and applications
Exam names above are as printed in the source card. Application windows, eligibility and syllabi change — always check the official notification for current dates.
Where to apply
This course is offered by the Department of Media and Film Studies. This list of institutes is indicative only.
Government institutes
- Film and Television Institute of India, Pune, Maharashtra
- Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute, Kolkata, West Bengal
- Kolkata Film and Television Institute, Kolkata, West Bengal
- Biju Patnaik Film and Television Institute, Cuttack, Odisha
- Dr Bhupen Hazarika Regional Government Film and Television Institute, Nizsundarighopa, Assam
- University of Mumbai, Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Tilak Maharashtra Vidyapeeth, Pune, Maharashtra
- Bharat Ratna Dr. BR Ambedkar University, New Delhi
Private institutes
Please check if the institute is affiliated and accredited before applying.
- Whistling Woods International, Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Asian Academy of Film and Television, New Delhi
- Ajeenkya DY Patil University, Pune, Maharashtra
- Techno India University, Kolkata, West Bengal
- CMR University, Bengaluru, Karnataka
- Jain University, Bengaluru, Karnataka
- Singhania University, Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan
- Adamas University, Kolkata, West Bengal
Distance learning
Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU)
These institute lists are indicative examples from the source card, not a ranked or complete directory. Always verify accreditation on the institute's official website.
Career outcomes
Growth path
- 1Assistant Director (Theatrical) → Director (Theatrical)
- 2Producer → Assistant Director (Theatrical) → Director (Theatrical)
Expected income
₹45,833 – ₹3,33,333 per month
These figures are indicative and subject to change.
SourceRelated careers to explore
Cinematographer
Captures a film, TV show or advertisement on camera according to the director's vision.
Producer
Arranges the finances and oversees every administrative, financial and creative part of a production.
Student action plan
What you can do this month
- Read this whole roadmap and note any subjects, exams or institutes you don't recognise yet.
- Talk to a teacher or school counsellor about how your current subjects connect to Any Stream, Arts.
- Look for a school club, competition or online course related to creating.
- Shortlist 2–3 institutes from the list above and check their official website for current admission details.
- Save this career and compare it with 1–2 others you're considering.
Example from the field
Zoya Akhtar — One of the most recognisable directors of the country, she had earned her Bachelor's degree in Arts from St. Xavier's College, Mumbai. She also joined New York University's Tisch School and pursued higher education in Film Production. She has helmed many acclaimed films such as 'Luck By Chance', 'Dil Dhadakne Do', 'Gully Boy' and more. She now owns a film production company with Reema Kagti named Tiger Baby.
SourceThis profile is shared for training/educational purposes only, as printed in the source card.
Sources and update notice
- Career card source: Exploring Career Paths with Career Cards, Volume 1, printed page 111 (NCERT / UNICEF India / PSSCIVE Bhopal, First Edition, April 2025).
- Income source: https://in.talent.com/salary?job=director
- Last reviewed on this site: 2026-08-21
Eligibility, fees, exam patterns and admissions change often. Always verify current details on official institute, exam-body or government websites before making decisions.