Technical directors oversee the details of film, TV, theater, and video game production, with responsibilities including lighting, animation, special effects, and art direction. They coordinate with artisans and vendors, research and produce prototypes, and require familiarity with equipment and processes. A bachelor’s degree in related fields is generally required. Successful directors must be able to work with a variety of personalities and have vision.
Technical directors hold positions in the entertainment industry and are responsible for the details involved in the production of films, television programs and theater productions. The position is subordinate to the main director. Common types of technical director jobs involve lighting, animation, special effects, stunts, and art. They may also work on video game design and computer software development.
In television, the technical director can have multiple roles, in essence becoming a general director. For local programming, he or she may be responsible for lighting, preparation, and editing. Theater technical director jobs include lighting and art direction. This can include overseeing not just the performance but the design and creation of the required elements.
Television and theater technical directors are responsible for supervising artisans, as well as coordinating outside vendors and service providers. A director’s work may also require researching and producing prototypes or methods to see how well they match the project’s budget, vision, and audience expectations.
The role of technical director in video game design and development is becoming more common, but it is often one of several positions a person can fill. Technical directors specializing in 3D, animation and graphics are sometimes employed in this industry.
A bachelor’s degree in communications or journalism is generally required for technical director jobs in television, while a degree in theater arts or theater may be required for technical director jobs in theater. As a general rule, individuals with related degrees or experience may also serve as technical directors. In certain cases, where specialized materials or techniques are used in programs, an advanced degree may be required.
The main requirement for a technical director job is familiarity with the equipment and process used in the director’s area of expertise. Technical lighting directors will naturally be proficient in the theory and operation of various lighting setups, but they must also know how different cameras are affected by lighting. Animation and special effects directors will need extensive knowledge of digital equipment and techniques.
Someone who has skills in the practical or technical field but has a creative bent may find landing one of the many technical director jobs available difficult due to stiff competition. Successful directors are able to work with a wide variety of creative and sometimes difficult personality types, employing tact, being flexible, and having vision. If they can do this, they can find themselves in a financially and personally rewarding career.
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