How Much Do Film Directors Make?

The destiny of a film is based on the collective efforts of all, such as crew and cast, yet everyone coincides and associates the result with “The Director.” For example, a successful director unanimously gathers appreciation based on the number of films doing brisk business.

Naturally, the most obvious face for a film has to be a director. Like the captain of a boat who has the enormous responsibility of taking passengers to the shore safely, a director’s mind is to begin creating a profit plan at the box office, which depends on the business done.

How Much Do Film Directors Make?

This brings an important query, ” How much do film directors make?” Certain aspects decide the actual amount deserving for them. It is true that experience counts, so directors, based on their years of experience, can earn between $250,000 and $2 million per project, while those who are new at directions can make between $250,000 and $500,000 per film.

Steven Spielberg has carved a niche for himself in the direction field. He is one of the directors finest with box office earnings crossing $9 billion. The stats are certainly a motivation for those who are looking to enter the field.

Directors are the backbone who instill a ‘life’ in the film as their complete career is indeed surrounded by the experience, they have been gaining with the films. Likewise, their salary is based on:

1. The allocated budget: The budget of a certain film is naturally the most important aspect

2. Location: Is it a budget film? For example, locations are chosen depending on the amount allocated. Is it too pricey? Is it too expensive for the crew to shoot and then incur additional costs? Is the location closer to saving on unnecessary expenses?

3. Previous record of Directors: Certain directors charge more, based on their previous track record, etc and the same applies to actors as well

4. Nature of the project: Does the project make use of expensive special effects? Are there too many fighting or stunt scenes that require certain trainers to train actors? If yes, then the cost will naturally be added, as it will reflect in the total budget

Salary Of The Directors:

The Directors Guild of America safeguards the interests of directors as per the directives laid down, in terms of the minimum payment.

Since they have a tricky role to coordinate with all the departments during the production to ensure that important tasks are followed by the crew and cast, in short by the team as a whole.

1. For a High-Budget Film:

The payment is again dependent on the type of film. For example, if a certain film costs over $11 million, then it is a high-budget film. The director’s minimum salary per week has to be $20,616 with at least 2 weeks of employment,

2. For a Low-Budget Film:

Not every film is based on a high budget, there are even those films that also have proven success records even with a low budget. Exactly, there are short documentaries as well which have been well-liked and appreciated. $14,723 is the weekly salary with a minimum guaranteed period of employment is 1 week and 1 day. Yes, that’s exactly the share of the director for a film with a low budget.

Director’s Dignity and DGA:

Have you ever heard that a certain film couldn’t do well, due to weak direction? Yes, it has happened in the past. To lessen the risks, the role of directors naturally becomes even more. DGA is a highly professional and responsible authority that has demarcated the amount.

For example, If a certain film has a budget between $2.6 and $3.75 million, the director should get a minimum amount of $75,000. Likewise, there are other demarcations about the amount.

One aspect which has to be dealt with carefully while answering the query of ‘how much do film directors make’ is during a low-budget film.

If a certain film has a budget of less than $2,600,000, then in the interest of directors, it is important that a mutual understanding should be reached in keeping with the interest of directors.

Profit Sharing:

How much do film directors make? It is also dependent on the success of the film. When a film is crossing the expectations in terms of business, then that naturally percolates further as directors get a share too down the line.

Few directors with their “High Stature” also undergo a written contract where they mention the percentage of the profit based on the success of the film. This is also referred to as the percentage agreement who are then paid accordingly when the film does well at the box office.

The salary of directors acts as a motivation. Their earnings have a direct relation to the nature and amount of work designated to the directors. Their professionalism, dedication, experience, and honesty help the film reach increasing viewership.

If you are fascinated by directors and looking to become like them in near future then a degree in films helps you go deep in learning the skills. Film schools groom you in the direction process such as casting, acting, screenwriting, and the process to create visual effects.

Conclusion:

Directors have a challenging role to bind the team comprising actors and crew personnel together. They are the captains of the ship who are set on a journey. Yes, this journey starts from taking care of the script to music and getting every scene with perfection as it is not an ordinary task.

They have to edit certain scenes or re-shoot them. Due to work pressure, they may even start sweating even on a chilly day literally, considering the list of things to adhere to and get done with perfection.

Finally, a big round of applause for the directors around the globe who have been giving series of exciting and entertaining times by making the best films in their capacity.