Director

Description: Directors are responsible for the overall creative decisions of a television or film production. They interpret scripts, audition and select cast members, conduct rehearsals, and direct the work of cast and crew.

Knowledge Required: Film production, visual composition, storytelling, creative writing, camera and lighting techniques

Skills: Organization, decisiveness, management, communication

Career Path: Because film directing is such a competitive job field, prospective directors need experience working on sets, as well as connections in the industry. Many directors earn a bachelor's or master's degree in film, media, or communications.

Best Cities for this job: Large metropolitan areas with a concentration of entertainment such as LA, Seattle, San Francisco, and San Diego.

Median Annual Income: National: $109,860 CA: $126,360

Future Growth: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment is expected to grow 11 percent during the 2008–18 decade, about as fast as the average for all occupations.

From the field:  “A lot of my time is spent like a traffic cop, juggling people and money and resources, trying to get movies made. ” - John Stockwell, Director