We asked our senior production team who have worked with hundreds of directors across thousands of shoots over the past 15 years to outline what makes for the best corporate video director. Here’s what they said:

Sticks to the brief

While creativity is really key to success as a director, the best directors know that the client’s video isn’t a blank canvass on which to unleash their creativity. Instead, they get to know the client’s brief, developing a deep understanding of why the client is investing in a video, where the video will be published and how it will be used – and they develop their vision with the understanding of the brief.

Gets stuck in

The director might feel that he is the most important person on set – and he is key to the whole production of course. But we really love working with directors who are happy to help with packing up kit and carrying bags where necessary. It helps to build rapport with the crew and that goes a long way to making the whole shoot successful.

Has the courage of her convictions

The best director can come up with an original creative concept and have the conviction to see it through – not everyone will share her vision but ultimately the success of the production is largely down to the director’s leadership so she needs to drive this vision forward.

Communication skills

The director will be in charge on the shoot day and he must be able to articulate what he wants and do it in a way that gets the best out of the crew and keeps the client happy. This usually requires communication skills and heaps of empathy.

Consistency

Consistency is a really important skill, both with how the production has been directed, but also in terms of how the director deals with the team and the client.

Foresight

Being able to understand all the challenges the team will face, from camera ops, researchers, sound recordists and even clients – a great director knows what each person needs to do their job in the best possible way.

A strong eye for detail

The buck stops with the director, which means she is responsible for monitoring the quality of all elements of the production. This requires real attention to detail and thoroughness. When we hire a director we need know they will make sure they have enough content, and the RIGHT content for the edit. That means covering all bases, shooting everything on the shot list, asking all the right questions, and briefing the editors and post-production team so the final stages of the project go smoothly.

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