Filmmaker vs. Director: Understanding the Distinctions
Everyone feels the impacts of art: individuals, communities and society. But professional artists in fields like film, television or photography aren’t just creators — they’re storytellers who challenge how we perceive the world around us.
Though there's debate over what constitutes "cinema," pursuing a career in this field is exciting. Before you can do that, you’ll have to understand the key distinctions and overlaps between these roles and choose the right path for your future.
What’s a Filmmaker?
According to Chron, a filmmaker’s job description is open-ended and can be used to describe anyone in the moviemaking business – anyone who takes part in the making of a film can be considered a filmmaker, including directors. Ultimately they are responsible for taking the film from the development stage to the finished product.
With such an open-ended job title, filmmakers typically need a degree and related experience. In 2022, the median pay for filmmakers was $82,510 per year and is projected to grow 7% between 2022 and 2032, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
In this way, the film industry can provide an exciting and prosperous career, if you can get your hands on the skills required to be a filmmaker:
- Handling screenwriting
- Budgeting for productions
- Hiring film crew and casting actors
- Handling pre and post-production
- Overseeing film releases
If you’re asking, “what can you do with a film degree?” you won’t be disappointed. There are a great number of roles you can pursue:
- Film director
- Film producer
- Broadcast presenter
- Film/video editor
- Location manager
- Production designer (television and film)
- Community arts worker
- Concept artist
- Event manager
- Magazine journalist
- Marketing Executive
- Public relations officer
- Special effects technician
- Talent agent
- VFX artist
For many professionals, that’s the beauty of a film degree: it provides a versatile path toward a fulfilling career doing work that you love.
What’s a Film Director?
While a filmmaker's job duties are more open-ended, film directors make creative decisions on the set of their productions and also typically have a degree. They oversee the casting of their production, conduct rehearsals, and direct the performances of their actors, set designers, editors, screenwriters and more.
According to Salary.com, the median salary for film directors in 2024 is $138,407 to $180,454 per year. Also unlike filmmakers, directors can become members of the Director's Guild of America and earn guaranteed rates for their work.
How to Become a Film Director or Filmmaker
Both filmmaking and directing careers offer incredible opportunities to hone your creativity, mentor new talents and bring original stories to life. But, building your career in the industry requires strategic planning and preparation, so it can be helpful to learn the typical requirements and steps necessary to pursue this career.
To build a robust resume, you'll need:
- A relevant degree like a BFA or MFA in filmmaking or film studies
- Hands-on experience through internships, freelancing, etc.
- A professional network within the industry
- An outstanding portfolio showcasing your vision and skills
And if you’re looking for a film degree that opens doors, you’ll need a program that provides access to:
- Hands-on experience with professional equipment and software
- Award-winning faculty with industry expertise
- Connections within the field
- Feedback to hone your skills
- Resources like studios and editing bays
To maximize and capitalize on your training, consider film schools near major entertainment hubs like Los Angeles, New York or Chicago.
Set the Scene: Getting an MFA in Film at MSMU
At Mount Saint Mary's University, we know how important it is to hone your craft as an artist. That’s why we work on honing our craft: building a unique program that fits seamlessly into your busy life while empowering you to transform your creative aspirations into reality.
Want to know more about completing your degree, navigating the film industry, and embarking on a fulfilling career? We’ve got you covered.
Download our resource, Set the Scene: A Guide to MFA Programs in Film, Television and Photography, to learn more about filmmaking programs that can set you on a path to success.