How to be a music video director: Adam Powell's story

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Music video directors work with a film crew to make their creative vision for a song come to life.

Adam Powell is a music video director who has worked across many musical genres, including pop, hip-hop and punk. We've asked him to tell us a bit more about how it all works.

Scroll down for more information on skills, working hours and salary.

Music film director Adam Powell talks about how his passion for cutting film to music started from an early age.

What skills do I need to be a music video director?

It's a given that you will need to be passionate about music and making films, but there are other important skills that you will need to demonstrate as well. You will need:

  • strong organisational skills
  • to be confident using maths and budgeting
  • in-depth industry knowledge
  • the ability to think creatively
  • awareness of health and safety guidelines.
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A role of a music video director is similar to a TV or film director. TV or film directors lead the creative and technical production for cinema and television.

What to expect if you want to be a TV or film director

  • TV or film director average salary: Variable
  • TV or film director typical working hours: 39 to 41 hours per week

What qualifications do you need to be a TV or film director?

You could get into this role via a university course or a college course such as a Level 3 Diploma or a T-level in Media, Broadcast and Production (England-only, from Sept 2023). You can also work towards the role, produce and release your own films or do specialist courses run by private training providers.

Sources: National Careers Service, GOV.UK

This information is a guide and is constantly changing. Please check the National Careers Service website for the latest information and all the qualifications needed and the GOV.UK website for more on T-levels.

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