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Director Feature Film Development Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Visual Development Artist

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$2.90K - $4K/wk

Previous experience on a feature animated film is required. This position is based in Los Angeles ... Generate work across all stages of development, including sketches, rough explorations, refined ...

Visual Development Artist

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$2.90K - $4K/wk

Previous experience on a feature animated film is required. This position is based in Los Angeles ... Generate work across all stages of development, including sketches, rough explorations, refined ...

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Director Feature Film Development information

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$113K

$231K

$245K

How much do director feature film development jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for director feature film development in the United States is $230,997.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $233,000.00 and $244,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Director of Feature Film Development, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Director of Feature Film Development, you need extensive knowledge of film production, script analysis, and market trends, usually backed by a degree in film, communications, or a related field and substantial industry experience. Familiarity with screenwriting software (like Final Draft), budgeting tools, and project management systems is common in this role. Strong leadership, creative vision, negotiation, and relationship-building skills set exceptional candidates apart. These abilities are crucial for identifying promising projects, guiding creative teams, and ensuring successful film development from concept to greenlight.

What are the main challenges a Director of Feature Film Development faces when balancing creative vision with commercial viability?

A Director of Feature Film Development often navigates the complex task of nurturing original and compelling stories while ensuring they meet the commercial objectives of the studio or production company. This requires ongoing collaboration with writers, producers, and executives to align creative concepts with market trends, audience expectations, and budget constraints. Balancing artistic integrity with financial and scheduling considerations is a continual challenge, but it also offers opportunities to innovate and find unique storytelling approaches. Strong communication and negotiation skills are essential for fostering consensus and moving projects forward through development phases.

What does a Director of Feature Film Development do?

A Director of Feature Film Development oversees the process of finding, developing, and shaping new film projects for production. They work closely with writers, producers, and executives to evaluate scripts, provide creative feedback, and guide projects from concept through to greenlight. Their responsibilities include identifying promising stories, securing rights, assembling creative teams, and ensuring that projects align with the studio or production company's vision and goals. This role requires strong industry knowledge, creative insight, and excellent communication skills to nurture successful feature films.

What is the difference between Director Feature Film Development vs Producer of a Feature Film?

AspectDirector Feature Film DevelopmentProducer of a Feature Film
Required CredentialsFilm or related degree, industry experienceBusiness, management, or film production background
Work EnvironmentCreative meetings, script development, studio officesProject management, budgeting, overseeing production
Industry UsageInvolved in script, concept, and early developmentHandles financing, logistics, and overall project execution

The main difference is that the Director of Feature Film Development focuses on shaping the creative aspects and script development of a film, while the Producer manages the overall production process, including financing and logistics. Both roles require industry experience but serve different functions in bringing a film to life.

More about Director Feature Film Development jobs
What cities are hiring for Director Feature Film Development jobs? Cities with the most Director Feature Film Development job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Feature Film Development jobs? The most popular types of Feature Film Development jobs are:
What states have the most Director Feature Film Development jobs? States with the most job openings for Director Feature Film Development jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Director Feature Film Development jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Director Feature Film Development jobs are:
Infographic showing various Director Feature Film Development job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, and 3% Part Time. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $230,997 per year, or $111.1 per hour.

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago


Job description

Feature Film Fundraiser

Hey there, 

The film market is flooded with passion projects. They're either bound for some festival or headed to a streaming platform with a low barrier to entry and have one thing in common: No plan for ROI.

Capital rushes toward projects that understand market viability, not artistic vision. Projects like ours.

We’re producing two Michigan-based feature films that combine gripping, high-concept narratives with a solid marketing strategy tailored for global, mass-market appeal, thanks to a diverse cast with demographics many can identify with.

We've developed comprehensive packages of tailored pitch decks and business plans that include budgets and marketplace analyses, and we're looking for a strategic fundraising partner. We aren't selling stories; we're selling assets. With my team's creative execution and your fundraising expertise, we can turn these scripts into profitable theatrical releases. Let's discuss how these projects fit within your portfolio, the competitive returns we've projected, and your compensation.

What time this week are you available for a brief, 10 min call?