ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Short Film Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Rocket Launch Pictures

Film/TV Director

Washington, DC · On-site

C. The first six episodes, based on a short story by Justin McLachlan, debuted at the Mead Theatre ... More details: The producers are looking to attach a director to handle eight, 15 - 20 minute ...

Artportunity Knocks

FILM PROGRAM INSTRUCTOR

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$14 - $17/hr

Program Director Position Type: Part Time. After School Hours. Summer Schedule: Monday through ... as short films, interviews, music videos, documentaries, or digital content pieces • Help ...

Lynn University

Adjunct, Film

Boca Raton, FL · On-site

Only completed applications will be reviewed, which must include a short cover letter, resume or CV ... Inquiries concerning the application of the non-discrimination policy may be directed to the Lynn ...

Lynn University

Adjunct, Film

Lynn, MA · On-site

Only completed applications will be reviewed, which must include a short cover letter, resume or CV ... Inquiries concerning the application of the non-discrimination policy may be directed to the Lynn ...

FAITHBRIDGE CHURCH

Video Producer

Spring, TX · On-site

Conduct interviews for documentary style stories and direct actors in scripted content * Edit footage and mix audio to create content for promotional/hype, short film, documentary, corporate, and ...

Snapchat

Art Director

Santa Clarita, CA · On-site

$130 - $196/hr

You will concept and create integrated campaigns spanning photography, film, web, social, AR ... extensions, short-form video, photography, motion, and platform-native creativeTranslate ...

FAITHBRIDGE CHURCH

Video Producer

Spring, TX · On-site

$55 - $65/hr

Conduct interviews for documentary style stories and direct actors in scripted content * Edit footage and mix audio to create content for promotional/hype, short film, documentary, corporate, and ...

Snap, Inc.

Art Director

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$130K - $136K/yr

You will concept and create integrated campaigns spanning photography, film, web, social, AR ... Develop concepts and visual systems for social-first content, including campaign extensions, short ...

Snapchat

Art Director

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$130K - $136K/yr

You will concept and create integrated campaigns spanning photography, film, web, social, AR ... Develop concepts and visual systems for social-first content, including campaign extensions, short ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsArts and Entertainment JobsEntertainment JobsStudio Producer JobsShort Film Director Jobs

Short Film Director information

See salary details

$29.5K

$76.9K

$119.5K

How much do short film director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for short film director in the United States is $76,855.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,500.00 and $90,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a short film director?

To thrive as a Short Film Director, you need a deep understanding of film language, storytelling, and visual composition, often backed by formal education or practical experience in filmmaking. Familiarity with editing software (such as Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro), camera equipment, and production management tools is essential. Strong leadership, creative vision, and excellent communication skills help guide the cast and crew effectively. These skills ensure that the director can bring their artistic vision to life while managing resources and collaborating efficiently on set.

What are some common challenges short film directors face when working with limited budgets and resources?

Short Film Directors often encounter the challenge of creating a compelling story with limited budgets and resources. This typically requires creative problem-solving, such as maximizing the use of available locations, working with a smaller crew, and sometimes managing multiple roles themselves. Directors must also prioritize essential elements like casting and equipment, while maintaining high production values. Flexibility and strong communication skills are crucial to ensure the vision is realized despite constraints.

What is the difference between Short Film Director vs Film Producer?

AspectShort Film DirectorFilm Producer
Primary RoleOversees creative aspects, directs actors, and manages the artistic vision of a short film.Handles production logistics, funding, and overall project management of a short film.
Required SkillsCreative vision, directing, storytelling, leadershipBudgeting, organization, negotiation, project management
Work EnvironmentOn set during filming, collaborating with cast and crewOffice, meetings, overseeing production progress
Industry UsageCommonly credited as director in film creditsOften credited as producer, involved in financing and distribution

While both roles are essential in short film production, the Short Film Director focuses on the creative and artistic direction, whereas the Film Producer manages the logistical, financial, and organizational aspects. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and job expectations in the film industry.

How much do short film directors make?

Short film directors' earnings vary widely based on experience, project budget, and industry connections. Typically, they may earn from a few hundred to several thousand dollars per project, with many working on a freelance basis or for low pay early in their careers. Income can increase with reputation, awards, and the ability to secure funding or distribution deals.

How to become a short film director?

To become a short film director, gain experience by creating your own projects or working on student or independent films, develop strong storytelling and technical skills, and build a portfolio. Knowledge of filmmaking tools like cameras and editing software, along with networking within the industry, can also help advance your career.
More about Short Film Director jobs

What cities are hiring for Short Film Director jobs?

Cities with the most Short Film Director job openings:

What states have the most Short Film Director jobs?

States with the most job openings for Short Film Director jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Short Film Director jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Short Film Director jobs are:

Short Film Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Short Film Director job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,855 per year, or $36.9 per hour.

Film/TV Director

Rocket Launch Pictures

Washington, DC • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

Sight is a new scifi and fantasy web series being produced in Washington, D.C. The first six episodes, based on a short story by Justin McLachlan, debuted at the Mead Theatre Lab at Flashpoint in May as a stage reading, thanks to a grant from the DC Commission on the Arts & Humanities. More details: http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/artsdesk/theater/2013/05/24/justin-mclachlans-superhero-stories-hit-flashpoint-this-weekend/ The producers are looking to attach a director to handle eight, 15 - 20 minute episodes

Principal photography is currently slated for the fall, but the schedule is evolving and subject to change. The series is currently in a fundraising phase that involves a combination of grants and crowdfunding. Total project budget is between $20,000 and $30,0000.

Here's what we're hoping for in a candidate: Experience. We're looking for someone with experience and a portfolio, but that doesn't necessarily mean paid work - short films you've done on the side or for things like the 48 Hour Film Festival are acceptable as experience. It's the quality of the work that matters.

Bonus points for significant green screen / compositing work. Resourcefulness. Our budget is really tight and some days you might be working with a small crew or limited equipment.

Excellent Time Management. Our current schedule is ambitious; you'll have a lot of coverage to shoot on a lot of pages per day and your ability to stay on track is super important (see above re: tight budget). Teamwork.

This project is probably a little different than what you're used to doing, especially if you've never worked in episodic television before. A lot of creative decisions, from locations to casting to story, have already been made by the producers. Your primary responsibilities will be to run the set and get the needed coverage each shooting day.

We need someone who can work within this framework. Here's what we need to get started: a portfolio (ideally links to your projects), an idea of your salary requirements (keeping in mind our limited budget), potential scheduling conflicts for the upcoming fall and winter (put those in the cover letter section) and a resume. Members of the DGA are encouraged and welcome to apply, however we are not yet a DGA signatory (we will pursue that if we're interested in working with a DGA member).

Please keep in mind there are no guaranteed minimums on a DGA New Media contract. Sight is a SAG-AFTRA production.

Apply