What Does a Film Director Do?

Film production is the process of creating motion pictures from concept to final delivery. It encompasses pre-production (scripting, casting, location scouting), production (filming with cameras, lighting, and sound equipment), and post-production (editing, colour grading, VFX, and sound design).

A film director leads the creative vision of a production. They collaborate with actors, cinematographers, editors, and the entire crew to translate a script into compelling visual storytelling. Directors make decisions on shot composition, performance, pacing, and overall artistic direction.

In Kenya, film production spans narrative features, documentaries, TV series, commercials, music videos, corporate content, and digital media for platforms like YouTube and social media. The discipline combines artistic vision with technical expertise in cameras, lighting, sound, and editing software.

Kenya's film and TV industry is experiencing a historic growth period. The entry of international streaming platforms \u2014 Netflix, Showmax, Amazon Prime \u2014 has created unprecedented demand for locally produced content. Netflix's investment in African originals and Showmax's expansion across East Africa mean more productions filming in Nairobi than ever before.

The Kenya Film Commission actively promotes the country as a filming destination, offering incentives for international productions. Major production houses include Film Afrika, Blue Sky Films, and Ginger Ink Films. The advertising industry also employs hundreds of video production professionals, with agencies like Ogilvy, Scanad, and Dentsu producing TV commercials and digital content.

Beyond traditional film, the corporate video, documentary, and YouTube/social media content sectors are booming. 88% of ADMI film production graduates are employed within 6 months, with many landing roles on major productions during their mandatory internship.

Adobe Premiere Pro and DaVinci Resolve are the primary editing platforms used in Kenyan production houses. Cinematography skills (camera operation, lens selection, lighting) are essential for on-set roles, while post-production roles require expertise in colour grading, VFX, and sound design. Screenwriting and directing are creative skills that develop through practice and mentorship.

1. 1

   Get trained: Enrol in ADMI’s 2-year Film & TV Production Diploma. You’ll work with professional cameras (RED, Blackmagic), lighting rigs, and editing suites from your first semester.

2. 2

   Choose your specialisation: Film production has many paths — directing, cinematography, editing, sound, producing. Try everything in your first year, then specialise in your second.

3. 3

   Build a showreel: Your showreel is your CV. Produce 3-5 polished pieces covering different formats: narrative short, documentary, commercial, and music video.

4. 4

   Complete your internship: ADMI’s mandatory industry placement connects you to production houses and broadcasters. Many students are hired directly from their internship.

5. 5

   Enter film festivals: Submit your student films to Kalasha Awards, Zanzibar International Film Festival, and Pan African Film Festival. Awards build your reputation.

6. 6

   Freelance on set: Even while employed, take on freelance gigs. The film industry runs on word-of-mouth — every set is a networking opportunity.