How do I become a television director in Japan?

Question

How do I become a television director in Japan?

Answer 1

10000 of Japanese university graduates want to become a televison director by getting hired from broadcasting station.

Answer 2

You must be hired by TV station or production company.

But I don't think it's easy for foreigners to be hired. And I don't think you can get working visa for this kind of job.

Working visa is issued on jobs only foreigners can do.

Answer 3

Simple. Be born Japanese. Out side of teaching English, the job market for non-Japanese is very limited. I'm willing to bet 99% of TV directors are Japanese men.

First off, you need a four year degree to work in Japan. And then you need a work visa and a solid job offer.

To be a director you'd have to graduate from a Japanese college. That means knowing how to speak, read and write Japanese at an above average level. Can you ?

Even trying for a job like that here is a one in a million shot.

    You could try going to a local college that has these kinds of classes first.

Answer 4

Most broadcast directors start their career as an assistant director at a production company. At the entry level, the hours are long. It's assumed you don't get to go home many days in a month. The work is physically demanding, hauling heavy equipment starting with video gear. You work your way up from there.

There are other ways in. For example, you could start your own independent production company and try to sell your show to a Japanese TV station. It's unlikely a major network would buy your show outright, so you'll probably have to start with independent UHF stations.

Another way is to start making your own videos and put them up on your website or Youtube. Build up a portfolio and see if any production company wants your talent as a director without putting you through entry level work.