re: "I think directing is the most over-rated job in the world"

most good directors have a strong early grasp of their vision (storyboards, references, look books) that guides their department heads (costumes, art direction and lighting). they are decisive yet can be flexible based on budgetary, location or schedule considerations.

Directors lean heavily on the DP and a good shot list is a must .... too many times a director can come in unprepared and you don't make your shooting days. Budget issues start to creep in and it becomes a mess.

A good producing team generally can wrangle some of this, but if a director comes in unprepared they can lose the actors and crew quickly.