Directing Fundamentals. Without a strong vision behind a story, a film will lose its focus. A film director needs to have an understanding of how each department contributes to the making of a film and how to best utilize the talents of all team members. The following 100 LEVEL blogs cover the role and responsibilities of a director in script development, pre-production, production, and post production. Read along to learn how to tell a story cinematically, use the camera as a tool, prepare a script analysis and engage in the casting and rehearsal process with actors.
The production meeting is a review of all the details and moving parts of the production with all of the people involved in the shoot.
There are different ways to approach the meeting but the goal is always the same: to ensure that all departments and all personnel are in the know and ready to go.
This is a leadership moment for the directing team. Make it count!
Read MoreThe right location can improve the look of your film – but it can also be a production nightmare. Make sure to consider your priorities. Know what you need for your frames to look good and for your shoot to run smoothly.
There are certain amenities and necessities to look for when scouting locations – both interiors and exteriors. If a location looks great but lacks the convenience, space, and facilities – protect the downside. Production slowdowns are one thing. Unhappy coworkers are another.
Read MoreIn the book, 21st Century Film Student PRIMER, all students are encouraged to take an acting course or acting workshop so they can better understand what actors do. Why? Because you’ll be a better director.
Memorizing lines, keeping it fresh, staying ‘in the moment,’ and taking direction are tall orders for most people. Once you’ve walked in the actor’s shoes, you can better relate to the process of acting and being directed.
The craft of directing is an ongoing learning experience.
Read MoreWhen you’re crewing up for camera, lighting, sound, makeup, etc., the role of script continuity can be an afterthought.
I recommend finding someone who wants to do script continuity on every film. It’s an important role in longer form television and feature productions. When you get onto a professional set, they will be beside you for every shot.
Value the support they provide, and you will be a better director.
Read MoreFilms are rarely shot in chronological order. Creating the production plan, crafting an efficient schedule, and deciding on the best order for shooting your film is done with your assistant director.
There are many puzzle pieces to a shooting schedule. Weather forecasts, location access, equipment availability, and actor availability can all create logistical challenges. A well-organized schedule lets you get the work for the day done in the allotted time with strong performances and a sense that everyone is pleased with their efforts.
Take care when building your schedule. It will pay off with a good directing experience.
Read MoreThe casting process is crucial. Actors can make or break the success of your film and your filmmaking experience. Give it the time it deserves, and give it your all.
Remember this: the audition is the first date in the actor-director relationship. It sets the tone for the creative partnership.
Setting a consistent high bar for each actor’s audition is the best way to tackle this critical juncture. Rule #1: Respect the actors! Respect them as you go through every stage of the process!
Read MoreBringing a film to life – and making it good – relies heavily on the script and the director. But the director is not working alone. There are many creative partners who align with the director, and two are of critical importance in pre-production and principle photography – the director of photographer and the production designer.
Working alongside the director, these two creative keys are responsible for crafting the visual images.
Read MoreCamera angles have conventions and implicit meanings that have been understood by viewers from the early days of moving pictures.
Directors need to know the impact of their decisions when they set up a shot. And they need to understand what their audience will understand from their camera angle choice.
Read MoreCreating strong images that are carefully designed with intentional storytelling details is the director’s job. The power and effectiveness of the storytelling lies in the director’s camera choices.
The beginning director must have an understanding of how camera placement and movement can convey the narrative purpose of a shot or a scene.
Read MoreWithout a strong vision behind a story, a film will lose its focus. A film director needs to have an understanding of how each department contributes to the making of a film and how to best utilize the talents of all team members.
The following 100 LEVEL blogs cover the role and responsibilities of a director in the director’s prep, pre-production, and production. Read along to learn how to tell a story cinematically, use the camera as a tool, prepare a script analysis and engage in the casting and rehearsal process with actors.
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