Film Directing 117: The Director's Schedule

LEVEL 100 blogs are for film students and first-time directors taking on the directing role for a short film. The series is designed to help and guide new filmmakers through the director’s prep duties, pre-production activities, and principle photography dynamics.

The schedule runs the engine of production

Films 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.

It's not uncommon for a director to shoot the first AND last scene of their film on the same day. This is why it’s vital for the director to have a handle on the story that they want to tell, the visual progression, the character arc, and the performances they are looking for from their actors.

When you’re working on the schedule with your assistant director, there are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Shoot your exteriors first.

If it's rainy or overcast, or if it’s hot and sunny, your director of photography needs to match the lighting quality in the interior location if the actors are passing from outside to inside, or vice versa. If you shoot your interior scenes first, you are gambling that future days will cooperate with your established lighting and weather choices.

• Don’t shoot difficult scenes on the first morning.

Avoid shooting complex shots or intense scenes as your first order of business on day one.  You would be wise to leave an intimate or emotionally charged scene for later in the schedule when the actors have settled in and have a better understanding of their characters and relationships.

• Let the filmmaking team get familiar with their working dynamics.

There’s usually a ramp-up period for any group working together for the first time. Let your team find their footing in the first few camera set-ups. This may take a bit of time. Ensure the schedule allows for your crew and cast orientation.

• Let the actors get familiar with your directing style.

There's an advantage to putting a lighter scene up first on day one: it allows the actors to develop a relationship with you and gain a better understanding of your process as a director. Remember to help your actors figure out where they are in their emotional journey when you are shooting out of chronological order. This can be tricky. Give it the time it needs.

• Introducing a character requires time.

The first day on set for any actor usually requires more time. Decisions for their makeup, hair, and wardrobe will be decisions that you’ll need to approve. If adjustments are necessary, that will take time. Be sure to accommodate that in the schedule.

• Don’t overload your first day, or any day, for that matter.

The amount of work you can accomplish in a day is a tricky guesstimate for beginning filmmakers. You want to be sure that you are not overloading yourself and setting unrealistic expectations. Scheduling more than you can shoot will be frustrating. A burnt-out light, a faulty cable, or a dead battery are problems that can cause unexpected delays and add to the frustration.

• Give important scenes the time they need for best performances.

There’s no upside to rushing an important emotional scene. If you don’t get the performances, you can’t fix it later. Likewise, schedule extra time for complicated shots, visual effect shots, and special character makeup.

• Avoid night exteriors.

Student projects and low-budget films don’t usually have the big lights and power supply required for shooting a night exterior and making it look good. Night exterior shoots are also taxing on your crew and actors who must adjust their regular sleep and waking times. It can be a lot to ask of people who are volunteering to help you.

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In addition to these scheduling tips, you need to factor in the experience level of everyone involved, including yourself. Film production can move slowly at times, especially at the student level.

Rushing through a scene can disrupt the synergy of your set. Don’t let it happen.

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.