actor motivation — FILM EDUCATION

FILM EDUCATION

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.

Directors need a strong idea for what they’re looking for in every scene

After all the planning, preparation, meetings, auditions, rehearsals, location scouts, etc. – the first day of principle photography is what all the work has been about.

Your script analysis, thumbnail frames, shotlist, schematics, and meetings with your creative keys have helped build the plan for the production.

Pre-thinking performance notes and details are a vital part of the playbook.

Treat rehearsal like a fire - Build it slow and sure

If there is time to rehearse with your actors ahead of the shoot, great! But it’s important to know what you want to accomplish.

There's a rhythm to rehearsal. It’s the rhythm of exploration, of discovery. There is much to gain if you know what you’re looking for. Step into the moment with your actors. Engage as they engage. Learn from them. Watch them like newborn babies.

Rehearsals can be the key to building better performances. Stay relaxed and have fun.

Be kind. Be generous. Be specific.

In 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.

Blocking strategies and schematics for the beginning director

Creating blocking strategies and drawing up schematics are critical skills for the beginning director to develop.

Every director goes through their own process for planning the visual story that they want to tell – before they arrive on set to shoot it. The director’s pre-production work informs the schedule for shooting the film. The schedule is bound by the budget. Ultimately, the amount of money and time available for you to shoot a scene will dictate the limitations you need to work within.

FILM EDUCATION

Film Directing 126: The Director's Playbook

Directors need a strong idea for what they’re looking for in every scene

Film Directing 121: The Director in Rehearsal

Treat rehearsal like a fire - Build it slow and sure

Film Directing 120: The Director-Actor Relationship

Be kind. Be generous. Be specific.

Film Directing 106: Introduction to Schematics

Blocking strategies and schematics for the beginning director