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.

July 28, 2024

Film Directing 126: The Director's Playbook

July 28, 2024/ john pozer

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.

May 15, 2024

Film Directing 121: The Director in Rehearsal

May 15, 2024/ john pozer

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.

May 13, 2024

Film Directing 120: The Director-Actor Relationship

May 13, 2024/ john pozer

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.

May 06, 2024

Film Directing 119: The Director and Sound Mixer

May 06, 2024/ john pozer

Support your sound team. You’ll never regret it.

The sound mixer has a challenging job. You can help them by paying attention to their situations, listening to their concerns, and coming up with creative solutions.

Many of the challenges for the sound mixer can be remedied by the director. Problem-solving is part of your job.

Be a champion for good sound! Your audience is listening!

May 03, 2024

Film Directing 118: The Director and Continuity

May 03, 2024/ john pozer

Embrace continuity and be a better director

When 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.

May 02, 2024

Film Directing 117: The Director's Schedule

May 02, 2024/ john pozer

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. 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.

April 26, 2024

Film Directing 115: The Director in Casting

April 26, 2024/ john pozer

Cast well and 90% of your job is done

The 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!

April 02, 2024

Film Directing 105: Blocking the Scene

April 02, 2024/ john pozer

Blocking fundamentals for the beginning director

“Blocking’s up!” is the announcement you hear on set when the director, director of photography, and actors gather to walk through the dynamics of a scene and how it’s going to be shot. Blocking is essentially the choreography between the actor(s) and the camera.

There can be many moving parts to the blocking puzzle. Everyone who contributes to the shot needs to know what’s in the frame, what’s happening – and when it’s happening.

March 27, 2024

Film Directing 103: Script Analysis

March 27, 2024/ john pozer

Script analysis fundamentals for the beginning director

As a director you receive a script written in a screenplay format. This is the whole story with all of the scenes and characters. Your job is to turn that into a film.

In order to have a powerful and unique visual interpretation of the screenplay you need to know the story inside out; the characters, the dialogue, the subtext, the conflict, the story arc, the genre — and a thousand more details.

It can be exhausting. That’s why they’re gonna pay you the big bucks!

March 15, 2024

Film Directing 101: The Language of Film

March 15, 2024/ john pozer

The director must know how to communicate

Like any profession, there are specific words, terms, and references that you need to know in order to effectively communicate in the day-to-day activities of a working film director.

This is an expansive area and your knowledge will grow and evolve as you read screenplays, study films, and make films. Like learning any new language, becoming fluent takes time.