directing styles — 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.

Let's get this show on the road!

The tech survey is where the rubber hits the road for the directing team: laying out the production plans, the schedule, the start and stop times — basically, everything that’s going to happen for each day of shooting at each set.

The more details and precision, the better. Thoroughness and clarity are key.

Make the most of your tech survey. It sets the tone for your shoot.

Keep production running smoothly with no surprises

Show and Tell meetings bring together the various elements of the images you plan to create. They also help you avoid unwanted surprises during principle photography.

Everyone on the filmmaking team wants to deliver their best work. Clear, concise communication and decisive leadership from the director is a must. Effective show and tell meetings begin with the director. Vagueness and uncertainty are not helpful and will likely lead to delays and disappointments on set.

Get all your ducks (and seahorses) in a row!

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.

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 124: The Director's Tech Survey

Let's get this show on the road!

Film Directing 123: Show and Tell Meetings

Keep production running smoothly with no surprises

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.