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 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.
Read MoreThe 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!
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 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 MoreAs a film director, the focus in your shot is either something that you want and can use, or it’s something that you don’t want and can’t use.
Be happy with your shots and takes. Make them the best they can be. Once you’re in post-production, focus issues cannot be resolved.
Read MoreAs the production moves from pre-production into principle photography, the shotlist is tremendously helpful. It shapes the schedule, clarifies the equipment that is needed, and many other important details that contribute to managing a smooth-running show.
Every director has their own process for pre-visualizing their story, but creating a written plan helps build confidence in the decision-making that happens on set.
Read MorePowered by Pozervision
