Film Directing 127: Day One

Film Directing 127: Day One

Watch your actors like newborn babies

Your first day on set as a director will undoubtedly be memorable.

Every day of film production requires you to have a plan. The question is: can the scheduled work be completed in the allotted time?

Whatever happens, you’ll walk away knowing a lot more about your actors, yourself, and the challenges of directing.

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Film Directing 122: The Director's Locations

Film Directing 122: The Director's Locations

Give your locations the kid-glove treatment

The right location can improve the look of your film – but it can also be a production nightmare. Make sure to consider your priorities. Know what you need for your frames to look good and for your shoot to run smoothly.

There are certain amenities and necessities to look for when scouting locations – both interiors and exteriors. If a location looks great but lacks the convenience, space, and facilities – protect the downside. Production slowdowns are one thing. Unhappy coworkers are another.

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Film Directing 121: The Director in Rehearsal

Film Directing 121: The Director in Rehearsal

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.

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Film Directing 118: The Director and Continuity

Film Directing 118: The Director and Continuity

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.

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Film Directing 114: The Director's Creative Partnerships

Film Directing 114: The Director's Creative Partnerships

Synergy is the goal

Bringing 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.

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Film Directing 100: LEVEL 100 Introduction

Film Directing 100: LEVEL 100 Introduction

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 the director’s prep, pre-production, and 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.

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NURTURE RELATIONSHIPS

NURTURE RELATIONSHIPS

Signing up for film school means joining forces with a group of like-minded individuals, participating in supporting roles, and helping others realize their best possible work. If everyone on the team is focused on the same goal, new friendships are sure to be forged - and many last long after graduation day.

pictured L to R: Hans Christian Berger, Dave Roncin, John Pozer

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EMBRACE LIMITATIONS

EMBRACE LIMITATIONS

Working within academic guidelines will help you build the problem-solving muscles you’ll need to thrive and succeed in the film industry. It’s more productive to align with the standards and expectations of a student film project rather than railing against the rules.

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