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 120: The Director-Actor Relationship

Film Directing 120: The Director-Actor Relationship

 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.

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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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THE FILM STUDENT'S JOURNEY

THE FILM STUDENT'S JOURNEY

To the film student, I caution you to be prepared for the long and difficult journey that lies ahead. It will not be easy, but with dedication, perseverance, and a willingness to take risks, you will be able to achieve your dreams of becoming a successful filmmaker. Remember to always strive for excellence and to never give up on your passion for film.

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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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ARRIVE PREPARED

ARRIVE PREPARED

A good, do-able story is key. This can be a major stumbling block and the cause of endless frustration and sleepless nights - and it can be solved before Day One of film school. It takes a lot of time and effort to make a film, so you want to make it the best it can be. Planning ahead will help you produce work of merit.

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