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.
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.
Read MoreAfter 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.
Read MoreThe production meeting is a review of all the details and moving parts of the production with all of the people involved in the shoot.
There are different ways to approach the meeting but the goal is always the same: to ensure that all departments and all personnel are in the know and ready to go.
This is a leadership moment for the directing team. Make it count!
Read MoreThe 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.
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 MoreFilms 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.
Read MoreMost film production students are interested in directing, yet there are popular misconceptions about the role of the director.
It appears to many that directors are at the top of the pyramid in the filmmaking process, however, directors are actually employees of the producer. There are professional guidelines and contractual expectations for the job.
The director needs to have a solid understanding of the entire filmmaking process. Are you ready for the challenge?
Read MoreWithout 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.
Read MoreWorking 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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