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.
Finishing production is a major milestone for your film.
A lot of energy and effort has gone into getting your project to this point. The cast and production crew may be finished, but you’re not!
You have miles to go. Buckle up!
Read MoreYour 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 MoreThe 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 MoreShow 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!
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 MoreIf 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.
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 More‘Thumbnail’ is the term for a simple storyboard frame. It’s a small, quick sketch that shouldn’t take longer than 10 or 15 seconds to create. Thumbnails are an important part of the director’s visual planning process.
Thumbnails illustrate the size of the shot and the character position in the frame. This helps the different departments understand the director's goal for the camera set-up.
Read MoreCreating blocking strategies and drawing up schematics are critical skills for the beginning director to develop.
Every director goes through their own process for planning the visual story that they want to tell – before they arrive on set to shoot it. The director’s pre-production work informs the schedule for shooting the film. The schedule is bound by the budget. Ultimately, the amount of money and time available for you to shoot a scene will dictate the limitations you need to work within.
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