FILM EDUCATION

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.

April 29, 2024

Film Directing 116: The Director's Assistant Director

April 29, 2024/ john pozer

Treat your Assistant Director like Gold

The first assistant director and their team is the engine that keeps your production running. Treat them like gold. They are worth it!

Your best chance at getting good performances from your actors and having an organized shoot that runs smoothy – on time and on budget – is to have an informed assistant director. Planning and managing all the moving parts of a film production and having everything in the right place at the right time is like a paramilitary operation.

Your show will only be as good as the teamwork and communication between you and your first assistant director. They are your most precious partner – because they make your creative plans come to life.

April 02, 2024

Film Directing 105: Blocking the Scene

April 02, 2024/ john pozer

Blocking fundamentals for the beginning director

“Blocking’s up!” is the announcement you hear on set when the director, director of photography, and actors gather to walk through the dynamics of a scene and how it’s going to be shot. Blocking is essentially the choreography between the actor(s) and the camera.

There can be many moving parts to the blocking puzzle. Everyone who contributes to the shot needs to know what’s in the frame, what’s happening – and when it’s happening.

December 16, 2020

NURTURE RELATIONSHIPS

December 16, 2020/ john pozer

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