problemsolving — FILM EDUCATION

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.

Keep production running smoothly with no surprises

Show 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!

Support your sound team. You’ll never regret it.

The 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!

The schedule runs the engine of production

Films 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.

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.

FILM EDUCATION

Film Directing 123: Show and Tell Meetings

Keep production running smoothly with no surprises

Film Directing 119: The Director and Sound Mixer

Support your sound team. You’ll never regret it.

Film Directing 117: The Director's Schedule

The schedule runs the engine of production

Film Directing 116: The Director's Assistant Director

Treat your Assistant Director like Gold