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.
The 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 MoreIn film school, more often than not, you will be tasked with writing your own script.
As the writer of the story, you still need to do a script analysis from the director’s perspective. Because of your expectations and writerly knowledge of the story, taking on the role of the director can create its own challenges.
Remember this: you will work just as hard to make a bad film as you will to make a good one. Good films start with a good script.
Read MoreAs a director you receive a script written in a screenplay format. This is the whole story with all of the scenes and characters. Your job is to turn that into a film.
In order to have a powerful and unique visual interpretation of the screenplay you need to know the story inside out; the characters, the dialogue, the subtext, the conflict, the story arc, the genre — and a thousand more details.
It can be exhausting. That’s why they’re gonna pay you the big bucks!
Read MoreLike any profession, there are specific words, terms, and references that you need to know in order to effectively communicate in the day-to-day activities of a working film director.
This is an expansive area and your knowledge will grow and evolve as you read screenplays, study films, and make films. Like learning any new language, becoming fluent takes time.
Read MoreTo 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.
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.
Read MoreA 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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