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 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 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 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 MoreIn the book, 21st Century Film Student PRIMER, all students are encouraged to take an acting course or acting workshop so they can better understand what actors do. Why? Because you’ll be a better director.
Memorizing lines, keeping it fresh, staying ‘in the moment,’ and taking direction are tall orders for most people. Once you’ve walked in the actor’s shoes, you can better relate to the process of acting and being directed.
The craft of directing is an ongoing learning experience.
Read MoreThe 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.
Read MoreWe know that filmmaking is a collaborative art and that the cast and crew work together to support the best possible storytelling. However, the director is ultimately responsible for building a strong, cinematic story.
Developing your eye as a film director is an ongoing process of understanding, observation, and patience. Every day and every film is full of opportunities to learn.
Read More“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.
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.
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