Film Directing 118: The Director and Continuity

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Film Directing 118: The Director and Continuity

Embrace continuity and be a better director

When 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.

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Film Directing 117: The Director's Schedule

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Film Directing 117: The Director's Schedule

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.

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Film Directing 113: The Director's Focus

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Film Directing 113: The Director's Focus

The mind of your audience is the main concern

As a film director, the focus in your shot is either something that you want and can use, or it’s something that you don’t want and can’t use.

Be happy with your shots and takes. Make them the best they can be. Once you’re in post-production, focus issues cannot be resolved.

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Film Directing 112: The Director's Frame

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Film Directing 112: The Director's Frame

Good films need intentional frames

An engaged audience reacts to the director’s choices in every frame. Focus, light, movement, composition, and shot content are factors for every director to consider when constructing a frame.

Ideas for frames grow and multiply through your director’s prep. The writer, John Steinbeck, said it best — 'Ideas are like rabbits. You get a couple and learn how to handle them, and pretty soon you have a dozen.'

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Film Directing 110: The Director's Camera

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Film Directing 110: The Director's Camera

The most powerful storytelling tool is the camera

Creating strong images that are carefully designed with intentional storytelling details is the director’s job. The power and effectiveness of the storytelling lies in the director’s camera choices.

The beginning director must have an understanding of how camera placement and movement can convey the narrative purpose of a shot or a scene.

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Film Directing 109: The Director's Eye

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Film Directing 109: The Director's Eye

Develop an eye for visual possibilities

We 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.

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