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I’ve been hearing from some of you about to direct your first short film. SO... In the spirit of landing my first produced feature film, how about a thread on directing, and how I prepare for a shoot.
Other director friends, feel free to chime in!
Other director friends, feel free to chime in!
Building your crew.
Culture is huge for me. I like to personally interview each individual I bring onto my crew to make sure they will mesh with the energetic atmosphere of my sets. This shit is FUN. No room for pessimists, ass holes, or bullshit. Let’s work hard/have fun.
Culture is huge for me. I like to personally interview each individual I bring onto my crew to make sure they will mesh with the energetic atmosphere of my sets. This shit is FUN. No room for pessimists, ass holes, or bullshit. Let’s work hard/have fun.
Have a budget? Big crew?
GET A LINE PRODUCER. They are amazing at helping coordinate logistics, managing your budget, and putting out whatever small fires will pop up during your shoot.
GET A LINE PRODUCER. They are amazing at helping coordinate logistics, managing your budget, and putting out whatever small fires will pop up during your shoot.
PREPARATION
Personally, I love to make reference books for each department head. From camera, to makeup, to art department. This acts as a solid building block for you to work with your department heads, and opens up a dialog between you that usually leads to great ideas.
Personally, I love to make reference books for each department head. From camera, to makeup, to art department. This acts as a solid building block for you to work with your department heads, and opens up a dialog between you that usually leads to great ideas.
Trust your team!
Whether it’s a department head, or a PA, they are there for a reason. Unless they give you a reason NOT to... trust them. Listen to them. Ask them questions. Let them help you.
Whether it’s a department head, or a PA, they are there for a reason. Unless they give you a reason NOT to... trust them. Listen to them. Ask them questions. Let them help you.
NEVER SKIMP ON CRAFTY. EVER.
Whether you have a budget, or no money at all, please make sure you feed your crew. This is non-negotiable. If you can, feed them like Kings/queens. TRUST ME. They deserve it.
Whether you have a budget, or no money at all, please make sure you feed your crew. This is non-negotiable. If you can, feed them like Kings/queens. TRUST ME. They deserve it.
I also love making character booklets for every character. Yes, every character. Even the small roles. It helps your actors understand where you’re coming from, and gives them a strong foundation to build on. This can include similar movie/TV characters...
Or similar character arcs. I usually include their character’s backstory, and motivations as well. HOWEVER... this doesn’t work for every actor. Talk to your actors. Like... A LOT. What is their style? Approach? Some love these booklets. Others? Not so much.
Ask questions of everyone. What are their strengths? Weaknesses? You need to know so you can cater to whatever their strengths are. No matter the department.
Mentioned it before, but be open to collaboration from your crew/cast. ESPECIALLY with you DP. They have a shot idea? Try it. Lighting idea? Try it. Different lense, or approach to blocking? Hear them out. They are your greatest ally. Trust them.
Be prepared for literally everything to go wrong. As director, you are the chief problem solving officer on the ship that is your show/film. Prepare for everything you can. Have a back up plan for everything. You never know what will go wrong.
Stay calm. Stay level headed. Project confidence. When you walk on set for the first time, everybody looks to you for instructions. It can be intimidating at first, but once the ball gets rolling, greatest feeling in the world. Introvert like me?
Study. A lot. The more prepared you are, the more confident you will be. Not only in the job you’re doing, but in your ability to adapt when something goes wrong.
Lastly... have fun! Or at least try to. Directing is incredibly stressful, but rewarding. Be gracious to your cast/crew. Be gracious to the community you’re invading to shoot your film. Treat your crew with the love they deserve, and they will treat your film with love as well.
I’m sure I forgot stuff, so if you’re a director, feel free to add tips, tricks, or ideas. Like bringing multiple pairs of shoes (long day on your feet), and wearing comfy clothes you like.
I hope this is helpful! Feel free to ask any ?’s! Now... Go make your movie!
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I hope this is helpful! Feel free to ask any ?’s! Now... Go make your movie!
