Film Directing - Blah

We'll move this thread over to the Movies and TV forum, Kiester, where it will more likely generate on topic discussion.

Best of luck in your journey to become a director.

Tough one to answer, K. I wasn't there -- I didn't hear what was said or see what happened -- for all I know, I might have agreed with him.

If this happened on a real film set, of course, you'd have the power to fire him on the spot. Crew doesn't get to speak to the director like that. If this guy was there as part of his filmmaking course then I'd report his behavior to whoever's in charge. He's there to help you make your film, not to screw up your shooting or disrespect you.

I don't know if this comes under "personality" but, taking a wild guess, I'd maybe suggest that perhaps you need to communicate, to the people around you, your vision -- I don't mean that in an arty farty way, I mean how you visualize your shoot... what these scenes, shot from these angles, capturing this reaction, or contributing to the story build-up, or scratching to reveal theme, or whatever logic applies, is going to do for the film. If you can effectively share that vision and connect the little dots to help paint the big picture for everyone to see, then perhaps there's more chance of their buying into it.

Blast from the past -- I'm reminded of how the actors in Kenneth Brannagh's "Henry V" later described his leadership... could have been Barry Norman who told the story... Brannagh called everyone together on the first day and told them exactly what he planned to do... described the key scenes... dramatically orated snippets of pertinent Shakespearean dialogue... lots of sweeping arms and grand gestures... and made them imagine themselves in the roles, doing this, going there. Before he shot a single frame, he'd sold them on his vision.

-Derek

in my view, directors have to have a handful of traits that will contribute to success.

first, of course, is a solid vision. if you don't have that, your crew will sense it and not have any confidence in you.

secondly (and somewhat hand-in-hand with the vision) is solid preparation. this can include, but is not limited to, storyboarding, scouting shots, consideration of lighting issues, etc. being on top of these things not only strengthens the vision, but instills a sense of organization and order in your crew.

thirdly, your temperament on set must be firm, but not obnoxious. these people need to want to follow your direction.

finally, you should have an adequate grasp of equipment and techniques, or have a cinematographer / A.D. who is a technical whiz, so that you get the shots you want.

so, it's a big mix of talent, organizational skills and interpersonal skills.

I too once aspired to be a film-maker. It had been my ambition since I was eight years old. Then guess what I did?

I actually made a film.

And guess what else?

I HATED it.

I know exactly what you mean about working with an awkward crew. I imagine as a Hollywood director you'll have an army of artisans from a variety of crafts to assist you in realising your vision to a T; providing (as a previous poster mentioned) you're dead set on what your vision is.

But the film "industry," after all, is an industry. If you're set to make a nice wage, you're unlikely to get all pissy with the director over "creative differences." Such fall-outs do happen, but only between Hollywood's high rollers.

The above isn't the case on the amateur scene. Especially if it's a class effort. You'll have on the one hand those that don't really care, and as a result won't pull their weight out of general apathy. And on the other hand you'll have those that care so damn much that they sap all of the fun out of the process.

If this is a course requirement, I'm afraid there's very little advice I can give you. The best thing to do is allow someone else to take the reigns, and occassionally suggest an idea that might be worth implementing. That way you have a say, but aren't burdened with all the pressure at the same time.

And as I already said, since your crew aren't getting paid you'll never have the absolute say over the course of production. Be grateful for what little power you may have, and don't be greedy for more.

just like any kind of business in art world it takes practice, practice, practice to perfect your craft. it sounds like this is your first project so just laugh it off as experience. but, if you really want to know the answer to comments like these then you should ask what they meant and ignore the snarkiness and attitude that might come with the answer. then thank them for the answer whether you take their advice or not -- it could be crappy advice or it could be advice you really need.

btw - filmmakers and film directors are two different jobs. usually one gets labeled a filmmaker when they handle and/or oversee ALL the jobs and delegate accordingly. their position may include the duties of the producer(s), director, camera person, casting, and they probably wrote the script. the smaller the production the more this filmmaker must do. ie - in El Mariachi Robert Rodriguez did all the crew work himself. it must have been painstakingly slow. but ultimately it was worth it b/c now that guy has the clout to do anything he wants.

a film director more specifically tells the actors what he wants from their performance and tells the camera and lighting crew how he wants each shot to look; and calls the shots on the day to day filming production. they take their orders from the producers.