Do you do hardcore meticulous prepping or do u just throw elements together directing

[David Jimerson]

Well i have two tangents from that simplistic statement

1) some people have made a fantasic living and career directing this way , even read about it here on this site. Of course, some people may direct this way and not even realize they are doing it.

Who? Who has made a "fantastic living" just slapping together elements on set with no pre-planning? Names, and documentation.

And even if "some people" have, some people have also won $200 million lotteries.

There's nothing "simplistic" about the statement at all. The mindset you describe is foolish.

2) you absolutely can direct this way on several different genres of film , narrative, documentary, etc. if your team is sharp enough to can create magic that is genius. Its not my personal perferred method, but i think that are working examples of success this way and there are some that thrive on this kind of film making,

See above.

At best, you'll be salvaging a mess rather than making what you really want. True, at times, it can inspire brilliance. Maybe it'll end up fantastic. It likely won't.

[thehadgi]

The meticulous anal-retentive planning from frame 1 to frame end with every detail covered in a control freakish way?
^ This

I only wish I had more time and resources to have everything be more meticulously planned. I'd have what time the Key grip was going to take a crap on day 3 on the schedule if I could.

lol

[john threat]

Also I think there are different levels of Meticulous planning - What is meticulous to one - is way under prepared to another.

How far do you go - besides the script and storyboards?

[David Jimerson]

Look, if you don't want it to suck, you need to be prepared. How anyone thinks purposely ignoring preparation in the hopes that something "genius" might happen is a good idea is well beyond me. It's lazy, wishful thinking.