A director's "Bible"

Gohanto said:
Back to your question though...
Something you might find interesting is Coppola's book on "The Godfather". He tore out ever page of the novel, and taped it to a larger 8.5"x11" sheet of paper in a binder, and then wrote notes all over the pages. Important props, interesting lines, character beats, ect...
This is a true director's binder imho, as it outlined the important IDEAS that he needed to capture on the set. And that's what you need to focus on. (Example: A shot you plan might be pivotal to the film during pre-production, but then the camera crane breaks on the set and you need to find a new way to shoot the same idea).

Shots lists, blocking diagrams, props lists, ect... are all helpful, but be careful not to start getting overly technical and just focus on what's important to the story.
Click to expand...

That is the basis on my binder. I tried his idea and it works great for me.
 
I have a binder that has my copy of the script with handwritten notes in it. After the script, I have a list of all the scenes with their summaries (similar to the index card feature in Celtx). On the back of the binder (which is white with the clear sleeves to insert whatever you want) I insert the shooting schedule, so at any time, I can glance at it and know what's happening when.
 
What to work from...

What to work from...

Now call me...well...anything but I don't have a specific Bible. I'm a big fan of learning-whilst-you-go and taking on life lessons to help in my directing. I always find I improve everytime when I see what I do wrong and improve on it in whatever ways.

I also like to watch films already made and try to work out how they directed specific scenes that I like or I'm interested in: not to necessarily emulate but to try and learn a few things from it.

I suppose the only "bible" I use when directing a film is the script although it's never strictly holy writ!
 
Not to be a pig and promote my book, but you asked for it...LOL...I wrote a book based off of all my notes for shooting. I used to call it my bible and friends said I should make it into a book for independent filmmakers. The POV is from the writer-director-producer-editor-PR...doing it all if you have to.

I cover all the areas I felt needed to be covered for anyone to shoot their film...plus I added in motivational and life planning material, which is missing from most every filmmaking book...really helps to get everything in order.

So there you have it. the title: "Just Shoot It!"

http://www.amazon.com/dp/0977727904...tiveASIN=0977727904&adid=0HNQ3YC5JQTSBNE662MB&
 
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