Directing tips for begginer

jordan Bergren

jordan Bergren

Member
Hey guys so I'm looking at applying to the American Film Institute's Directing program. Right now I just started writing a screenplay of a story a local writer here in town wrote, although I'm trying to turn this into a short film, I'm looking to practice and make it as real a situation as possible so that i have at least some experience truly directing a narrative film.

I would love to hear everything you experienced Directors have to say, wether it's advice, warning's, Stories, or just general convo.

So here's my question for everyone. What do you believe the most important thing/quality/skill a young director like myself should work on in order to become successful?

I appreciate everyone's help and hope to talk with many of you!

Jordan Bergren
 
jordan Bergren said:
So here's my question for everyone. What do you believe the most important thing/quality/skill a young director like myself should work on in order to become successful?
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working with actors, understanding how the mind of an actor works, the language they speak and how to elicit a compelling, engaging performance.
 
do you have any tips on that Zak, i have got TONS of books on directing but i'd like to hear from people who have personal experiences.
 
Someone might say this is more a producer's job but I think the two most important things a director does are 1) find/recognize good material and 2) knowing how to cast.
 
know how to communicate with actors. try and avoid giving vague direction like "play this scene sexy" - what if their definition of sexy is different then how you see the scene in your head? instead try and be as specific as possible like telling the actress/actor to "flirt" or use another verb or adjective that describes an action.

like brianluce said, know how to cast

be as organized as possible

know the story you are filming inside and out

try and be flexible
 
"know the story inside and out"

I've heard this a lot, but it only confused me for a long time until fairly recently (maybe you're not in that boat, but anyway...) Knowing the story means knowing what's right and what's wrong for certain scenes in the story you're trying to tell. Example, the visual style of Seven comes from dark material on a killer whereas if you used that kind of lighting in Wizard of Oz is obviously doesn't match the story they told. Knowing the story is how EVERY decision is made and spawns the idea that every decision on a film is important because every decision has to be made by the story you're telling.

In directing actors, you don't always have to get what's in your head. You CAST based on what you have in your head, but you have to get a performance that's natural to the actor. Don't be afraid of odd motivation, focusing only on the "right" kind of directions. One of my favorite performances I got by just telling an actor (after the first 5 takes didn't work) to act like a rabbit on speed.
 
In addition to the above, the most important thing in my mind is that once you are on the set, BE THE DIRECTOR. To be effective I believe that you should be focused on your actors and how the scene is coming together. Not lights, not the boom mic, not continuity, and not craft services. Find people to help you with those jobs. ANd make sure that you are the ONLY ONE giving direction to the actors. If someone has an idea or an issue, they should come to you, or your AD. Actors cannot "unhear" direction no matter who gives it. Conflicting direction undermines a performers confidence.

Second, do an effective pre-pro. Breakdown your script, check your locations, and absolutely make time for rehearsals. Let the actors have a little time to get to know you, the script and each outher (if appropriate) before the shoot. The moree you do a head of time, the fewer potential problems you have at go time.
 
HAHA!!! I love you all far to much for a straight man to express in words right now!!!! Thank you all, I am estatic hearing these tips, please bring more I will eat this stuff up all day long I'm not used to talking to people who know what there talking about when it comes to my dream of directing. Hope to hear more!. Also Jim, I see you alot around the forums, what do you do for a living? if you don't mind me asking. Your always one of those guys who knows what he's talking about. Also great tips all of you hope to hear ALOT MORE!
 
There are many pieces of advice one can give and all would be good or useful to a first time director...limit locations, casting is everything etc. but you must always rememberthat it starts with the story...it is the foundation of the film. If you make a movie it is a story told in pictures so make sure your foundation is solid... get this book... http://www.vasst.com/product.aspx?id=538063e0-671c-45cd-9822-4810ba7f2065 it is also available on amazon and if you are in CA. you can buy it at Sam French... it will be very worthwhile to you as a beginner and may help you to think outside the box as you progress...

Stan The Man
www.xristosproductions.com
www.igfdb.com
 
Hi Jordan,

I suggest you consider buying reference materials on directing, then coming here for specific questions. You might want to begin with something fun like:

"The Complete Idiot's Guide to Independent Filmmaking"

"The Everything Filmmaking Book"

Once you've gotten into it, move up to more sophisticated reading like:

"Directing, Film Techniques and Aesthetics"

If you envision a dual Director/DP role, consider getting DVD training like:

Digital Cinema Training

Hollywood Camera Work

Of course if you look through prior posting here, do specific searches, as well as google the internet, you'll find lots of useful info.

You mentioned your background as a screenwriter. If you don't already own a copy, buy "Emotional Structure Creating the Story Beneath the Plot, A Guide for Screenwriters". It's a excellent book and as an aspiring director you should be able to synthesize the emotional elements of the script and translate it so the actors give a performance worthy for your target audience.

Oh BTW, you'll also want to pay close attention to detail (or ensure you have someone provide backup) - little things like the misspelling on your subject title (begginning vs beginning) are real gotcha's when they're missed).

Happy Hunting, Michael
 
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Jordan,

Thanks for the compliment. I own a production company with my wife. We do industrials, marketing videos and develop feature and TV projects. So far, she still has to work another job to make ends meet, but we are closing that gap.

I would also take Michael's point to heart. Things like grammatical and spelling errors seem trivial. But they do make an impression. Here on the boards it may not seem like a big deal, but if you get in the habit of making sure all of your communication is effective and professional, it will help you overcome the potential misperceptions of your age. You would be surprised how few people actually act professional in the indie world. Those little things can set you apart. It also shows attention to detail, which is essential for a director. It might not make you better at what you do, but it will show people that you take what you do seriously.

Lots of good suggestions here. Keep us posted on your progress.
 
Oh yes, I started my book collection on assorted film, directing, film art, editing, Screenplay etc... book collection long ago. I have many questions, but I thought I would just start off with a broad topic for this forum, picking up little tips and suggestions. Thank you so much, for more educational ideas. I'm going to look into them.

Thanks, Jordan
 
Jim,

Wow, I've never thought of it that way! I have always tried to correct my e-mails or letters I sent to clients, but you make a great point. Even if it's something as small as grammatical dexterity to make me stand out in competition, I will take it!

hat sounds like a great life you have my friend! I wish you all the best and hope you and your wife can eliminate that second job. I can't wait to hear more helpful information from both you and everyone else!

Thank you and cheers to a plentiful new year to you and your production company!

Jordan Bergren
 
Jim Brennan said:
Second, do an effective pre-pro. .
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This may not be the most important thing but let's say it's the most important thing of the less important things. Or how about One of the least important important things. All I know is that overlooking the most dumbass thing like an extra 9 volt battery ("Hey! The lav mic is out, anyone gotta battery?") or an extension cord can completely screw you up. No matter how trivial, it just seems to turn a text book operation in to a clusterfack. I had a production manager that was allegedly responsible for this but she'd always screw it up. Make your own jacket, don't take people's word that things are supposed to be where there supposed to be. Chances are you'll get burnt. Prepare young Skywalker! Prepare!
 
Jim Brennan said:
In addition to the above, the most important thing in my mind is that once you are on the set, BE THE DIRECTOR. To be effective I believe that you should be focused on your actors and how the scene is coming together. Not lights, not the boom mic, not continuity, and not craft services. Find people to help you with those jobs. ANd make sure that you are the ONLY ONE giving direction to the actors.
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Jim,

When you say this, would you recommend using this as a sort of guideline to remember or should I focus on the direction of actors until I feel More comfortable with the craft of directing?

Jordan
 
Jordan,

The humility of your question is admirable. In the Indie world it seems like the unwritten rule is do what you know and fake what you don't.

You are on the right track by asking this question. However, asking what makes a great director is like asking what makes a great song writer. There is no exact formula to follow. Much can be said about the disciplines and habits that great directors share, but the best education for directing is to direct. I would suggest giving yourself small controlled opportunities to direct (shorts, spec commercials, music videos for local artists, etc.)

Also PA on bigger gigs for free. You will really have a great appreciation for your crew the first time you are abused due to a poorly planned schedule, or a disrespectful department head.

IMHO - A director at his very core must be a great story teller. He inspires, confronts, corrects and challenges his crew to bring out what is best for the story. How you get there is your style, but at the end of the day great directors are defined by great films. Protect the integrity of the work at all cost.

It would seem like you defiantly have the passion and drive to do well at this. Good luck,
 
I would always keep in mind that you need a DoP who you can work with and you know. He/She is the person in charge of making the shot look good. You need to work well with that person. So you can say what you are looking for, and then visually see that in the monitor. (Ideally). You are the one in charge of bringing the script to life. Keep to it. Don't get lost with the lighting, the wrangling. (Unless you are a one man team). Get a producer who is good too. Have them break the script down, check it all the way. KNOW THE SCRIPT like the back of your hand. Have a reference with you at all times. Because if you are looking to shoot Scene 84B, and no one knows what that is supposed to be, well then - you ran into a problem.

Make sure you have a good crew on hand. Basically when you are having the actors knock off a killer scene and your DoP setting it up, you don't want anything to do with getting the next scene set up to go, and finding the police officer who is supposed to drive the car up when you yell action. That is the job of your fixer, or PA. Who reports to the AD.

Know the system, use the system, and respect everyone on set. They are here to make your creation (or someone elses, come to life).

Best of luck.
 
Jason,

You are absolutely right! I guess I hadn't thought of my question that way. I suppose I should rephrase to asking what words of wisdom they have on directing. Although that is a rather amature question again, I spose I'm just looking to find solutions to problems that I will have to encounter for the first time.

Call it spending time doing pre-production work for my film career. :-)
Thank you for the help and would love to hear anything more your willing to share Jason!

Thanks,
Jordan
 
Mattykins,
That is something that I would like to learn about more. That will definitely be something that will be vital to my success, thank you.
Sincerely,
Jordan
 
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