Directing yourself

V

vuzz

Member
Regardless if it's a good or bad decision. How does one go about directing a film that they also star in. Eastwood, Wells, and Woody Allen have all done it and really really well. Just how does one tackle this? Are they reviewing after each take or what? Who's giving the marks? What are the obstacles and how do you solve them? If anyone has done this I would be interested in getting feedback.

v
 
What I understand about Eastwood's directing style is that it's heavily upon the actors to make the scene work. In that case, I think its pretty much "act, then stop acting, then do it again tomorrow", so I'm thinking actors turned directors are less scientific about the approach. But if your a natural director turned actor, I figure there would be A LOT more stress directing yourself
 
My two cents... I'll tell you it can be very frustrating.
My first attempt at it came when I did a short, last fall. I had made a shot list and we meticulously followed it. Following a take, I'd ask the camera op "Did we get it?" which he often replied "Yep". Obviously, having taken part in the scene, I could give direction to the other actors and repeat the scene or shot, but if it went well, I'd just have to ask whether it was captured well on camera. In the interest of time (we were trying to complete shooting in one day) I didn't review any footage until capture.

I was very disappointed. I guess I placed too much faith in my camera op. There's no substitute for having your own eyes on the display (or hands on the cam, for that matter) while you're filming.

One thing you'll realize is that you have to be VERY organized if you're going to wear both hats.
 
First off - the people that you've mentioned Eastwood, Allen, Wells, even Cosner have so much experience as actors that they know thngs about their 'takes' and whether or not they worked. The shooters they employ are of the same mind visually, and with how the scenes 'feel' as their directors. Eddie Murphy got to direct, produce, star in a movie called 'Harlem Nights' - it was a disaster, and he publically stated that he'd never do that again.

In order to do both (direct & star), whoever is behind the camera while you are in front has to know the 'feel' of your project. They have to know the style that you possess/and desire and be able to deliver it! They also have to be able to honestly tell you, that you as an actor didn't 'nail that take' and to go back to one.


Steven
 
Last edited:
I did this in a short I directed. As far as the frame goes, the simple solution is a stand-in with your measurements. Mark it up and there you have it. Insure the DP is on the same page.

I happen to also be an experienced SAG actor, so for me it was a little easier. However, to hedge your intuition its important to take a few takes, especially if your working with DV, its cheap so take a few takes, no big deal. Its important to change your approach with each take. Usually with other actors I make subtle adjustments, I do the same for myself but they are not always so subtle.

Each take is different from the last one. Change it up! Give yourself some flexibility with the character, take ownership of him/her and explore his dynamics in every take. This will give you plenty to choose from in post. I would also suggest that the role you choose is not a huge one for obvious reasons.

That's how I did it anyway.

Good luck.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top