First time directing. Am I insane?

D

Droog

Well-known member
Ok, so I ramping up for my first attempt at directing. Its a 48 hour film challenge, and I really hope that I am not crazy for picking this time to do it. I have been doing sound for several years now, been honing my lighting and shooting skills for the past year or so and have been on a lot of shoots, both high budget and low. So I am familiar and comfortable on sets however I am getting nervous and would appreciate any pointers, even the blaringly obvious are welcome.

Fortunately, I know and have worked with everyone on my crew. The down side is that I am also the youngest, but everyone is excited to be involved so I assume they trust me. I am really not too concerned about the technical, I think we have it covered well. Its the protocol of being Director that spooks me. My biggest fear is that I won't be able to express my self or I am going to be too aloof. I trust everyone to do there jobs I don't anticipate being a control freak, but I really want to make the day and get what we need to make this thing happen.

OK I'll stop. I know people post up like this, but any pointers would be awesome. If you think I am crazy to take on a 48 hour project let me know what to look out for. This will be my 3rd film challenge, but doing sound sure as hell is not directing.

Thanks everybody!
 
You're probably a little insane, but go for it! It may not always be fun, but it will be good for you.

Are you doing the NFC?
 
I agree, you are insane and absolutely go for it. I was on a 48Hour film challenge back in June as gaffer/key grip/second unit DP. It was a lot of fun and a real experience pulling it together.

Have fun!
 
yeah dude, you have way more experience than most of the ppl here. I have no on set experience and have only made a couple student projects, but i keep "directing" any projects I can come up with or find. You are way more prepared then we are, go for it!
 
Thanks guys. I guess I am comfortable being a bit crazy, but you gotta take the plunge sometime. Yes, it is the NFC. We have a tight little crew, and I definately think this will be good for me. That is mostly why I am doing it, plus I want to see if I get the directing bug, maybe I could be good at. Some one with a lot more experiance than I, told me that everyone should try directing at least once, good for character if nothing else :grin:

I will post my experiances when its all said and done.
 
When it's all getting panicky, stop, step back, take some deep breaths for ten, reevaluate and reprioritise what needs doing by whom, and jump back in!
:thumbsup:
 
Treat everyone with respect even if your telling them to go and gf ... add please.
 
A week to go. I think I have all my ducks in a row. In fact, going to shoot some test footage tomorrow and check out some locations. Feeling more confident.

Thanks everybody, I'll tell my tale afterward.
 
1st lesson learned: Find someone to help produce. Shouldering a lot this week. Thats fine, but it would be in the best interest of the film to split the load with another. No big deal. Sally forth.
 
Yeah, I'm doing the NFC this weekend too and fighting the same uphill battles. I think were gonna end up winging a lot of stuff cause I have 4 tests, a math project, history project and 2 essays due this week so finding time to get my **** together is near impossible. Anyway, good luck.

Peace,
-Harry
 
dudeguy37 said:
Yeah, I'm doing the NFC this weekend too and fighting the same uphill battles. I think were gonna end up winging a lot of stuff cause I have 4 tests, a math project, history project and 2 essays due this week so finding time to get my **** together is near impossible. Anyway, good luck.

Peace,
-Harry
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Thanks, you too. Sorry bout the school load. I would be in bad shape if I did not have a flexible job.
 
School does put a cramp on film stuff. Sometimes, I'm ridiculously close to leaving grad school to just jump into the blender that is this industry.

You sound like you are holding up pretty good. I just wanted to wish you luck.
 
P!body said:
School does put a cramp on film stuff. Sometimes, I'm ridiculously close to leaving grad school to just jump into the blender that is this industry.

You sound like you are holding up pretty good. I just wanted to wish you luck.
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Thanks alot!

Today is the day. Almost 7 hours untill assignment. Exciting.
 
Well it was a success. Maybe one of the longest weekends ever, still feeling the effects of the lack of sleep. Well here are the Cliff's notes:

Friday night, got our assignment. Comedy. I already had a concept, we went with it. Sent runners for props and such.

Later Friday night, struggling to right script and finalize ideas.

3:30 AM, Went to sleep my writer stayed up writing.

6:30 AM Up and at em. Script is still non existent, but an outline is ready.

7:30 AM Began shooting.

2:00 PM Lunch, wanted to do it sooner but we had to finish a scene.

12:00 AM Sunday wrap shooting. Relax for a few.

2:00 AM Sleep

10:00 Begin Post production

12:00 PM Monday end post. Ship via Fed Ex.


I had a great time. My crew kicked ass. I think we got a great short, even with out a script, mostly improv any way. We shot with two DVX's. Edited with AVID.
Lots of dolly shots, lots of micro-jib action!

The bad thing was that we over shot. Had to edit alot to make the 8 minutes. No worries though, we are making the "full" version for our selves, fests and such.

I can pretty easily say that I got the directing bug. Got to do it some more to see if I got what it takes to be good. I encourage everyone to try it at least once. The film challange was a great trial by fire.

If we get this thing on the net I will definatley post a link.

More than happy to give more details if anybody is curious.

Phil Gerke
 
Congrats on the finished film! You have now done what so MANY just talk about doing.

I encourage everyone to try it at least once.
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I agree. Directing on the set is the most fun I have had in a hell of a long time!
 
Alright, well our short made it to the finals. Pretty exciting for me. If you guys want to check it out here is the top 15, "On Earth" is mine. Came together alright, though we did over shoot and making the 8 minute edit was tough. Tell me what you think, check the others too, there are some cool shorts.

http://filmchallenge.org/2005films/vote.php
 
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