how to co-direct?

A

astigmatic

Well-known member
any advice on co-directing. For example the Wachowski bros.. anyone have links to interviews on how they go about this sort of collaboration? I have a project coming up that I want to co-direct with someone. We get along well and wrote the script together, so I think it can work..

thanks!

 
I would just go for it. Work side by side, collaborate, ask him what he thinks about this, etc. I think it's like directing solo in that it is what you make it.
 
I know some successful student pairs at my school, often one is more technical he should prep the shot and crew, and the one who knows the script the best should direct the actors. I know that has worked for some.
 
I would buy a roll of duct tape and a gag. This would bring about needed harmony and one voice in those difficult times of indecision. ;)

Actually the best way to co-direct is to either have one do one scene or sequence, and then the other person do the other scene/sequnce, or, spend a lot of time talking and finding agreement of everything: the sets, blocking, acting, pacing, you name it. Then when you're on set most all decisions have already been agreed upon. And, the other suggestions above are good also!
 
good tips thanks! My main concern would be if the actors can cope with being directed by 2 different people. Splitting the scenes or sequences up does make sense in this regard. Hmm, I guess I should also hit the actors forums section on this point..
 
10s said:
Actually the best way to co-direct is to either have one do one scene or sequence, and then the other person do the other scene/sequnce,
Click to expand...
Good point! For example, one director is working with protagonist, other with antagonist.
 
Like 10s said I would just go through everything with your co-director before getting on set this way you guys are both on the same page and not bumping heads in front to the cast and crew..... also make a rule that if there is a disagreement on set to take it away from the crew and actors and step outside to discuss it. the last thing you want is your cast and crew thinking you guys don't know what your doing or are just unorganized. Stuff like that will discourage others from doing their best.
 
My school of thought is that narrative filmmaking is best when the only decision to be made on set is if the take was good. If you have a directing team, they should both agree the take was good, and then move on to the next shot. Power struggles need not occcur if the preproduction is fully complete, as the creative decisions have all been made. As long as both directors are making the same film, and each has their own strengths - collaboration can be quite fruitful. This preparation will make for a faster cheaper shoot as well.
Of course, if the two directors are not on the same page- a film can be pulled apart twice as fast.
 
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