tips for a first timer?

Re: tips for a first timer?

Don't forget that tape is cheap and it doesn't hurt to listen to an actor's suggestion.
Click to expand...

It doesn't hurt sometimes listening to your actors but some actors can be a pain in the ass! Especially the cocky ass ones. Some of them stink too!
 
Re: tips for a first timer?

My 2 centers,

When giving actors direction, don't be exacting. Be a bit broad so to give your actor breathing room to interpret some on their own. Some of the best performances come from the actor adding to the gentle molding of the director. We all collaborate with our DP's, editors, etc, so why not the talent?

Having said that, an ass is an ass, so if you can afford it, get rid of them!
 
Re: tips for a first timer?

Moreover - we don't work as well when we don't eat, both from a physical and psychological standpoint!  So it will improve your actor's and crew's efficiency if you FEED them!
 
Re: tips for a first timer?

[quote author=Mike_Donis link=board=Directing;num=1099684009;start=15#24 date=11/08/04 at 08:47:08]So it will improve your actor's and crew's efficiency if you feel them![/quote]
I don't know how Midnight Tranquility does movies. But everyone over here keeps their hands to themselves. ;)
 
Re: tips for a first timer?

No... we like to feel everyone... we feel it brings the production closer together... everyone, group hug!

:P
 
Re: tips for a first timer?

Low pay, no pay, deferred pay (no pay), yes at least feed them very well and don't forget craft services! A low budget ($250,000) film I worked on years ago served every dinner covered with "mystery" gravy.
Ultra low projects? Buy the food from the grocery and ask a mom, or sister or aunt or grandmother to cook.
 
Re: tips for a first timer?

Collaboration is the key, at least the image of collaboration. Take what everyone says and listen to it constructively, then take what you need from what they give you, but feel free to carry on with how you think it should be done. If you let them tell you their ideas, they will feel much more comfortable then if you outright tell them to shut up and let you shoot your own movie.
 
Re: tips for a first timer?

I agree with you sumosamuri, and if I may add...You as director should know the story and your interpretion of the characters very well, so that when someone else offers ideas and you disagree, you should be able to cite concrete reasons why you disagree and not pat answers such as, "It's my vision and I don't like it."
 
Re: tips for a first timer?

sojrn makes a good point that I had not heard mentioned yet. As a writer I should have thought of it myself. I subscribe to the notion that as the author of a piece, I should be able to explain everything that a character does. (I'm not saying I should have to explain to everyone, just be able to). If I cannot say definitively why a character is doing or saying something, then I haven't done a good enough job as a writer. SO if an actor comes to me with a different take on something which I disagree with, I should be able to clearly point out what the differences are between their POV and mine. That doesn't mean I won't go with theirs, but there should be a reason, based on my understanding of the plot and the characters.
 
tips for a first timer?

Hi guys,

My first time at dvxuser,
First, take a deep breath.
Im looking for something real scare...

lets c
 
Re: tips for a first timer?

As I understand, Director's job is BASICALLY ...not to direct the actors and personnel...in the first place. I think his main role IS to DIRECT ATTENTION.... to anything that will add to the effort of the whole team. So keep an eye on that aspect....and try to Direct Attention away from distractions and towards the main theme of your production.

a thought.
 
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