1. CHAPTER 10
DIRECTING

2. CHAPTER OBJECTIVES Review Directorial Style Choices;
Examine the Elements of directing;
Foster an understanding of the Actor’s Process;
Survey Strategies for working effectively with the Cast and Crew.

3. THE DIRECTOR The Boss on the set
Ultimate authority for All Creative Dimensions
Accountable to the Producer and Investors

4. DIRECTORIAL STYLE
Some directors are People Oriented, concentrating on crew and actors
Others Technology-centered, see filmmaking as a Technical Craft
Some Highly Structured, others Loose In Their Style
Some Micro-manage, others Global In Their Thinking
There is NOT a Single Correct Way to direct video projects

5. THE ELEMENTS OF DIRECTING
Coordination
First Assistant Director makes sure everything is in place
Second Assistant Director is often charged with managing the actors
Well-defined chain of command

6. THE ELEMENTS OF DIRECTING
Interpretation
Translates script into Images and Sounds
Subtext
“What is really going on BEHIND the lines of dialog?”

7. THE ELEMENTS OF DIRECTING
Evoking Performance
Shaping the actors’ Behavior

8. UNDERSTANDING THE ACTOR’S PROCESS
An Actor Wants to Know:
(1) Who am I?
(2) What do I want?
(3) How do I get what I want?
Characters Have OBJECTIVES

9. UNDERSTANDING THE ACTOR’S PROCESS
Method Acting
Lee Strasburg: sense memory
Stella Adler: imagination and imaginative circumstances
Sanford Meisner: focus on reacting; taking the emphasis off of self
Have a Conversation With Your Actors to UNDERSTAND THEIR METHODS

10. DIRECTING ACTORS Be Process-oriented rather than result-oriented
Tell the actors about the Journey Through Each Scene
Never read an actor’s lines for him or her

11. THE PRODUCTION PROCESS FOR THE DIRECTOR
Casting
Rehearsals
On the Set

12. THE PRODUCTION PROCESS FOR THE DIRECTOR
Start EARLY and to allow ample time for Set-up
Only summon the People Needed
On-set Rehearsal begins with the Director and Actors Working ALONE
The Rest of the Crew is called back for a Technical Rehearsal

13. THE PRODUCTION PROCESS FOR THE DIRECTOR
Study the Actor’s Performance
Make sure you have it Covered
Reference your Storyboards and shot list
Spot-check the material in Playback
Be aware of Time Management

14. COLLABORATING WITH THE CAST AND CREW
Clear and Effective interpersonal communication
Must execute complicated tasks Simultaneously
The director is always Fielding Questions
The director must be a Psychologist
Respect the contribution and input of EVERY Member in the Cast and Crew

15. BECOMING A DIRECTOR Apprenticeship Lateral Entry
Independent Filmmaking

16. SAMPLE EXERCISES
1. Select a scene from a script. Apply your Interpretation, cast Actors for the roles, and direct the scene Without Production Equipment. Concentrate on evoking an Effective Performance.
2. Volunteer to be an actor in One of your Friend’s Projects. One of the best ways to become an effective director is to understand the Experience of the Actor.
3. Write a scene that includes dialogue between Two Characters. Include Character Objectives and Obstacles in your scene. Produce the scene on Video. Strive to make your scene professional In Every Respect.
Copyright 2008 Taylor and Francis