Video School / Lessons
Directing 101
It's sometimes strange to think that such major motion classics as Titanic, or Parent Trap (duh, the one with two Lindsay Lohans), or Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan were actually directed by real, human people. The job seems far too hard, right? How could one person manage to direct such true works of cinematic genius?
Well, if you asked our friend Experienced Directorson, he'd wink his crossed, lazy eye right at you, sit you down, and teach you a very important lesson about directing — check it out right here:
It may seem daunting to undertake your first directing project. There are so many details to keep track of, so many notes to give, and it seems like there's a ton of stress and pressure! This may be true to a certain extent, but Experienced Directorson definitely teaches us the way to keep the process manageable, successful, and super fun. Let's review:
BE PREPARED
It's important to go into your production knowing fully what you're talking about. Really invest yourself in the script and know it from front to back. By knowing your screenplay and storyboards really well, you know all of your shots, which leads to better time management and more successful planning of the actual shoot. It totally pays off to put your whole brain into the process and prepare yourself for every twist and turn!
Don't forget to storyboard your film before going into production. A shot list is also a great idea!
HAVE A VISION
You've got to not only know, but really believe, in your vision for the film. It helps to have an idea of the aesthetic that you're going for. Understanding and embracing your vision helps both you and everyone else involved in the production. If you need inspiration watch movies, a lot of movies. Trust us, the whole process is much easier and way more fun if everyone knows what you want and how to accomplish it!
Matt puts his acting skills to the test, but it all falls in line with Dan's ultimate vision for his masterpiece, 'Armageddon: Again & Again.'
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/dentonfracking/20141022173003im_/http://a.vimeocdn.com/si/videoschool/direct101-full%20crewnew.png)
It's difficult to determine the line between being too friendly and being too stern or a total jerk on set, but it's important to find a balance with your crew. You'll want to be firm in your vision and your direction, but you also want to be respectful and open to collaboration with others.
KNOW YOUR TERMINOLOGY
To be able to really command a set (in a total cool-but-nice-guy way), the proper terminology is a must! You should know all the basics to direct your actors (Action! Cut!) as well as your shot composition terms to communicate with the cinematographer (two shot, close-up, wide shot, etc).
GET OUT THERE AND BE A PRO!
Ok, did you get all that? Yes? Great. Because now you're a directing pro! Don't forget what it's like to be on the other side of the camera as an actor-- Experienced Actorson can refresh your memory!
Check out the other episodes in this series:
- Category:
- Behind The Scenes
- Do It Yourself
- Shooting
- Difficulty:
- Beginner
Lesson Summary
Being a director is no simple task, but with a bit of expert advice you'll be donning a beret and yelling action in no time.
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38 Comments
Adam Wayne Gistarb
I would love to work with all of you.
Katie Armstrong Staff
We'd love to work with you, too! Check out our jobs page to see what we're lookin' for right now: vimeo.com/jobs
Shiply PRO
Great jobs for great people :)
Tom Jeffery
This is really helpful! Thanks Guys :)
Brent Hankins
Thank you!
CuatroManos Plus
;-)
Han Tong-Yup (한동엽/Tim Han) Plus
I loved this. Very informative and to the point without going in depth with HOW to be a director but rather letting us know what to expect.
Holly Winter
I want to see the movie he was directing now! :)
Matt Schwarz Staff
It's a straight to betamax masterpiece.
Angeline Gragasin Plus
This is so great. Who was the inspiration for Directorson? Orson Welles?
Matt Schwarz Staff
Josh is a big Dom Deluise fan
Daniel Hayek Staff
Deluise in "Blazing Saddles" more specifically.
Cubrick2001 - Angelino
Great advices. Directing has such a vast diversity of work and aspects....
Mr.Evil-studio
really i love it this video
thank you guys u a amazing
Jubair Khan
I want to meet Experienced Gafferson :D
Colin Pattison PRO
That was brilliantly done :-)
Gilda Diaz_www.yafilms.net
Warm and cheesy, just how I love it. thanks for the video.
John Saba
Vimeo Generic Video Show Title Open & Close
Mustafa
Seriously you guys are a bunch of super awesome people, amazing stuff guys.
Wish you guys can ever visit Pakistan :)
Hussain AlMarkhi
T hats really awesome I like how they explain every thing Awesome thanks
Joel Medrano Sánchez
Es un vídeo genial... Ya creo tener mas conocimiento para seguir dirigiendo mas de mis videoclips... #It'sFantastic
Detroit Red
Right on! Your crew will mirror your emotional state. Enjoy the journey.
Aaron C. Smith
That was spot on, especially about the energy that you put into your script. The director is probably the most influential person on set and everyone will feed off of his or her energy. Be respectful to the craft and crew and actors. That was a bulls-eye! well done!
CSM Films Plus
How about addressing what to do when others fail you on set? Prop guy lies to you and doesn't have the props he promised day of, actors flake/develop attitude problems etc.
Zoe Port
Thanks! It's awesome!
Eugene312
)
MrEd
Those are great pointers. Thanks.
Doby
Wasted 2 years in Film School when this would have sufficed. Good job. Vimeo lookin' good these days.
Gorio Vicuna Plus
lol!
Michael Stern
You forgot the part where you must take an acting class to learn how to talk to your actors and get performances.
daniel jackson
These videos are really helpful guys, can't believe i waited so long to join Vimeo
biz-casj. Plus
I absolutely love this actor playing Experienced Directorson. Is he a professional actor? Really fun video.
pro.ses
like
Juan Giovanni
this is great. However if the producer/director runs out of money and the cast need to get pay, you got trouble. And no amount of enthusiasm and encouragements are going to help
Jack Mouslim
Digging the Directorson/Actorson skills. Put on some more with him!!!!
Cream Soda Films Plus
That Directorson character is hilarious. Well done.
Mallorca Today TV PRO
My new client just asked me where i learnt to direct? i told him the school of Vimeo uni and forwarded the link!!! Strange, No reply as yet............ must have gone to lunch!
steve
gamecrammer.com