Directions: Extra Research

Directions: Extra Research:

In this blog post I will be compileing all the tips on directing I have picked up, and any useful information I learned from my extra research on directing.

What I learned From Steeve Finn And Farren Blackburn:

• Be adaptable to your situation, as a director you are often thrown in at the deep end and must adapt to your setting and situation. 
• Always record a buzztrack, that way if you dont get any other audio from your location or are rushed to find apropriate sound design, you always have something to use.
• Make sure you have a master shot that is the best you can be,on the off chance your cuts don't fit with the continuity you have one shot that contains the whole of your scene and is garanteed to have captured the majority of important details of your sene.
• Be consistant, if you choose to use handheld cameras, use moslty hand held shots, if you go static, stick to mostly static shots as it will create a consistant atmosphere. 
• Ensure your actors look the part and are dressed for the period your film is set in. Ensure your scene is set and dressed to match the period as well, and has at least a few props for the actors to work with so that it appears natural.
• However the performance of a character is what makes a film even if they don't look the part, as long as they can act the part that's ok.
• Ensure you have enough coveradge, nothing is worse than getting to the edit stage and realising you don't have as many shots as you would like/need.

 Blocking A Scene As A Director:

As I director it is important for you to give your actors as much direction as possible. Below is a link to a youtube video I looked at closely to see how Hitchcock Blocked his scenes to create a balance of power between characters.

This is a prime example of how you can use the space around you to direct your actors and form a scene of conflict with effective drama and atmosphere. Bellow is another example of how you can direct actors to create a completly different atmosphere. This one is an example of how you can use static camera shots and rely only on the blocking of actors, on multiple levels.

Other Diecting Notes

There are a few other notes I picked up from my further researh on directing that I feel will be a big help when producing my film. 

• Be open to new ideas, having a shot list is great but when you get on set actors and crew members might have their own suggestions. You may also find that when looking at the location through a lense you get bursts of inspiration. It is important to follow theese as it can help you adapt to your situation and produce  a more individual style.

• Build up a character profile and have plenty of reference images. this way when you get on set your actors and crew know exactly the look you are going for and can work closer to your vision.

• Explain ypur thought proccesse. In order to get the best performance from your actors and crew be sure to explain the meanings behind why you are asking them  to do certain things.

• Use your time wisely. You may have a tight schedual (which is why plans and shot lists are important) or your time at a location may be limited. Which is why you should repeat the scene several times and walk through it with your crew before you start filming so that you get the most out of your time.

• Studdy other directors styles before you embark on a project. this way you can be sure that your shot choice and your sound design lighting etc. can be reminicant of well know films and tecniques. this way the audience can understand whats going on and you can develop your own style as you go (which is why I looked at both Hitchcock and Von Trier).

• Apply the theories you have learned as if you follow the rules your audience are garanteed to understand whats going on, especially if you are filming a particular genre e.g. thriller, horror etc.

• Know your scenes inside out so that your creative vission is clear and once you get on set you know exactly the shots you wnat, exactly where your characters will be and where things are going to be (so that you can anticipate what you will nmeeed to do on a technical basis as well as physical).

 Referances 

http://www.indiewire.com/2014/11/attention-filmmakers-heres-12-tips-for-directing-your-first-feature-film-68413/

http://nofilmschool.com/2015/04/15-tips-becoming-better-director

http://actioncutprint.com/film-directing-tips/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_lleudQE4g

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QCZOmEZh_p4