As a SEQUEL to 10 SIMPLE RULES FOR MAKING MOVIES,
here are 10 HELPFUL HINTS FOR DIRECTORS. I admit
I am often too anxious to remember them, myself.
here are 10 HELPFUL HINTS FOR DIRECTORS. I admit
I am often too anxious to remember them, myself.
1.EVERY SHOT IS OPENING NIGHT
In the theatre you have months to rehearse. On set you have minutes. If something goes wrong, you can’t put a sign on the screen that says, “it wasn’t my fault.”
In the theatre you have months to rehearse. On set you have minutes. If something goes wrong, you can’t put a sign on the screen that says, “it wasn’t my fault.”
2.THE PERFECT IS THE ENEMY OF THE GOOD
On Tuesday you fall behind and settle. On Wednesday you forget a shot. Friday you lose the light and cut a move. Multiply those 3 compromises times 8 weeks of shooting. That’s 24 moments in the finished film you’ll cringe.
On Tuesday you fall behind and settle. On Wednesday you forget a shot. Friday you lose the light and cut a move. Multiply those 3 compromises times 8 weeks of shooting. That’s 24 moments in the finished film you’ll cringe.
3.THE SET IS A SHIP AT SEA
Everyone is a master. The key grip is a navigator. The gaffer sets the sails. The 1st AD is Chief Mate. And in the prow is a man with a long beard howling, “I know the way! Follow me!” The truth is he’s only guessing. But someone has to say it.
Everyone is a master. The key grip is a navigator. The gaffer sets the sails. The 1st AD is Chief Mate. And in the prow is a man with a long beard howling, “I know the way! Follow me!” The truth is he’s only guessing. But someone has to say it.
4.IT’S YOUR PARTY. BE A GOOD HOST
Learn everybody’s name. Say “please” and “thank you.” Make it feel like a democracy even though it isn’t. The sneaky truth is, you want what you want because you want it.
Learn everybody’s name. Say “please” and “thank you.” Make it feel like a democracy even though it isn’t. The sneaky truth is, you want what you want because you want it.
5.WHEN IN DOUBT, TAKE A NAP
In your chair. In the back of the prop truck. In your trailer. Get enough sleep. Wear good shoes and change your socks at lunch. Stay away from the crap at craft service. And drink lots of water. What can I say? Your mom was right.
In your chair. In the back of the prop truck. In your trailer. Get enough sleep. Wear good shoes and change your socks at lunch. Stay away from the crap at craft service. And drink lots of water. What can I say? Your mom was right.
6.FALL IN LOVE WITH THE ACTORS
But don’t mistake it as being real. Transfer your fascination with them to the screen. And don’t sleep with them though they are beautiful, magical creatures. If it does happen, don’t expect it to last past wrap. You’ll soon be recast.
But don’t mistake it as being real. Transfer your fascination with them to the screen. And don’t sleep with them though they are beautiful, magical creatures. If it does happen, don’t expect it to last past wrap. You’ll soon be recast.
7.FILM PEOPLE ARE, BY NATURE, PROMISCUOUS
On every project you’ll have 100 intense, passionate relationships with men, women, children and dogs. Even better, it’s all guaranteed to end in 10 weeks.
On every project you’ll have 100 intense, passionate relationships with men, women, children and dogs. Even better, it’s all guaranteed to end in 10 weeks.
8.EVERY DIRECTOR CAN BE AN “ACTORS’ DIRECTOR”
Just do whatever it takes. Be a therapist. A flirt. A scourge. A teacher. A parent. Listen. Scold. Cajole. Empathize. Manipulate. That scene only has to be done right once. In frame. And in focus.
Just do whatever it takes. Be a therapist. A flirt. A scourge. A teacher. A parent. Listen. Scold. Cajole. Empathize. Manipulate. That scene only has to be done right once. In frame. And in focus.
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