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. 
1.EVERY SHOT IS OPENING NIGHT
In 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 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. On Wednesday you forget a shot. Friday you lose the light. Multiply this times 8 weeks. That’s 24 moments in the finished film you’ll cringe.
On Tuesday you fall behind. On Wednesday you forget a shot. Friday you lose the light. Multiply this times 8 weeks. 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 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 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 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 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. Wear good shoes and change your socks at lunch. Stay away from 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. Wear good shoes and change your socks at lunch. Stay away from 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 happens, 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 happens, 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”
Do whatever it takes. Be a therapist. A flirt. A scourge. A teacher. A parent. Listen. Scold. Cajole. Empathize. The scene only has to be done right once. In frame. And in focus.
Do whatever it takes. Be a therapist. A flirt. A scourge. A teacher. A parent. Listen. Scold. Cajole. Empathize. The scene only has to be done right once. In frame. And in focus.
9.BE MERCILESS TO THE SCRIPT
Even if you’ve written it yourself. Great actors will inevitably tell you there are too many words/ Or simply, “I can act this.” Their stomach brains are remarkable.
Even if you’ve written it yourself. Great actors will inevitably tell you there are too many words/ Or simply, “I can act this.” Their stomach brains are remarkable.
10.IT’S POSSIBLE TO MAKE A BAD MOVIE FROM A GOOD SCRIPT
But impossible to make a good movie from a bad script. Hitchcock claimed three things make a great movie: a great script, a great script, and a great script.
But impossible to make a good movie from a bad script. Hitchcock claimed three things make a great movie: a great script, a great script, and a great script.
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