Creating a Short Film: 05 Directing

Learn about being a great film director, from directing actors and crew to planning and capturing great shots. Get tips to become a better director, storyteller, and communicator.

Introduction

• About this training series
• What does a director do?
• What kind of a director are you?
• The Assurance

1. Preparing for Production

• Choosing your crew
• Interpreting the script
• Creating a visual style
• Scouting locations

2. Themes and Tone

• Choosing the tone of the film
• Controlling the tone
• Using themes
• The theme of gender in The Assurance
• Using motifs
• About the blur motif

3. Shaping the Story

• Killing darlings
• Cutting to add clarity
• Adding tension
• Showing, not telling
• Using dramatic and situational irony

4. Running the Set

• Being a good leader
• Sticking to your vision
• Throwing away your vision
• Knowing when to reset
• Respecting budgets and schedules
• Shielding yourself with your AD
• Wearing multiple hats

5. Planning Shots in a Scene

• Understanding the scene
• Planning the shots

6. Getting the Shot

• Getting coverage
• Maintaining continuity
• Telling stories with a camera
• Moving the camera: On a tripod
• Moving the camera: Pushing in
• Moving the camera: Pulling back
• Moving the camera: Handheld shots
• Moving the camera: Tracking shots
• Cheating and stealing shots
• Utilizing rolling takes
• Breaking the "fourth wall"
• Fixing it in post

7. Improving the Shot

• Improving takes
• Using extras
• Framing the shot
• Adding atmospherics
• Using the power of suggestion

8. Directing in Post-Production

• Directing the edit
• Directing VFX shots
• Directing audio choices

Conclusion

• Becoming a better director
• Directing resources
• Previewing the next course
• Final thoughts