This post is about how to direct actors, cinematographers and other crew members on your movie.
How to direct actors
1. The key with directing actors is to tell them what is really happening in the scene over and above the dialogue itself. This is known as subtext. Jane tells John that she hates him, but what is she really saying? Does she actually hate him or does she in fact love him? The character’s true intentions will make a difference to how you direct the actor. If Jane actually does hate John, you will direct her one way; conversely, if she loves him despite the fact that she says she hates him, you will direct her another way. Subtext is absolutely vital in movie making, but it is not a complicated concept: subtext is simply what a character really means, which is not always the same as what the character says.
2. Anthony Hopkins is absolutely right in his interview in the DVD of “Hannibal”: if you hire truly competent actors, directing actors often comes down to saying “faster” or “slower.” I have had the privilege of directing some seriously talented actors and I can confirm this is true.
3. Sometimes even with talented actors they are not entirely clear on what the director wants and consequently their performance goes in entirely the wrong direction, making it necessary to do some heavy-duty directing. This is perfectly fine and most actors LOVE to be directed by someone who knows what he’s doing, but there is one important warning you must bear in mind: never correct an actor’s performance loudly in front of other actors and crew members. If all you have to say is “do it again a bit slower,” there is no problem, but if the actor is really getting it wrong and you need to give detailed direction, get close to the actor, do it with a low tone of voice so that no one can overhear, and always be polite and positive. Some actors are sensitive and might feel humiliated if given notes in public, even if you did not mean to be rude. Being hot-tempered with anyone on a film set is NOT cool. Treat everyone in a polite, low-key way and they will go to the ends of the Earth for you. That is real leadership!
How to direct the cinematographer
How you direct your cinematographer really depends on how involved you are with camerawork. My camera directions are very detailed. I block the shot with the actors, choose the focal length, decide camera placement and set up any camera movement I want. I then simply tell the cinematographer what I want. I work with a cinematographer who loves my methods – you should find one who feels the same about you. The same caveat mentioned above applies to the cinematographer: if you have to give notes on lighting or anything else, do it in a low-key way, without making a scene.
How to direct the music composer
As a filmmaker, you have the right and duty to direct the music composer on all of the following aspects:
- style
- instrumentation
- speed
- where each music cue starts and stops
- anything else you want.
This may sound very detailed, and it is, but a real music composer EXPECTS the director to express these opinions.
How to direct: general principles
1. Know exactly what you want. This needs a lot of preparation!
2. Be polite and low-key with everyone — it is worth repeating.
3. Know every aspect of the project inside out: camerawork, design, overall tone — absolutely everything.
4. Directors are leaders. Believe it or not, actors and crew members LOVE directors who have a clear vision and communicate it clearly. They want to be directed, so do your homework and direct!
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