Making movies can be a fun thing to do with friends, or something you really want to do. Regardless, it's a process that takes a lot of time, between choosing a script, choosing actors and making a real film, but once you learn the basics, you can make a good one. Check out the first step to get started with the directing process.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Preparing for Filming
Step 1. Choose a script
A good script can make even a mediocre director look good, so choose wisely. You can also write your own script, if that's something you enjoy and you can afford. When you are writing, or choosing a script, there are a few things to look out for to help you choose the best script.
- Structure is the key to a good story. The three-act structure is a commonly used tool for scriptwriters to craft a good story. It works like this: set-up or initiation (Act 1), confrontation (Act 2), resolution (Act 3). The main turning point occurred at the end of Act 1 and Act 2.
- A good script shows rather than tells. You want your audience to guess what's going on based on the actors' gestures, what they're wearing, what they're doing, and how they pronounce the words. A very natural and visible scenario.
- Each scene must have a slug line, which tells whether the scene is being shot indoors (interior) or outdoors (exterior), whether it is done at night or during the day, and where it is located. (Example: INT. LIVING ROOM -- NIGHT.)
- When describing an action, you are describing the actual and actual action that is seen on the screen. For example, instead of saying “John came into the living room. He is angry that his girlfriend left him.” You should say “John came into the living room. He slammed the door in the back and hit the sofa."
Step 2. Create a storyboard or sequence of scenes for your script
Sequencing each scene is important so you know how best to orient each scene, what camera angle you want, what view you want to see. You don't have to stick to the sequence of scenes you'll be shooting, but it will give you a direction to get started.
- Things you can set include: what characters appear in each frame, how much time it takes between the current and previous frames, the camera angle in the frame (what kind of shot you want).
- The sequence of scenes doesn't have to be perfect. It just gives you the soul of the script and how it can be realized.
- Define your film style. A stoic film about a private detective in the 1920s would have a very different feel to a heartfelt comedy about the risks of parenthood. The best way to make your film fail is to change the style mid-scene, so that a heartwarming comedy suddenly becomes a tragedy without warning. This isn't to say that comedies can't have scenes that show tragedy, or vice versa, but that your film, especially if you're just starting out directing, should emphasize one style.
Step 3. Get financing for your film
You can't make a film without financing, especially if you want to get your film seen not only by your family. Filmmaking equipment costs money, you need props, locations, actors and technicians. Everything costs money.
If you want to make an indie film, you should still try to find a producer for your film, someone who knows film financing, find a filming location
Step 4. Select actors for each role
If you don't have the money, you'll probably pick your own, but otherwise it's a good idea to hire an actor selection director to do it. In general, the actor selection director has more access to determining the right actor for your film.
- You want people who have played in other films and understand how it works. Theatrical actors are not suitable for this, because acting in theater and acting in films are very different.
- There are some new actors that are not very expensive. What you are looking for is charisma and talent. This usually means not just picking your friend in the role (unless you're only directing movies for fun).
Step 5. Find locations, props and materials
Movies need a location (bedroom, living room, street, garden, and so on). You can sometimes take pictures at these locations for free and sometimes you have to pay for it. Instead, you'll need props, costumes, make-up, and shooting materials (microphone, camera, and so on).
- If you have a producer, this is what they will do. Make sure that you have everything you need and permission to take pictures at a specific location. Otherwise, you will do it alone.
- If you really have very limited funds, talk to friends and family. You may know someone who is very good at make-up to be a makeup artist, or maybe your aunt has a collection of clothes.
Step 6. Plan accordingly
If you don't have a clear vision and plan for how your film will go, what kind of film you want it to be, it will be a difficult filmmaking process. You need a specific setup and you need to know all the things that need to be done to make the filming process a success.
- Make a list of shots. It's basically an ordered list of all the movie scenes describing framing, focal length, camera movement, and things to keep in mind (perhaps concerns in filming). You can also do this with a storyboard or sequence of scenes, whatever is convenient for you.
- Make a more detailed script. It's basically a process where you identify every single thing needed to shoot, including locations, props, effects, and so on. This will be easier if you have a producer to help you do it.
- Technical review with all your technicians. This means going over filming locations and every single shot with a technician so everyone knows exactly what to expect in each shot. You can discuss possible problems (things like specific lighting, sound issues, and so on).
Step 7. Set a shooting schedule
If you can get a good assistant director, you'll want one. They're the ones who will yell at the actors when needed and do things like record every technical review, and schedule all shooting.
Shooting schedule settings basically set the schedule when shooting will be broadcast. It's almost never in the chronology of filming, but usually has more to do with lighting or camera settings
Method 2 of 4: Working with Actors
Step 1. Study the script before shooting
This seems like a very obvious step, but it is very important. When you're doing actual filmmaking, you want the actors to be comfortable with what they can and can't do.
- Start by reading the script together, where you and your actors sit and study each scene. They will feel more comfortable with words and with you and with others, which will make filming a lot easier.
- In fact, talented actors don't need a lot of practice before shooting and it's best not to over-rehearse high emotional scenes so they will look natural when shot in real life, but only if you're working with well-known and talented actors, so that if you're working with new actors, it's a good idea to study the script before shooting.
Step 2. Make sure the actors have learned their roles
Actors cannot give a stunning performance without knowing the ins and outs of the script. You don't want them to suddenly show up on shoot day without learning their role. This is why practice is so important.
Step 3. Describe the conversation in each scene
This means what is in the scene based on the dialogue. It will also tell your actors what characters they play in the scene and in the film, which will determine how you direct them.
- More or less how their acting in the film. What you want from your actors is a strong presence even when they're not doing anything. An actor can show his character without doing much.
- For example: John, the grumpy protagonist above, will play different roles based on whether he hates his girlfriend who left him, or if he is still in love with his girlfriend (or both).
Step 4. Be calm, focused, and clear
Angry cliches, director's screams are just clichés. As the director, you are in charge (if you don't have a producer) which means that everyone will be looking to you for calm and clear direction.
- This is the reason why detailed sequences and scripts are so important. You can refer them back to each scene and to show your vision to anyone who works for you.
- Remember that movies are made by the contributions of many different people, even if directors and actors get more awards. It's better that you don't act like your most important self, when you are discussing with your actors and film crew.
Step 5. Give specific instructions
This is for actors. If you're explaining the conversation to your actors and your vision for the film, it shouldn't be a problem for them to do what they did in their scene, but it's important that you provide specific instructions, even instructions like “try playing the role again with faster."
- Take the tape over and over again. On your shot list, write down the important things you want your actor to do. Your clearer and more detailed feedback and requests will make it easier for actors and film crews to follow your vision.
- Give negative or detailed feedback to the actor personally. You can even do it when other people are around, as long as only the actor receiving the feedback hears it. This is a way not to corner other people.
- Make sure to give positive feedback. Actors love to know that their performance is appreciated and that they are doing the right thing. Make sure you let them know, even if it's just a small thing like “I really enjoyed what you did in the last scene; let's try it like when we shot the scene."
- Sometimes, if you have good actors, it's good to let them do what they think without giving a lot of direction. While this may not always go according to your plans, scenes and movies have the possibility to get new directions.
Method 3 of 4: Taking Pictures
Step 1. Know the different types of shooting and camera angles
When you're directing, you need to know the different shooting positions and the different cameras and camera movements so you know how to shoot each scene and what you should try to achieve each scene. The different positions and types of shots taken change the view of the scene.
- Framing (or long shot): extreme long shot (usually an initial shot, from a mile away), long shot (this is a "life" shot that deals with the distance between the audience and the screen in a cinema; it focuses on the characters and setting background), medium shot (this is usually used for dialogue scenes or to see certain action more clearly and usually consists of 2/3 of the character from the waist up), close up (this shot concentrates on a face or object with a faint background, usually used to get into the mind of a character), extreme close up (usually focusing on specific details such as the mouth or eyes, usually used for some dramatic effect).
- The camera angle defines the relationship between the camera and whatever you want to shoot and provides emotional information to the viewer about the object or character in the image. Bird's eye view (showing a scene that is directed from above, placing the viewer in a God-like position, and making normal things look recognizable), high angle or high angle (this requires a camera that uses a crane and gives an idea of what is happening). occurs), eye level (this is a more normal angle with the camera acting as someone else viewing the scene), low angle or low angle (tends to make the viewer feel helpless, or confused and staring at an object can inspire fear or disorientation).), slanted angles (used mostly in horror films, this shot inspires feelings of imbalance, transition, and instability).
- Camera movement makes the action appear slower than fast cuts, but it can also give a more “real” effect. Pans (view the scene horizontally), tilts (view the scene vertically), dolly shots (also known as tracking/trucking shots, where the camera follows the action of a moving vehicle), hand-held shots (Steadicam cameras make hand-held shots appear not intermittent, while still looking close and real), crane shots (this is more or less the same as a dolly shot in the air), magnifying lens (this changes the magnification of the image, changing the position of the viewer slower or faster), aerial shots (taking pictures the same as a crane shot, but taken from a helicopter and usually used for shooting at the beginning of the film).
Step 2. Come when called
This is basically the time when the crew organizes everything. If you have an assistant director, you don't have to be there, but it's a good idea to show it off. You can start thinking about shooting that day and consider how best to do it and whether you need to change anything else.
Step 3. Practice shooting
Before you start shooting and while the field crew is setting up equipment, train the actors and decide what they should do with the camera (where they should stand, what type of shot you should use, how they should pronounce the script).
Experiment with the viewfinder or camera set to test how it works from shooting from different angles. At this point, you may want to modify and redefine some scenes and shots to get the scene you want
Step 4. Set up the shot
For every shot, you need to know the focal length, camera placement, actor markings (where they should stand, etc.), regarding the lens used and camera movement. You will arrange the shooting, using all the different considerations, with your cinematographer.
Now depending on what kind of director's style you have and your cinematographer's style (you may be the only person making the decisions in shooting), you will need to provide a lot or little direction. Discuss with them about lighting and how the camera works until shooting is ready to take place
Step 5. Take a picture
Filming doesn't take long and these are usually short scenes shot. You walk along with the scene, using camera movement, and placement, and so on that you're ready to do with your cinematographer. When you lay him off, you're ready to see how it goes.
Step 6. Review the shot
Reviewing the shot from the monitor let you consider how to make the scene better, how to make the scene fit your original idea. Then, you'll repeat the scene until it's to your liking.
This is very different from reviewing the corrections room later. There, you have the time, clarity, and perspective to see every single thing you can do to make the scene better
Method 4 of 4: Finishing the Movie
Step 1. Perform film corrections
What you're trying to do at this stage is lay out all the edits to the film smoothly, smoothly, and coherently. As a general rule you want to cut the action, so that not much of the action is boring for the audience. This means that you cut from scene to scene to show (like John opening the living room door). You'll combine the scene with the first part regarding John's movement in the far shot and the second part in the closer shot.
- Cropping motion across frames is an open shot. For example, a medium shot of two men talking, one of the men moving and clearly showing his evil face.
- Cuts the empty frame, where the subject comes. For example, it is often used when someone gets out of a car, where you only see the feet. The legs move into the empty frame.
- Remember, when you crop, it takes 2 frames of film (equivalent to 1/12th of a second) for your viewer's eyes to move from one side of the screen to the other.
Step 2. Create a musical composition
For the soundtrack, you want to make sure that it works with the film. This is no worse than a score that doesn't match the tone and appearance of the film. When you discuss musical composition with your songwriter, talk about things like musical style, instruments, music speed, musical signature, and so on. Songwriters need to know your vision in filmmaking in order to create the right score.
- Listen to the demo the songwriter gave you, so you can see how the song came in and ended, and where changes needed to be made.
- Nowadays, if you're creating your own music, you need to make sure that you're not stealing other people's music copyrights for your movies, because you're going to get in trouble. You have plenty of time to find a cheap songwriter in your city. It's probably not going to hit a professional level (but then, your movie isn't great either), but it can still make good sound.
- There is a difference between soundtrack and score. A soundtrack is pre-recorded music that matches the scene or piece of content, rhythm, and mood. Score is music that specifically accompanies certain images or motifs in a film (such as the “deceptive theme” in “conversation”).
Step 3. Add the sound mix
This means ensuring that the soundtrack fits the film. This also means removing and adding sounds that need to be added, or adding sounds that already exist. You can change the sound that shouldn't be there (like airplane noise) or change the sound that should be there.
- Diegetic sound means that sound is created by what the viewer can see in the image. While this will usually be picked up when you're shooting, it's usually added later, such as adding ambient (outdoor) and indoor (indoor) sounds to mask sounds like airplane noises, but not to muffle the noise.
- Non-diegetic sound means sound that comes from outside the image, such as scores.
Step 4. Show your movie
Now that you've made your movie and checked it out and added different sounds, you're ready to show it off. Sometimes this means getting some friends and family together and showing off the fruits of your hard work, but you can also find other avenues, especially if this is something that is very important to you.
- Many cities and states have film festivals you can participate in. Based on the quality of the film, your film may win, but at least a larger audience than your family and friends will see it.
- If you have a producer, this is what they usually do and you usually won't get the green light to run your project if there is no distribution scheduled after the film is finished.
Tips
- If you are really serious about becoming a director, you should study the films you like to see how they are made, and how the actors are directed in films. You should read film scripts and books such as Grammar of Film Language.
- When you correct an actor's actions, be firm but not judgmental. You need your actors to respect you.
- Taking acting classes is a great way for directors to learn the ins and outs of being an actor and will make it easier to direct them, because you know the methods and terminology they use.
Warning
- If your actors aren't comfortable with you, you're not going to have a good experience or a good movie.
- You're not going to make some Blockbusters the first time you're directing a film. If you're serious (and not just having fun!) you'll have to work hard, and maybe go to film school.
