Part II - 10 Lessons to make your first film a huge success #4
10 Lessons I Learned as a First Time Film Director
Are you a first-time film director? This episode is for you. Being a first time director is not walk in the park. It calls for a lot of work and resilience. It’s tempting to throw in the towel, but you need to keep at it. To ease your journey, I would love to share with you ten lessons that I have learned from my career as a film producer.
[00:11-01:36] You need to interview everybody you bring into the team: It is essential to know the people you are going to work with. Make sure the people can see your vision and understand that it’d your story. It is best if you can do it in person.
[01:40-04:10] Keep your emails organized: I know it sounds a little weird, and a lot of people undervalue it. Keeping your emails organized not only makes things easier but also saves time. Have folders and subfolders for your project.
[04:25-05:29] Put all your notes, storyboard, illustrations, acting notes, plot lines, through lines, contracts, screenshots, and every single thing that pertains to your film in a notebook: Anytime I had a question about how I wanted to shoot a scene, how I wanted to direct an actor, how I wanted the actor to act in the scene, what the intention was of the actor in the scene. I had it all in a notebook. Having a notebook relieves a tremendous amount of stress for you, so you don’t have to worry about where everything is at, and it allows you to be confident on set because you have all your info information with you.
[05:30- 07:02] Always bring with you a ton of energy: Always come on set excited and thrilled even though things are not going as plans. Greet everyone set, and make sure you thank everyone after the shoot. Treat everyone with respect, and if your budget allows, you can buy your crew a beer. It gives you a chance to bond as a team.
[07:04-08:42]Get as many puncheons as possible: Shoot people’s hands and legs, and if you see something interesting and your gut tells you to shoot, please go ahead and shoot. You never know when you need them.
[08:41-11:00] Direct with kindness: Be kind, it is always possible. Give directions privately, and call the crew to action without yelling. When you address your actors personally, it helps them feel relaxed, and it makes your film appreciated.
[11:10-12:29] Improvisation: When your actors are struggling in a scene, tell them to improvise something. Use improv when you feel like you’re stuck as director.
[12:35-13:55] Be ready for sleepless nights, especially during preproduction: Shooting a film is hard work. Sometimes you’ll feel overwhelmed, and other times you’ll be too stressed up to sleep. Throughout the process of making the film, remain grateful that you have the opportunity to produce the film.
[13:42-14:37]Be grateful: Every night before you go to sleep, tell yourself how grateful your project is going well. Hypnotize yourself and focus on how you want your film to be.
[14:38-14:42] Read, research, prepare yourself, and you’ll make it happen.
All the best!