Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 4: Preparing for Filming
• Method 2 of 4: Working with actors
• Method 3 of 4: Filming
• Method 4 of 4: Shutting Down
• Tips
• Warnings

You can make films for fun and in earnest. In any case, making a film is a lengthy process that includes script selection, casting and filming, but if you know the basics of each of these stages, it will be easier for you. In this article, you will learn how to direct the filming process.

Steps

Method 1 of 4: Preparing for Filming

1. 1 Select a scenario. A good script can make even a mediocre director shine, so take your script seriously. If you enjoy writing scripts yourself and you know how to do it, try writing the script yourself. When choosing and writing a script, it is important to pay attention to some key points:
   • Structure is the foundation of a good script. As a rule, directors use a three-stage structure: an outset (stage 1), a conflict (stage 2), and a denouement (stage 3). The main events take place in the first and second parts.
   • A good script shows, it doesn't explain.Your viewers will need to understand what is happening by the gestures, clothing, actions of the actors, as well as the way they deliver their lines. Film scripts tend to be visually driven.
   • Each scene should begin with a phrase that describes the conditions in which the scene unfolds: outdoors or indoors, day or night, in what place (for example, "living room - night").
   • By describing an action, you are describing what will actually be shown on the screen. Do not write: "Ivan enters the room; he is angry because the girl left him." Instead, write this: "Ivan enters the room; he slams the door with force behind him and kicks the sofa."
2. 2 Make a storyboard. Storyboarding is very important for understanding what is happening in each scene. You need to understand from what angle you need to shoot and how the frame should look. You don't have to always stick to a storyboard, but it will help you navigate the filming process.
   • In the storyboard, you need to take into account the following: what characters are present in the frame, how much time has passed from the previous frame to this, from what angle the camera is shooting (that is, how the heroes are positioned in the frame).
   • The storyboard may not be perfect. It should outline the scenario and show how the scenes are to be filmed.
   • Decide what the mood of the movie will be. A harsh film about a private detective in the 1920s will differ in mood from a light comedy about the difficulties of parents. To make a film complete, you cannot go from comedy to tragedy in one film without warning. This does not mean that there can be no tragic moments in comedy and vice versa, but it is better to stick to one direction, especially if you have little experience.
3. 3 Find a source of funding. It's impossible to make a movie without money, especially if you want a lot of people to see the movie. The equipment costs money. In addition, you will need props, locations, people and technology. All this will require funds.
   • If you are looking to direct an independent film, you should still look for a producer to help you with funding and location.
4. 4 Select actors for each role. If you are short on money, you will have to do it yourself, but it is better to hire a separate person to do this. Typically, the casting director knows where to find the right actors for the film.
   • You will need actors who have already starred in films and who know how the industry works. Theatrical actors are usually not suitable as acting in theater and cinema is very different.
   • You can find good aspiring actors, whose fees will not be too high. It is important to look for talent and charisma. For this reason, it's best to work with professional actors rather than your friends (unless you're making a movie for fun - in which case you can do whatever you want).
5. 5 Pick up locations, props, and decorations. Filming requires special locations (bedroom, living room, outdoor space, garden). Sometimes you can rent for free, but sometimes you have to pay to use the locations. You will also need props, costumes, makeup and equipment (microphones, cameras, etc.).
   • If you have a producer, he will do it. The producer will need to make sure you have everything you need and that you can film in specific locations. If there is no producer, you will have to do it.
   • If you are on a very tight budget, talk to friends and family. Maybe someone knows how to do makeup and help you with makeup, or your aunt has a lot of vintage clothes in her closet.
6. 6 Plan ahead. If you don't have a clear plan and have no idea how the film should turn out, it will be difficult to shoot. You need to write down all the nuances and find out everything you need to make the process go smoothly.
   • Make a list of frames. You need to list all the frames in the movie and include the composition in the frame, the focal length of the lens, camera movement, and anything else that can create problems.The frame list can be used in conjunction with the storyboard.
   • Make a complete list of everything you need. You will need to write down every thing that you need, including locations, props, various special effects. It will be easier if you have a producer as he will help you with that.
   • Take test shots with technical staff. Visit all locations and take test shots so you know what to expect from each location. Discuss problems that may arise (features of lighting, sound, and so on).
7. 7 Plan your shoot. You may need an assistant director. This person gives commands to the actors, if necessary, takes notes during test filming and sets the time of filming.
   • Scheduling filming includes timing each scene to be filmed. Scenes are almost never shot in chronological order as they are more dependent on lighting and camera preparation.

Method 2 of 4: Working with actors

1. 1 Rehearse before filming. This step seems obvious, but a lot depends on it. By the time filming begins, all the actors should know their lines and the procedure.
   • Read all the lines with the actors first. Sit down at a table and read the entire script out loud. The actors will recognize their lines and those of their colleagues and will be able to get used to you, which will facilitate the filming process.
   • Experienced actors do not need to rehearse their lines for a long time before filming. It is not recommended to rehearse difficult emotional scenes too often before filming - this is necessary so that the actors do not lose strength, but this only works with experienced and talented actors. If you're shooting amateurs, rehearse the script before filming begins.
2. 2 Make sure the actors memorize their lines. An actor cannot perform well if he does not remember his lines well. Actors should not come to the set unprepared. For this reason, rehearsals are important.
3. 3 Explain the subtext of all the scenes. Explain what is happening in each scene. This will give the actor an idea of ​​what his character's intentions are, both in the scene and throughout the film. The context will influence the direction you give the actors.
   • Less is better. Actors should show the character of the hero and attract the attention of the viewer with a minimum amount of action.
   • For example, Ivan, the hero mentioned above, may behave differently in the same situation: perhaps he hates his girlfriend for leaving, or he still loves her.
4. 4 Be calm, collected, and give clear directions. A disgruntled, screaming director is nothing more than a stereotype. If you do not have a producer, you are the person in charge of the entire process, which means that your employees will be more comfortable working with you if you are calm.
   • For this reason, it is important to have a storyboard and script. You will be able to refer to your recordings and explain to the actors what you want to see in each scene.
   • Remember that a film is made up of many people's work, even if the fame always goes mainly to the actors and the director. When interacting with actors and other employees, you don't see yourself as if you are the most important person on the set.
5. 5 Give specific directions to the actors. Once you've clarified the implications and your vision for the film to the actors, you shouldn't have a problem, but it's important to always give very clear directions, even if it's just "read this line faster."
   • Take detailed notes. Mark what specific things the actors will have to do in each scene. The more detailed and accurate your notes are, the easier it will be for the actors and other team members to do what you want.
   • If you need to say something unpleasant to the actors, talk to them in private. You can do this in a common room, but on condition that no one hears you. So no one will be offended or feel embarrassed.
   • Praise people. It is important for actors to know that their work is appreciated and that they are doing what is expected of them.Do not forget to praise the actors, even if it is small things - for example: "I really liked how you acted in the last scene; let's try to repeat that when we shoot this scene."
   • If the actor is talented, it is often better to let him act without your direction. The scenes may not turn out the way you envisioned them, but it can give the film a new twist.

Method 3 of 4: Filming

1. 1 Know what types of framing are available and what angle you can shoot. As a director, you need to know how the camera can move and what can be in the frame in order to understand how best to shoot each scene and what these scenes should give to the film. Different shooting angles and types of framing affect the perception of the material.
   • The distance from the subject to the camera can be different: a very long distance (usually about 500 meters), a long distance (natural distance, which is approximately equal to the distance from the audience to the screen in a cinema; characters and the background are shown in the frame), average distance (used for scenes of dialogues or large-scale filming of any action; usually 2-3 heroes are in the frame up to the chest), a small distance (a face or an object in the frame, the background is blurred; used to convey the thoughts of the hero), a very small distance (small detail - for example, eyes or mouth; used to achieve some dramatic effect).
   • The shooting angle determines the position of the camera in relation to the subject of shooting and allows you to convey emotional information from the subject or character in the frame to the viewer. You can shoot from a bird's eye view (the scene is shown from above, and the viewer can observe everything from an unusual angle, which makes many things seem unrecognizable), from a high angle (the camera is on top of a crane tripod), at eye level (this is a neutral position - the camera is positioned at eye level of the person who can observe the scene), from below (this position creates a feeling of helplessness or confusion; looking up at the subject can cause fear or disorientation), at an oblique angle (this technique is often used in horror films and causes a sense of disturbance equilibrium, transition, instability).
   • Camera movement can slow down the action, but it can also be more realistic. You can shoot horizontally, vertically, in motion (for example, the camera can be installed on a moving car), hand-held (the steadicam allows you to reduce movement due to hand-held shooting, while maintaining a sense of realism and real-time mode), from a crane (the camera is suspended in air), with zoom (the image can move away or approach quickly or slowly), from the air (for example, from a helicopter; usually such frames are used at the beginning of films).
2. 2 Come to the set before filming begins. Come along with the technicians who will prepare the set for filming. If you have an assistant, you don't have to come, but it's better to do it anyway. You will be able to think about the upcoming shoot and decide how best to do everything and whether something is worth changing.
3. 3 Rehearse the scenes. Before filming a scene, have the actors rehearse it while the technicians set up the equipment. Actors must understand what they are going to do (where to stand, where to look, how to speak).
   • Try to frame the scene in different ways to see how the scene can look from different angles. You can change the scenes or shift the emphasis in them to achieve the perfect picture.
4. 4 Set up your equipment. You need to know what the focal length will be, where the camera and actors will stand, what lenses will be used, and how the camera will move. You will be able to rebuild the frame together with the operator.
   • Depending on how you manage the process and what influence the operator has on the filming process (perhaps only you decide how to shoot), give the necessary instructions. Discuss these with the luminaires and operators before starting work.
5. 5 Film the scene. Filming usually does not take long as short scenes are often shot. Shoot the scene using the techniques you previously discussed with the cameraman (camera position, movement, and so on). After the word "removed", review the received material.
6. 6 Review the material. Review what you just shot on the monitor and see if it fits your idea. Re-shoot the scenes until they are perfect.
   • This process is different from viewing the finished material in the editing room. There you will have time to carefully review the material in the smallest detail and see what could have been done better.

Method 4 of 4: Shutting Down

1. 1 Edit the movie. At this stage, you need to put all the material together so that the film turns out to be consistent and logical. It is generally a good idea to leave more of the action so that the film does not end up with boring pauses without action. This means that you need to connect shots where there is action (for example, Ivan opens the door to the living room). It is necessary to combine the frames of Ivan's movements from one angle and from another.
   • Often the camera jumps from a wide shot to a close-up. For example, two men are first shown talking and then close up showing the villain's face.
   • Show a blank frame if you need to introduce something into the story. For example, it is often shown how one leg falls to the ground from a car, but the person is not visible. The leg ends up in an empty frame.
   • Remember that the viewer has time to move his eyes from one side of the screen to the other in an average of two frames.
2. 2 Add music. The soundtrack must match the movie. There is nothing worse than music that does not suit the mood and picture of the film. When explaining your wishes to the composer, tell me what style, instruments and tempo you need. The composer needs to understand how you see the film in order to find the right music.
   • Listen to demo versions of music that the composer will give you. This way you can control the process of creating the soundtrack and intervene if necessary.
   • If you write music yourself, do not steal other people's tunes, as this can turn into trouble. It is not uncommon to find composers who will write music at low cost. Most likely, it will be unprofessional work (but your film is also unlikely to be shown on the big screen), but it may turn out to be quite good.
   • Soundtracks are different. They can consist of ready-made music that suits some scenes in meaning, rhythm and mood. But music can also be written specifically for specific scenes or images in a film (for example, the shark theme in Jaws).
3. 3 Mix and master. It's important to make sure that the soundtrack fits the movie flawlessly. At this stage, you also need to add the necessary sounds or fix some places. You may need to remove sounds that should not be in the movie (for example, the sound of an airplane flying), or amplify or add sounds that you need.
   • Diegetic sound is the sound that makes what can be seen on the screen. Sound can be recorded during filming, but it can be added later (for example, street or forest noise, echo in rooms) to hide unnecessary sounds (for example, from a flying plane), without resorting to complete silence.
   • Non-diegetic sound is sound that is not related to what is happening on the screen (for example, voiceover or soundtrack).
4. 4 Show your movie. Now that you have filmed, edited the movie and added sound, the movie is ready to be shown. You can show it to friends and family so that they can see the result of your work, or find a roomy hall to show, especially if the film is of great importance to you.
   • Many cities host film festivals in which you can take part. If the film is of high quality, it can get a prize, but in any case, the festival is an opportunity to show your work to a wider audience.
   • If you have a producer, that will be his job.The producer would hardly have agreed to work with you if he had not planned to show this film.

Tips

• Correcting actors will be firm but polite. Actors should respect you.
• It can be helpful for filmmakers to attend acting classes. This will allow you to better understand the actor's work and what guidance the actor needs as you become familiar with the techniques and terminology.
• If you are serious about becoming a director, study the films you enjoy to understand how they were filmed and what directives were given to the actors. Read scripts and books about cinema (for example, The million dollar story).
• Let the actors make suggestions, but push your way if need be, since this is your movie.
• Feel free to tweak the script if you don't like it. After all, this is your movie. Show yourself!

Warnings

• If the actors are uncomfortable working with you, you will not be able to make a good movie or gain valuable experience.
• You are unlikely to be able to shoot a blockbuster right away. If you are serious (but if you are not, there is nothing wrong with that), you will have to work hard. Consider going to film director.