Directing Workshop

Directing is not really my thing but what I have learnt today is so interesting.

I now understand that I don't need to show actors storyboard and I shouldn't tell them what to do. Unfortunately, I did all of that in my Maps and Network shoot. Luckily, abstract piece is different. For narrative piece, the director should 'direct', of course, the actor. The directors use verbs to lead them towards the direction that you want actors to go to. The director should expect a good actor to bring light to the blueprint which is the script.

Thing that Nigel said about the industry interest me as well. He told us the way that the industry works.

For example:

no camera allowed when the director is having a run down with the actor

amendments on scripts will be highlighted and printed in a different coloured paper

shoot 40 setups a day for drama

shoot 4 setups a day for commercial/ shot film

shoot 1 minute scene in 1-1.5 hours

etc.

It was very useful for me to picture how the filming day should work.

In the afternoon he talked about 'status' on screen and how to cast a movement piece to help us with that. The status theory was mind blowing for me. It is always there in real life or in film. It just all make sense now after he explained it. As for the way he casted for his film without dialogue 16 years ago, he used a parallel scenario to test if the actor has what he want. He wanted someone who has the humour bone, can act with whole body and can tell his feeling when there is a close up on the face.

It was very helpful and entertaining with Nigel explaining and actors acting out accordingly live in front of us. I enjoyed it and looking forward to the next lesson! (and maybe more?) I agree what he said at the end that some people wants to make film because of film and some people wants to make film because of the inspiration from the people in real life - you need both.