Directing 101

Task

Direct a scene using blocking, framing and notes to actors to communicate two or three different relationships / atmospheres

The Scene

Click here

Notes

You may reuse the opening shots/sequence of Y working and X entering the room, but must direct and block the reaction/actions of Y in different ways.

You should block the actors in distinct ways each time, frame the shots to communicate the characters; reactions differently and also give the clear direction on how to use body language and facial expression to communicate their feelings.

Inquiry

Task:

Watch one of the four videos below and be prepared to report back on your findings. These findings should be actionable items of advice for you as director.

You should watch the remaining three for independent study.

Class Notes

Use this slideshow to make notes on your allocated resource.

Blocking and Subtext (Implied Meaning)

How does blocking change a scene? If you were director how would you block the movement of the actors / camera?

Here is a Masterclass in Blocking

Giving notes to actors

An Acting Masterclass

Task

Complete the inquiry section of your portfolio page

Action (Pre Production)

Working in Pairs

Draw a simple storyboard of your scene, remember the opening 5-6 shots can be repeated.

Draw a new storyboard, titled for each of the different emotions / tones you want to achieve, these should be no more than 6 shots each.

In each iteration of the storyboard you should be clear about the feel/emotion you want to achieve and also have considered the blocking / acting and framing, which should be distinct for each of your three different versions of the scene

Action (Production)

Working with another pair of students you have one lesson to direct the scene in the three different ways in which you envisaged the scene.

Reflection

Using screenshots from your video (min 30 seconds) you should consider how far you created 2 or 3 different emotional responses, reflect on your blocking, actors’ performances and the framing.

  • What went well?
  • Even better if…?

 

Directing 101

The director is best though of as the conductor of the film orchestra.

He or she will direct all the heads of department in order to realise her or his vision, which is inspired by the screenplay.

The director must develop creative collaborations with key personnel. The…

  • Production Designer (Costume, Props, Set, Hair & Make-Up)
  • Cinematographer
  • Editor
  • Sound effects and Foley
  • Music composers
  • Actors

In this (Short Screenplay) task the director will be responsible for:

Pre-Production
  • Annotating the Screenplay
  • Agreeing Shot list & Storyboard
  • Collaborating on character design
Production (Filming)
  • Discussing the shot set up with the cinematographer
  • Blocking the action
  • Giving actors direction on body language and delivery of their lines.
    • Remember to think of their motivation (wants and needs) & given circumstances
      • Conflict = drama!
Post Production
  • Collaborating with editor on final cut and agreeing completion.
TASKS

Review individually review the two videos below.

Be prepared to summarise the key points for directing discussed to your partner:

Blocking a Scene

Giving Notes to Actors

Montage Filming and Editing

Inquiry.

What’s a montage and what meaning does it communicate?

Examples

This is the opening sequence of Memento (2000) Nolan which creates a sense of the event and climaxes in a sudden narrative disruption.

Yarchen Gar (2018) Filippo Chiesa, is a short film, which is an extended montage of place.

Here’s Rocky (1976) Avildsen, which compresses time to show development of a character.

A Montage to Define Montage

Task

Create a montage which compresses time and communicates a sense of atmosphere.

  • A frantic and stressful school day.
The Rules
  • The montage should last 30-40 seconds.
  • It should contain at least 12 different (beautifully composed shots) some of which may be repeated in the edit.
  • The montage should communicate a clear meaning (what’s going on) and clear atmosphere (tone or feel).
  • There should be a clear sense of time passing and have a clear beginning and end, which fades out to black (to make it seem like more time has passed).
Different Roles
  • cutting-room-editing-film_medScreenwriter (Storyboard Artist)
  • Cinematographer / Director
  • Editor

To complete this tasks effectively you’re going to have to think carefully about how the edit is going to look in the end and ensure that you film all the shots you need. This means planning your sequence. Do do this we are going to use a screenwriting tool called…

The Storyboard

Here is a storyboard template that is similar layout to the professional one above.

Here is a document which explains how to design a storyboard.

You should also reflect on it’s usefulness as a pre-production planning / visualisation tool.

Production

You will be put in pairs once you have completed your storyboard and will have a lesson to shoot your footage, whilst one person acts and the other films.

When you are the cinematographer you should ensure that each shot is well composed. Also you should ensure the following:

  • All shots are well lit
  • All shots are in focus
  • You get a variety of shot types.

Post Production

When you are editor, you will be responsible for:

  • Compiling the basic montage.
  • Applying filters and transitions to the edit which contribute to the overall tone
  • Coordinating with the sound designer to apply their sound to the sequence.