Discussion My 3-Step Film Directing Mantra

[DirectingCoach]

"Making a (good) movie is the art of visually telling a compelling story with believable characters who make us feel something." Peter D. Marshall

Many scriptwriters, directors, producers and studio executives have tried many times to find a winning formula for making a successful movie by copying films that have worked in the past. Some of these films have been successful – but many have not.

Making a "successful" film depends on your definition of success. You must first decide what "a successful film" means to you: Did the audiences love it? Did the critics love it? Did it win awards? Did it make money? Did you get another directing job because of it?

During my 50-year career in this often intense and challenging business, I've had the opportunity to work on many types of productions, from industrial films to documentaries; television commercials to music videos; Emmy Award-nominated TV series to Hollywood feature films.

I've worked with dozens of directors and hundreds of actors varying from "the great, the good and the bad." I’ve read hundreds of film scripts, some of which were so dreadful I couldn’t get past the first 10 pages to scripts that hooked me from the first page. (One even won an Academy Award for best screenplay!)

As a film directing coach for the past 15 years, I’ve spent countless hours mentoring filmmakers around the world – from giving them creative and logistical notes on their scripts; showing them how to do proper script analysis and scene breakdowns; helping them effectively audition actors and how to creatively block and rehearse actors on the set.

I've also had the incredible opportunity of spending years teaching and mentoring hundreds of international film students as they write, prep, shoot and edit their short films.

I believe that all the years I’ve spent in the “professional film production trenches” plus the years I've been teaching filmmakers around the world, have given me a unique insight into finding an answer to the question:

“Is there a simple guide that any director can follow that will help them to demystify and better understand the craft of filmmaking?"

We all know there's no 100% guarantee of any film being successful in our business, but I believe there is a basic guide that any filmmaker can follow to help them create “compelling movies with believable characters.”

In my opinion, most inexperienced (or lazy) directors spend the majority of their time figuring out how to shoot their films first (cool visual effects, creative shots, camera angles etc.) before they understand (a) what their story is really about and (b) what their characters really want.

From what I have witnessed over the years, this is not the best way to make a good film! WHY? Because I strongly believe that to successfully direct any film, you need to first understand this simple 3-step Film Directing Mantra: Story - Performance - Cinematics!

1. Story: The first and most important part of a director's job is to understand every detail of the story you are telling which requires you to dig deep into the story and its structure by analyzing every scene in the script to find out what the scene is about, what works and what doesn't.

2. Performance: One of the main responsibilities of every Director on a film is to help actors achieve a realistic performance. Remember, actors want to work with directors who understand their vulnerability, so it’s incredibly important to create a good relationship with every actor in your film – which starts right from the first audition!

3. Cinematics (Mise-en-Scene): Originating from the theater, the French term mise en scène literally means "putting on the stage." In cinema, mise-en-scène refers to everything that is shown in front of the camera such as sets, props, actors, costumes, lighting etc.

I believe that without understanding these 3 steps you could set yourself up for “filmmaker mediocrity” which is writing unimaginative scripts with unbelievable characters that create boring and predictable films.

As a visual storyteller, listen to your heart first so your camera can then show us your version of life and art. Your unique perspective is what gives your story authenticity and meaning. By trusting your instincts, you create visuals that speak deeply to the audience, leaving a lasting impression.

From what I have witnessed over the last 50 years, if you follow this “3-step film directing guide” you will see how any director, even someone with very little experience, has the potential to create a visually compelling movie with believable characters.

 

[Michael]

"Making a (good) movie is the art of visually telling a compelling story with believable characters who make us feel something." Peter D. Marshall

Many scriptwriters, directors, producers and studio executives have tried many times to find a winning formula for making a successful movie by copying films that have worked in the past. Some of these films have been successful – but many have not.

Making a "successful" film depends on your definition of success. You must first decide what "a successful film" means to you: Did the audiences love it? Did the critics love it? Did it win awards? Did it make money? Did you get another directing job because of it?

During my 50-year career in this often intense and challenging business, I've had the opportunity to work on many types of productions, from industrial films to documentaries; television commercials to music videos; Emmy Award-nominated TV series to Hollywood feature films.

I've worked with dozens of directors and hundreds of actors varying from "the great, the good and the bad." I’ve read hundreds of film scripts, some of which were so dreadful I couldn’t get past the first 10 pages to scripts that hooked me from the first page. (One even won an Academy Award for best screenplay!)

As a film directing coach for the past 15 years, I’ve spent countless hours mentoring filmmakers around the world – from giving them creative and logistical notes on their scripts; showing them how to do proper script analysis and scene breakdowns; helping them effectively audition actors and how to creatively block and rehearse actors on the set.

I've also had the incredible opportunity of spending years teaching and mentoring hundreds of international film students as they write, prep, shoot and edit their short films.

I believe that all the years I’ve spent in the “professional film production trenches” plus the years I've been teaching filmmakers around the world, have given me a unique insight into finding an answer to the question:

“Is there a simple guide that any director can follow that will help them to demystify and better understand the craft of filmmaking?"

We all know there's no 100% guarantee of any film being successful in our business, but I believe there is a basic guide that any filmmaker can follow to help them create “compelling movies with believable characters.”

In my opinion, most inexperienced (or lazy) directors spend the majority of their time figuring out how to shoot their films first (cool visual effects, creative shots, camera angles etc.) before they understand (a) what their story is really about and (b) what their characters really want.

From what I have witnessed over the years, this is not the best way to make a good film! WHY? Because I strongly believe that to successfully direct any film, you need to first understand this simple 3-step Film Directing Mantra: Story - Performance - Cinematics!

1. Story: The first and most important part of a director's job is to understand every detail of the story you are telling which requires you to dig deep into the story and its structure by analyzing every scene in the script to find out what the scene is about, what works and what doesn't.

2. Performance: One of the main responsibilities of every Director on a film is to help actors achieve a realistic performance. Remember, actors want to work with directors who understand their vulnerability, so it’s incredibly important to create a good relationship with every actor in your film – which starts right from the first audition!

3. Cinematics (Mise-en-Scene): Originating from the theater, the French term mise en scène literally means "putting on the stage." In cinema, mise-en-scène refers to everything that is shown in front of the camera such as sets, props, actors, costumes, lighting etc.

I believe that without understanding these 3 steps you could set yourself up for “filmmaker mediocrity” which is writing unimaginative scripts with unbelievable characters that create boring and predictable films.

As a visual storyteller, listen to your heart first so your camera can then show us your version of life and art. Your unique perspective is what gives your story authenticity and meaning. By trusting your instincts, you create visuals that speak deeply to the audience, leaving a lasting impression.

From what I have witnessed over the last 50 years, if you follow this “3-step film directing guide” you will see how any director, even someone with very little experience, has the potential to create a visually compelling movie with believable characters.

Peter, I really enjoyed reading your post. One question came to mind.

Over your 50 years in the industry, you've probably worked with and mentored countless first-time directors. In your experience, what's the single biggest mistake that most of them keep making, regardless of which country or film school they come from? And what practical advice would you give them to avoid it?

 

[DirectingCoach]

Peter, I really enjoyed reading your post. One question came to mind.

Over your 50 years in the industry, you've probably worked with and mentored countless first-time directors. In your experience, what's the single biggest mistake that most of them keep making, regardless of which country or film school they come from? And what practical advice would you give them to avoid it?

Hi Michael. Excellent question! Well... since you have asked, "what's the single biggest mistake that most of them keep making.." I would have to say that first-time (and even some "long-time directors") don't fully understand or appreciate the actors' process. They usually just revert to telling the actors what to feel or think. They tend to treat them as puppets to move around the set without any internal motivation. For example

1. Casting for looks, not chemistry: They pick pretty faces or famous names without testing if the two actors actually have real chemistry together.

2. Telling actors what to feel instead of what to do: Saying "be angrier" makes actors fake it. Saying "try to humiliate him" gives an actor a “playable” action.

3. Over-explaining everything: I’ve seen some Directors give a 10-minute backstory that overwhelms the actors. It’s more effective to just give one clear, physical note, such as "don’t let him/her win the conversation!”

4. Directing for the screen, not the actor: Many directors just sit and stare at the monitor all day. They obsess over framing and lighting, forgetting to make eye contact with the performer or even to talk with them after a take.

5. Exposing actors when they're most vulnerable: Giving actor notes in front of the crew or making jokes after an intense scene is not good “set etiquette.”Actors need a safe, protected space, and good directors always guard that.