If you’re preparing to direct your very first film, definitely, this “the first-time movie director tips” article will help you. you’re probably feeling about a dozen different feelings all at once. Everything from anxiety and fear to excitement and impatience are common for first-time directors. Whether you have lots of experience in other roles on film sets, you’re a seasoned theatre director, or you’re brand new to the world of directing altogether, you’re bound to learn a lot on your first project as director.
While you’re probably filled with creative ideas about the film and eager to get started, there are a few things you should know before you begin the process. These first time film directing tips will help you to make the most out of the experience and create a film you are truly proud to call your own.
Good Scheduling Can Transform the Quality of Your Film
While you may be a creative soul with no talent for organisation, it’s time to switch on the ‘type A’ side of your brain. Before you dive into filming, you and the crew will need to create a detailed schedule. The more detailed the better. A good schedule can bring the best out of your actors, your crew, and even yourself. It can also save you precious time to try experimental shots, take proper breaks, and generally maintain good spirits on set.
While you may want to film chronologically, this rarely makes sense. Begin by splitting up the film by location. In most cases, it will make the most sense to film all of the scenes from one location in one go. Then, split up scenes based on actors needed and time of day. Decide which scenes you will shoot on which day.
With your director of photography, figure out the order you will shoot each scene. Go shot by shot and decide the best order. Think about the equipment and set up that will be needed for each shot and make a schedule that makes sense and keep the filming process rolling smoothly. If you have complicated shots or difficult acting moments, try to get them out of the way at the beginning of the day — if you run out of time and rush through these difficult scenes at the end of the day, you may not get the result you hoped for.
Go For the Best Actors — Then Let Them Do Their Thing
The casting process will probably not be completely up to you. You may be sharing the job with producers, casting directors, or even the screenwriter. Try to select your actors based on skill and ability as opposed to looks alone. Many first-time directors get excited when they find actors who look perfect for the part. And while natural casting ‘type’ is important, inexperienced actors are usually a lot harder to work with.
If you’re wondering, ‘how do you direct actors on set,’ it is often all about casting. By choosing actors who know their way around a film set and understand acting for film, you’ll have a much easier job once you get on set. You won’t have to teach your actors to tone down their emotions or hit their mark as you go. Instead, you’ll be able to let them get on with doing their job.
Once shooting begins, you will be able to leave your actors to it. If you’ve picked professional, experienced actors, you can focus on the way your film looks. Try to keep acting direction to a minimum and avoid being overly prescriptive with your actors. Instead, give them suggestions and praise where it’s due. Since you’ve picked good actors, they should arrive on set with fully formed characters and a good understanding of their role in the story, making your job a whole lot easier.
Keep an Eye on Your Extras
This is one of the most frequently neglected tips for directors. As a first-time director you’d be forgiven for thinking that extras don’t really matter — you may even think of your extras as moving parts of your backdrop. However, as seasoned directors know, bad extras stick out like a sore thumb.
Spend a little time speaking to your extras before the camera starts rolling. Make sure they know what they should be doing, who they should be talking to, where they should be walking, and so on. By giving your extras a bit of extra attention, you’ll not only ensure that they do what you want them to do, you’ll also make the filming experience a lot more interesting for them. When your extras are actively engaged in what they’re doing, the end product is almost always more believable.
Once the cameras start rolling, be sure to have a quick peek at what the extras are doing in the shot in your first take. This way, you can catch any over the top acting from your extras before filming any more takes.
Make Sure You Know How You Want the Film to Look
This is one of the film directing basics. While you may think that the look and feel of the film is down to your director of photography, you should always have a sense of how you want the film to look as the director. As the film’s director, you are responsible for every aspect of filmmaking — it is your creative vision that will become a reality, thanks to every team’s hard work. It is your job to lead (or ‘direct’) each team and give them a good understanding of this vision.
Every director will have their own way of expressing their vision to each department during pre-production. If you envisage the film fitting in with a specific genre or style of film, you may use this as a reference point. For instance, if you want your film to feel like a classic Hollywood detective film, you may use the genre ‘neo-noir’ to describe how the film should look and feel. Or, if your film will have a specific colour palette, you may wish to create a mood board that will give the other departments a sense of the feel you are going for.
Get creative with how you express your vision to your designers, cinematographers, and editors, so that everyone is on the same page stylistically before filming begins.
Think About How You’ll Secure Investors
If you’re going to be directing a bigger budget film, you may find it difficult to secure investors for the project. When it comes to indie filmmaking tips, securing investors is one of the big ones. As it’s your first foray into directing, many investors may be reluctant to pin their hopes on someone without experience and previous commercial success as a director.
Many first-time directors find that they need to make compromises in order to make the film an easier sell for investors.This may mean hiring actors with a larger social media following, or compromising on stylistic aspects of the film. If you know your film will require a lot of money to make, you should be prepared to make these types of compromises.
Don’t Feel Like You Need to Know Everything
Directing a film for the first time is always daunting. No matter where you’ve studied, or what your previous experience may be, you are bound to learn a lot from the experience. While the director should lead the team and inspire confidence, it’s also okay to admit that you don’t know everything. In fact, admitting ignorance can often be the sign of an exceptional leader.
Don’t overcompensate for your relative inexperience by becoming proud and refusing to ask for help. If you get stuck with a scene, a shot, or even a logistical issue, don’t avoid seeking guidance from other members of the team. Give your ego a break — by showing some humility and asking your team for director advice you won’t lose the team’s respect. Plus, your film will certainly benefit from a collaborative effort.
Be Prepared to Cut Your Film
Many first-time directors are shocked by the length of the first cut of their film. Even with a concise screenplay, the finished product is almost always a little longer than it needs to be. While you may love every scene and shot in your film, cutting your first version of the film is usually the best way to go.
In some cases, you’ll find that the story can be told with fewer words than you originally thought. Watch the film with a critical eye and notice when it feels overly expositional. What lines and scenes can be cut without detracting from the storytelling? Which moments seem to drag and could due with snappier cuts?
Never hang on to scenes or moments out of sentimentality. Instead, be prepared to be ruthless with your cuts.
Bring Together a Team That You Trust
As a first-time director, you will need all of the support you can get. Creating a film is a collaborative process. Having a well-oiled machine as your crew and cast can make the process fun, creative, and fulfilling. However, if you end up struggling to work with people on the team, the entire process can become difficult.
Be sure to pick each member of your team carefully. While experience and industry clout is important, the most important thing to consider is whether their process will mesh with yours. In some cases, you may find the project runs more smoothly when you work with less experienced crew members if they are supportive and collaborative.
It’s Up to the First-Time Directors to Set the Tone On-Set
If you are a first-time director, the idea of being in charge may take some getting used to. If you aren’t a natural leader, you will need to learn to take charge of situations and make calls about difficult problems. You’ll also need to instruct and guide the rest of the team.
As the director, setting the tone is up to you. While some directors find that a casual, friendly set atmosphere works well for their style, others require a quiet, serious set. Think about what type of atmosphere will be conducive to productivity and creativity for you, your actors, and your crew. Once on the set, grab the reins and lead by example. Be clear about the attitude and level of professionalism you expect.
Get Experience in Other Roles First (If You Can)
If you’ve never directed a film, you may not realise how much technical filmmaking knowledge is required. If you get the chance to work on a film set before launching your directing career, you’ll find the experience incredibly beneficial and informative. Some directors begin their careers as actors, while others garner experience behind the camera as a cinematographer or showrunner.
Working on a film set will give you the chance to observe experienced professionals at work. Take note of how they resolve issues, think on their feet, experiment with shots, and direct actors. Notice what works and what doesn’t. Once you arrive on your own film set, you’ll come armed with knowledge, terminology, and confidence, so that you’ll be able to make smart decisions.
Final Thoughts
While directing your first film is bound to be a scary experience, by planning ahead and surrounding yourself by trustworthy professionals, the project can also be incredibly fun. Whatever happens, you are sure to learn a lot. Use the experience as an opportunity to discover which tools work for you and which do not, so that you can continue to grow and develop as a filmmaker in the future.