Creating a Short Film: 05 Directing

Directing movies means being in charge of all creative decisions on a movie set: performance, wardrobe, lights, camera movement, color palette, music, and the overall tone of the film. Some directors focus on directing actors, while others focus on telling stories, building explosive moments of action, or creating visual art. Here filmmaker Chad Perkins explains the role and responsibilities of a director on a small, independent film.

Watch and learn how to shoot a script, using visual motifs, atmospherics, framing, and different types of shots to tell the film’s story. Find out how to give direction to your crew and be a good leader, while staying on budget and on schedule. Plus, get tips to improve shots during retakes or in post, and to become a better director, storyteller, and communicator.

Note: Like the rest of the Creating a Short Film series, this course was shot during the production of The Assurance. It offers a unique window into the actual struggles and challenges filmmakers have to overcome to get films made. Find the rest of the courses in the series on Chad’s author page.

Topics include:
What a director does
Interpreting the script
Scouting locations
Choosing the tone and theme of the film
Using motifs
Shaping the story through visuals
Being a good leader on set
Respecting budgets and schedules
Planning shots
Moving the camera: on a tripod or dolly or in handheld shots
Using rolling takes
Framing shots
Adding atmospherics
Directing in post-production
Becoming a better director