It may seem self-explanatory, but how a director reads a script has a large impact on the way s/he prepares. This episode looks at how various key collaborators, such as first assistant directors, cinematographers, and editors, read a script in different ways, and emphasizes the many different kinds of re-readings required of directors. It also examines strategies for improving scripts under the crunch of production schedules.
One of the main elements of prep, in both film and television, is producing the shot list. This episode covers not only what a shot list is, how it should look, and whom to give it to, but also how to imbue camera instructions with emotion and personal investment. Extensive case studies from Lost...
Perhaps the single most make-or-break element of directing is casting. It is also the element of directing that differs most between film and television production. This in-depth look at lessons learned from both film and TV, with case studies from Bobby’s independent films Manhood and Jack the D...
Ever-present in the high-stakes world of film production is the element of time. This episode covers the elements directors need to consider when collaborating with first assistant directors on building a schedule for the shoot, from juggling locations to working with different styles of cinemato...