Filmmaking / Directing

Hey Filmmaking Lounge,

This week, my creative growth looks a lot like what many of you are probably feeling right now: pushing myself to network, even when it feels uncomfortable.

Networking is something I do regularly, but that doesn’t mean it ever stops being a little intimidating. Reaching out to new contacts, strengthening relationships with people I admire, and showing up socially when I already feel stretched or drained still takes real effort. Confidence doesn’t erase vulnerability, it just teaches you how to move forward alongside it.

The start of a new year feels like the perfect moment to lean into that discomfort instead of avoiding it. There’s something energizing about saying, “Okay, I’m in,” and jumping back in with both feet. So that’s what I’m doing. I’m sending the emails I’ve been putting off, responding to DMs, sending new network requests, and intentionally taking the time to get to know people better. Not in a transactional way, but in the way that actually builds meaningful, long-term relationships.

It’s easy to underestimate how impactful this kind of work is because it doesn’t always produce immediate results. But connection-building is some of the most important career work we can do as creatives. Opportunities don’t usually come from cold submissions. They come from trust, familiarity, shared values, common interests, and showing up consistently over time.

I believe deeply in practicing what I preach, so I’m right here doing this alongside you.

So let’s check in:

Where are you pushing yourself outside your comfort zone right now?

Does networking energize you, drain you, or a little of both?

What’s one small outreach or connection you could make this week that future-you would be grateful for?

Cheering you on as we all step into this new year with intention and courage.

1. Martin Scorsese says be decisive. Humility has its place, but you must also assume the responsibility that comes with being the decision-maker. Keep your vision top of mind. Always remind yourself of your original vision. Stay focused. Block out everything around you that distracts from the idea you had in your head when you first embarked on making the film. Trust your crew. Every single person on your set plays a role in making your film. You absolutely need them, and you should trust their expertise.

   2. David Fincher advises directors to respect and value every crew member: "The people (directors) who know how to communicate well, collaborate well, understand other people’s needs, and respect the value of every single person working on the crew...those are the people who are going to do really well." (This reinforces the idea that a successful set depends on mutual respect and clear communication.)

   3. James Genn emphasizes the importance of building long-term relationships: "Your whole career is about relationship building. The people that you meet along the way and the type of vibe you bring to your work. Make that good and enjoyable for people, and they’ll keep calling you". (This highlights the importance of creating a positive atmosphere and maintaining strong professional connections throughout your career.)

   NEXT ARTICLE: The Importance of Streaming Services for Filmmakers

Hey guys, I wanted to let you know the that the Production Designers Collective is hosting a free webinar with Mark Scruton, the production designer behind Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice and Wednesday. It'll be so cool to hear from him about what went into those amazing sets! The webinar is on Zoom, January 18th. Here's the link to RSVP :) https://www.productiondesignerscollective.org/pdc-sketch-club-with-mark-...

Michael Damian is an award-winning actor, director, writer, and producer. He first gained recognition for his 18-year run in the role of rock star Danny Romalotti on the #1-rated daytime television drama, THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS. Janeen Damian is an American writer, director, and producer of film and television. Together with her husband, Michael Damian she has made 15 feature films and TV movies. This year she co-wrote and produced the #1 add-supported cable movie of the year for 2020, CHRISTMAS WALTZ. Since then they've written, directed, and produced a bunch of movies for the most popular streamers. Listen to how they did it on Indie Film Hustle:

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QeeNzWYoS6c)

The 'Sinners' & 'Highest 2 Lowest' directors talk about their leading men, Michael B. Jordan, Denzel Washington & A$AP Rocky, why Coogler got so many rejections from studios before Warner Bros took on his film, and how Spike Lee's career started.

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UYMePP6LEuc)

Warner Bros. Discovery is exploring a major distribution deal with Netflix, potentially sending future Warner, New Line, and DC films to the streamer shortly after they leave theaters. This move has sent shockwaves through the industry, particularly angering theater owners who see it as a direct threat to the traditional theatrical "window."

While this model could guarantee huge paydays for the studio, it represents a seismic shift in how we watch major films. The future of the big-screen experience is suddenly up for debate.

Read more here: https://www.indiewire.com/news/business/warner-bros-discovery-netflix-th...

One of the most important roles of any director is to tell a strong story, and one of the director’s first priorities is to communicate their vision of the story clearly to the crew and the cast. While teamwork and a sense of camaraderie are crucial, you must remember your duties as a director.

Maintaining authority and making decisive choices is essential to keep the production moving forward and ensure that your creative vision is realized. It’s also important to stay open to input from your crew, as their expertise can offer valuable insights that may enhance the final product.

Here are some tips on how a good director works with your crew

1. Accountability: Professional means taking responsibility for your actions. If mistakes happen, owning up to them and working on a solution is crucial.

2. Calm Atmosphere: Shooting should take place in as calm an atmosphere as possible. A calm set reduces stress and allows everyone to focus on their tasks, leading to a more productive and positive working environment.

3. Clear Priorities: Always clarify which shots, scenes, or elements are the most important for the day. This helps the crew allocate their energy and resources effectively, ensuring critical tasks are completed on time.

4. Collaboration: Create an environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing ideas. A director who listens and values input from the crew can often discover creative solutions that improve the overall production.

5. Communication: Be a good communicator. Clearly articulate your vision, expectations, and any changes to the plan. Open, honest communication helps prevent misunderstandings and keeps everyone on the same page.

6. Efficiency: Avoid making them do something twice. Proper planning can minimize the need for retakes, saving time and maintaining crew morale.

7. Flexibility: Be open to adapting plans when unexpected changes occur, like weather or technical difficulties. Staying calm and making quick adjustments keeps the production on track and maintains crew morale.

8. Involvement: Encourage involvement from your cast and crew. Seek their input and ideas, making them feel valued and part of the creative process. This can lead to innovative solutions and a more collaborative environment.

9. Lead by Example: Directors set the tone for the entire production. If you want professional reliability from your crew, you must be professional yourself by being punctual, prepared, and respectful of everyone's time.

10. Praise and Criticism: Praise your crew in public and criticize in private. Publicly acknowledging your crew's hard work and contributions boosts morale while addressing any issues or concerns privately.

11. Preparation: Ensure all departments are fully briefed on the plan before filming begins. Proper preparation minimizes confusion on set and helps maintain an efficient workflow during production.

12. Recognition: Regularly acknowledge your crew’s hard work through daily compliments or end-of-production shoutouts. This appreciation boosts morale and motivates everyone to give their best effort.

13. Respect Breaks: Ensure your crew gets proper breaks and adequate rest. A well-rested crew performs better, stays safer, and maintains a positive attitude throughout long production days.

14. Responsibility: Make sure everyone knows and keeps to their area of responsibility. A clear definition of roles helps avoid confusion and ensures that tasks are completed efficiently.

15. Support for Talent: Encourage the crew to act supportively towards the talent. A supportive environment helps actors perform their best, which in turn benefits the entire production.

16. Sympathy: Be sympathetic towards the crew's problems. If you show understanding and support for their challenges, they will be more willing to help solve yours. This support creates a positive working relationship.

17. Trust Their Experience: Your crew members are professionals with valuable experience and expertise. Trust their judgment and let them do their jobs. This not only empowers your crew but also enables you to focus on directing.

NEXT ARTICLE: Tips from 3 Famous Directors on Working With a Film Crew

Paul Thomas Anderson, Leonardo DiCaprio, Chase Infiniti, Regina Hall and the filmmaking team break down the final epic car chase and what the rolling river of hills brought to the story as Willa confronts her past and seizes her destiny.

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kAinlvxGvdA)

The Director of Photography, Production Designer and First Assistant Director are the director's "Top 3 Creative Production Team" because they play key roles in bringing the director's vision to life. They work closely with the director throughout pre-production and production to ensure that the film meets the director's creative goals. Each brings expertise in visual storytelling, spatial design, and logistical execution that supports the director’s artistic intent. Together, they translate concept into reality, uniting technical planning with creative ambition on set.

1. The Director of Photography is responsible for shaping the visual look of a film by overseeing elements like lighting, camera work, and shot composition. Working closely with the director, the DOP ensures that the imagery fits with the director's vision, creating a consistent visual story. They also manage the camera team and handle the technical aspects of filming, making sure that every shot is executed efficiently and to the highest standard.

The DOP collaborates with the gaffer and key grip to design lighting setups and camera movements that enhance the mood and tone of each scene. They perform lens tests, select the appropriate film stock or digital format, and supervise on-set color grading when needed. Ultimately, the DOP is a key creative force behind the film’s visual identity and emotional impact.

They participate in visual concept meetings and scout locations to plan for lighting conditions and framing opportunities. The DOP balances artistic intention with the practical realities of time, equipment, and weather. Their choices influence how the audience feels about the characters, the world, and the progression of the story.

2. The Production Designer is responsible for designing the overall look of the film, including sets, props, and costumes. They collaborate with the director to develop a visual world that complements the film's story. Overseeing the art department, the Production Designer ensures that all elements of the set are constructed and decorated in line with the director's vision. Their focus on the physical environment ensures that the film's visual style works seamlessly with its thematic elements, enhancing the overall tone and mood.

They also work closely with the cinematographer to ensure that the sets support lighting and camera movement needs. The Production Designer manages budgets and timelines for set construction, making sure all materials and builds are completed on schedule. From historical accuracy to futuristic imagination, their design choices deeply influence the audience's immersion in the story world.

They attend location scouts and concept meetings to evaluate how each space can be adapted or transformed for storytelling. Textures, colors, and architectural details are carefully chosen to reflect the inner world of the characters. The Production Designer’s vision becomes the physical foundation on which every scene is staged and performed.

3. The First Assistant Director is responsible for overseeing the production's day-to-day operations, ensuring that everything stays on schedule and runs efficiently. They coordinate between various departments, ensuring that cast and crew are where they need to be and that all logistical details are handled smoothly.

The 1st AD also plays a key role in maintaining a safe and organized set, addressing any potential issues before they become disruptions. They work closely with the director to break down the script into a workable schedule, estimating the time needed for each scene. They also run the set during production, calling the roll and managing on-set logistics in real time.

Their work is essential in keeping the production moving forward under tight schedules and demanding conditions while prioritizing set safety. They coordinate with all departments to ensure that cast, crew, equipment, and locations are prepared for each day’s shoot. Their leadership directly affects crew morale, workflow efficiency, and the overall pace of the shoot.

NEXT ARTICLE: Working with Your Crew

Hello everyone! I'm Li, a director from China. I've just completed my very first feature film, and right now I have a rough cut ready. I would be truly honored and delighted if some of you would be interested in watching it and sharing your thoughts and feedback with me. Your insights would mean the world to me as a debut filmmaker, and I'm genuinely excited to hear what you think! If you're open to it, please feel free to let me know - I'd be so grateful for your time and kindness. Thank you so much in advance!

In Television, the Director is very much like a Guest Star, coming in to execute their vision for the episode before moving on to their next project. Directors are often hired for specific episodes, requiring them to rapidly understand the show’s tone, characters, and existing visual style.

The Director works for the Producer (or Show Runner), collaborating closely to bring the producer's vision to life while injecting their own creative flair. It’s the Producer who has the final say on casting, wardrobe, locations, and other crucial elements that shape the show's overall look and feel.

TV Directors work under tight schedules, with limited time for preparation and shooting and often face pressure to deliver episodes on time and within budget, balancing creative aspirations with practical constraints. TV Directors must also collaborate closely with the show's writers to ensure that the directorial vision works with the script.

In TV, the Director of Photography can override the director if the lighting and style of the show do not match the production standards or the overall visual aesthetic established for the series. In TV, the 1st AD also has significant authority and can instruct the director to cut shots if deemed necessary for the production's efficiency and pacing.

They often rely on the experience of department heads and the crew, who know the show's rhythm and look inside and out. TV Directors bring their best to each episode, leaving a mark even within the constraints of a fast-moving production.

TV Directors get to do a "director's cut" but the final cut is done by the producers to meet the network's ongoing standards and expectations, ensuring consistency with the show's overall direction.

Despite the challenges, many TV Directors find the fast-paced, collaborative nature of television production exhilarating and rewarding. Directing TV offers the thrill of working on high-stakes projects and the satisfaction of seeing their work broadcast to a wide audience.

Quotes from 5 Top Television Directors

Vince Gilligan (Breaking Bad): "Directing for TV means you’re always thinking on your feet. You have to be prepared for anything and be able to adapt quickly. It's a fast-paced environment where creative solutions are essential. Every day brings new challenges that test your ingenuity and resilience."

Lesli Linka Glatter (Homeland): "I believe in thorough preparation. During pre-production, I conduct extensive rehearsals with the actors, scout locations meticulously, and storyboard every scene. This detailed planning allows for flexibility on set and helps address any potential issues before they arise.”

David Nutter (Game of Thrones): "Being a television director is about balancing the creative and technical aspects while keeping the cast and crew motivated and focused. Preparation is key, and I spend a significant amount of time working with the writers and actors to ensure we are all on the same page before shooting begins.”

Michelle MacLaren (Breaking Bad, Game of Thrones): "Pre-production is where the foundation of the project is laid. I delve into the script, break down each scene, and work closely with the production team to design the shots and blocking. It's all about creating a clear vision that everyone can follow.”

Reed Morano (The Handmaid's Tale): "For me, pre-production is an intense period of collaboration. I work with the cinematographer, production designer, and costume designer to develop the visual language of the show. It's essential to establish a cohesive style and tone that will carry through the series."

NEXT ARTICLE: The Director's "Top Three” Creative Team