Filmmaking / Directing

This refers to the visual meanings of shots and angles. Where you put the camera can either enhance or detract the audience’s understanding of what the scene is about, and what the characters are feeling.

Audiences will assume that every shot or word of dialogue in a film is there to further the central idea, therefore, each shot you use should also contribute to the story or the idea you are trying to convey.

Since viewer emotion is the ultimate goal of each scene, where you place the camera involves knowing what emotion you want the audience to experience at any given moment in the scene. There are 3 main “audience camera angles of view” shape how audiences perceive and engage with a film.

1. Objective: This angle represents the audience's point of view. The camera is placed outside the action, serving as an observer who is not involved in the scene. It provides a neutral, detached perspective, allowing the audience to see the entire scene and the characters within it.

This angle is commonly used for establishing shots, wide shots, and scenes where the director wants the audience to take in the overall context without aligning too closely with any character's perspective. It also creates a sense of objectivity and detachment, helping the audience understand the broader context of the scene.

2. Subjective: This angle acts as the viewer's eyes. The camera is placed inside the action, making the audience feel as if they are experiencing the scene firsthand. It creates a sense of immersion by positioning the camera where a character's eyes would be, effectively putting the viewer in the character’s shoes.

This angle is often used to heighten the emotional intensity of a scene by making the audience feel part of the scene such as in horror films where the viewer sees what the character sees, or in action sequences to provide a first-person perspective.

3. Point of View: This angle takes on the role of the character’s eyes, capturing exactly what the character sees. This creates a direct connection between the character’s experience and the audience, allowing viewers to see the world from the character’s perspective.

This angle is used to provide insight into a character’s experience, thoughts, or feelings. It is often employed in scenes where a character is observing something important or reacting to events in their environment. It also helps to strengthen empathy and understanding, allowing the audience to see the world through the character's eyes.

Next Article: Part 5 (BASIC BLOCKING AND STAGING TECHNIQUES)

Hi Everyone,

I’m a writer-director based in Spain, and I’m finishing post-production on my first feature film. It’s the first project in a larger connected horror/thriller universe called Pennyville. I already have three additional feature scripts written, outlines for more, and I’m close to finishing a novel and several short stories that also take place in the Pennyville world.

My question is about the best timing and approach for seeking representation as a writer/director:

Is it wiser to approach agents now, before the festival run begins, or wait until the film (hopefully!) gets some festival traction and approach them during/after that?

I’d really appreciate hearing from anyone who’s walked this path — especially about what helped you get the attention of agents or managers.

Thanks so much!

Hey Everyone,

I’m looking for a colorist to collaborate with on my short film, roughly 20 minutes in length. It’s a psychological thriller and will be submitted to multiple film festivals. Does anyone know where’s the best place to find them.

The film is fully shot and in post. I’m currently over budget, but I’m willing to put a couple hundred dollars toward a solid color grade. I’m hoping to work with someone who wants to collaborate, bring their visual taste to the project, and add a strong piece to their reel. Or if anything does anyone know where I could find potential colourists?

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The clock is ticking! Submit your best work before these OWAs close in two weeks and make 2026 your breakthrough year!

I believe that all the years I’ve spent in the “film production trenches” have given me a unique insight into finding the answer to the question: “Is there a formula, or guide, or checklist, that film directors anywhere in the world can follow, that will help them make a successful film?"

We all know there is no 100% guarantee of anything being successful in our business, but I believe there is a “formula” that any filmmaker can use to HELP them make “compelling movies with believable characters.”

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

I’m going to be bold here and state publicly that this is the wrong way to prep and direct a film because I strongly believe that to successfully direct a “visually compelling story with believable characters”, you need to first understand the following 7-step 'formula.'

STEP 1: THE STUDY OF HUMAN NATURE AND HUMAN BEHAVIOR

A. Human Nature

Human nature refers to a set of inherent and intrinsic characteristics, including ways of thinking, feeling, and acting, that are believed to be universal among humans regardless of culture or upbringing.

Studying human nature involves understanding core principles about what it means to be human. This includes exploring philosophical, psychological, and biological perspectives on inherent human traits.

These fundamental traits and tendencies encompass a wide range of attributes, such as the capacity for rational thought, emotions, social behaviors, and moral reasoning. These characteristics influence how individuals interact with each other and their environment, shaping societal norms, cultural practices, and personal identities.

Examples of human nature include emotions like love and fear, the need for social connection, and moral reasoning. These traits are considered innate, meaning they are present from birth and not significantly altered by individual experiences or the environment.

Human nature provides the foundational tendencies believed to be inherent in all humans. Understanding these basic characteristics gives you a grounding for exploring how these traits manifest in various “behaviors.”

This framework helps explain why certain behaviors occur, making it easier to analyze and interpret human actions by revealing commonalities across diverse populations and explaining patterns observed throughout history.

Once you have a good grasp of human nature, you can then see how these inherent traits interact with external factors to produce human behavior. This includes looking at how individual experiences, environmental influences, culture, and social norms shape human behavior.

B. Human Behavior

Studying human behavior allows you to see the practical applications of the principles of human nature, and understand how inherent traits manifest in real-world actions and interactions. This study spans fields like psychology, sociology, and anthropology, aiming to comprehend how and why people act in specific ways in different contexts.

Human behavior includes a range of actions, reactions, and interactions exhibited by individuals and groups. Influenced by feelings, attitudes, and the environment, our behavior is shaped by genetics, culture, personal experiences, and social norms, observable in everyday activities and interactions.

Examples of human behavior include habits, customs, rituals, communication styles, and responses to social norms. This behavior is affected by a combination of innate characteristics (human nature), personal experiences, environmental factors, culture, and social norms.

C. Why Should Filmmakers Study Human Nature and Behavior?

1. Human Nature

a. Character Depth: By understanding the inherent traits and tendencies of humans, filmmakers can create more nuanced and believable characters. This depth enhances the emotional connection between the audience and the characters.

b. Emotional Authenticity: Knowledge of human nature helps in portraying authentic emotions and reactions. It allows actors to deliver performances that feel genuine and resonate deeply with viewers.

c. Moral Complexity: Knowledge of human nature allows filmmakers to explore moral ambiguities and ethical dilemmas, creating richer and more thought-provoking narratives that challenge audiences to think deeply about human behavior and choices.

d. Predicting Audience Reaction: A deep understanding of human nature enables filmmakers to anticipate how audiences might react to certain scenes or characters, allowing them to craft more engaging and impactful narratives.

e. Universal Themes: Understanding human nature allows filmmakers to tap into universal themes that resonate with a wide audience. It helps in creating characters and stories that are relatable on a fundamental level, regardless of cultural or individual differences.

2. Human Behavior

a. Conflict and Resolution: Insight into human behavior helps in developing compelling conflicts and resolutions. Filmmakers can construct believable obstacles and the ways characters overcome them, which is crucial for engaging storytelling.

b. Cultural Sensitivity: Understanding the variability in human behavior across different cultures enables filmmakers to create culturally sensitive and accurate portrayals. This can make the film more relatable and respectful to diverse audiences.

c. Dynamic Relationships: Insight into human behavior allows filmmakers to depict complex and dynamic relationships between characters. This depth adds richness to the narrative and helps viewers connect more deeply with the story.

d. Realistic Interactions: Studying human behavior aids in depicting realistic interactions and social dynamics. Filmmakers can craft scenes that accurately reflect how people act and react in various situations

e. Social Commentary: A deep understanding of human behavior enables filmmakers to make insightful social commentary. They can address contemporary issues and societal norms in a way that resonates with and challenges the audience.

D. You MUST be a “Witness” to Human Behavior

As writers, directors and actors, we are all artists, and as artists, we must observe and report on our version of the human condition. Therefore, we must understand human emotions and feelings so we know “what makes us tick” and “why we do” certain things.

Once you know the answers to these questions, you will have a better idea of how the characters in your script should interact with each other, as well as having the proper “psychological tools” to direct actors on the set.

The good thing about human behavior is that it is observable, and as storytellers, we must first observe the way people react to different situations and circumstances to understand “How and Why” their behavior changes.

As a film director, you must be a “witness” to human behavior. You need to get into the habit of observing people going about their daily lives, so you can find out what motivates them to take action.

Once you know what motivates a person to achieve their daily needs, you will understand the story you are telling better, and you will also feel more confident helping your actors achieve believable performances.

Next Article: Part Two (STEP 2: STORY, STORY, STORY)

“As filmmakers, we often search for powerful concepts to bring to life on screen. But some of the most original ideas come from places beyond logic — from intuition, spiritual perception, and deep reflection on nature and the unseen. Being spiritually aware can unlock myth, sci-fi, supernatural, or horror concepts that feel fresh, layered, and meaningful. Sometimes, a vision isn’t just imagination — it’s inspiration waiting to be written. Let’s keep creating from the soul.”

STEP 2: STORY, STORY, STORY

A. The Director and the Story

There are many phases of a film director’s prep, but the first, and most important part of your job, is to understand every detail about the story: where it takes place; who the characters are; and what happens to them.

When you first read a script, here are just some of the many questions you will need to answer to help identify and solve potential script problems:

1. What is the story about? This defines the central premise or main idea of the story, summarizing its essence in a concise statement.

2. Does the story make sense? This ensures that the plot is coherent, logical, and easy for the audience to follow and understand.

3. What problem is to be resolved? This identifies the central conflict or issue that the main character must overcome, driving the story forward.

4. What event hooks the audience? This is the inciting incident or initial event that grabs the audience's attention and sets the story in motion.

5. What is the plot? This outlines the sequence of events and actions taken by the characters as they work towards resolving the central conflict.

6. What is the subplot? This secondary storyline supports the main plot, often highlighting deeper themes and adding complexity to the narrative.

Understanding the story requires a lot of work on your part because you then need to dig deeper into the story and its structure by analyzing each individual scene in the script to find out what the story is about, what works and what doesn’t. You do this by asking questions like:

1. What is the intention of the scene? This identifies the scene's purpose and what it aims to achieve in the context of the overall story.

2. What are the story points? These are the key events or pieces of information that drive the narrative forward within the scene.

3. Where are the scene beats? These are the moments of change or emotional shifts within the scene that keep the audience engaged.

4. Where is the climax? This is the most intense or pivotal moment of the scene, often determining the direction of the subsequent action.

5. What is the resolution? This is how the conflict or tension within the scene is resolved, leading into the next part of the story.

6. What are the important lines of dialogue? These are key lines that convey critical information, reveal character, or advance the plot significantly.

Remember, your script analysis will be a never-ending process. Each time you read the script, you will find something else you didn’t know about the story or the characters.

And the script will also constantly evolve. The script will change because of your creative notes, writer changes, actor changes, producer changes, studio changes and location availability. But as long as you know what the story is about, and where the story is going, you will be able to adjust to all the changes.

B. The Classic Three-Act Structure

The three-act structure is a model used in modern storytelling that divides a fictional narrative into three parts: the Setup, the Confrontation and the Resolution.

ACT ONE (Set Up)

“Boy meets girl”

1. What is the story plot and the story theme? The plot outlines the sequence of events that drive the narrative forward, while the theme represents the underlying message or central idea the story aims to convey.

2. What is the “dramatic question” to be answered? The dramatic question is the central question that keeps the audience engaged, revolving around the main character's journey or the story's primary conflict, and is typically resolved by the story's conclusion.

3. Who is the main character and what are his/her needs and goals? Identifying the main character involves understanding their primary role in the story, along with their needs (what they lack or desire internally) and goals (what they aim to achieve externally), which drive their actions and decisions throughout the narrative.

ACT TWO (Confrontation)

“Boy loses girl and fights against impossible odds to get her back”

1. What is the dramatic “rising” action? The rising action consists of a series of events that build tension and suspense, leading up to the story's climax, and it involves the development of conflicts and challenges faced by the main character.

2. What are the obstacles in the main character’s way? These are the challenges, conflicts, and adversities that hinder the main character’s progress toward their goals, adding complexity and depth to the narrative.

3. How does the main character overcome each obstacle? The main character overcomes obstacles through a combination of strategy, growth, determination, and sometimes external assistance, demonstrating their development and resilience as the story unfolds.

ACT THREE (Resolution)

“Boy gets girl and lives happily ever after”

1. How does the story end? The ending of the story provides resolution to the main plot and subplots, wrapping up the narrative and leaving the audience with a sense of closure.

2. What happens to the main character? The main character's fate is revealed, showing the outcome of their journey, including how they have changed or what they have achieved.

3. Is the dramatic question answered? The dramatic question, which drives the narrative tension, is finally addressed, resolving the central conflict and delivering the story's ultimate message or lesson.

Next Article: Part THREE (STEP 3: PERFORMANCE)