I decided to do some additional research into a variety of sources about directing.
Interview with Youtube Director Bertie Gilbert
As the compulsory research side of this project all focused around TV and film directors and the direction within TV dramas, I decided to do a bit of research into a different type of director; short film directors who direct specifically for Youtube. I actually stumbled across this podcast interview conducted by Filler with Youtube Director / Writer Bertie Gilbert. I found it fascinating to find out what his views on directing were and why he chose to direct short films exclusively on Youtube. Within the interview, Bertie agreed that a good director is someone who know how to get the best performance out of the talent. This doesn't necessarily mean someone who is able to just tell people what to do, this means that they have carried out all the necessary pre production preparation as well in order for the talent, crew and everyone involved in the production to be clear on what they’re doing. A good director has done the necessary scheduling to make sure everything run smoothly. A good director has produced / helped to produce a storyboard and shot list to help visualise the piece prior to the actual production phase of the film. Bertie expressed a particular interest in auteur directors, stating that he thinks its important to be able to produce a unique piece of work, being able to put your own stamp on a film. Another interesting point Bertie made was that he is always considering the audience when directing. He treats the audience with respect, treats them as intelligent humans who do not need to be spoon fed and can work out what is happening on screen for themselves. This therefore allows him to make creative decisions with his directions which enables him to put his own stamp on his work in this way. One massive advantage that Bertie mentioned with being a Youtube Director is that the feedback is immediate. This means ideas can change and develop faster, meaning that as a director, you’re able to develop your work and your style at a faster pace than TV and film directors. Although this interview was limited in terms of advice / information about the art of directing, it was very fascinating to find out about different types of director.
The Art of Directing - Basic Blocking and Staging Techniques
“Blocking is the relationship of the actors to the camera”. [1]
Five things need to be considered before a blocking plan can be created:
a. When, and where, were the characters last seen?
b. What is the last shot of the previous scene?
c. What is the first shot of the scene you are working on?
d. What is the last shot of the scene you are working on?
e. What is the first shot of the next scene?
The blocking plan will also be determined by:
a. Whose POV is being expressed at the time? (Is it the writer’s, the character or the director?)
b. What distance are you from the subject? (What is the size of shot: close or far?)
c. What is your relationship to the subject? (What is the angle of view – your choice of lenses?)
I found this research particularly helpful due to being concerned about how to block the whole scene. This advice helps to break up blocking into simple steps which are easy to follow.
Interview with director David Gordon Green
4 Key ways to create mood:
David Gordon Green expresses the importance of looking for actors with emotional complexity. This allows them to be natural in acting in an honest and vulnerable way - making for a better and more believable performance. Green also states that using music that amplifies or contrasts with the moment is key. Sound design can change the whole mood of a film, therefore the right sound needs to be chosen in order to bring the right mood and tone. Green also expressed that it is key to shoot to capture human expression and scenery simultaneously. You should place the camera in such a way to get enough of a perspective of where we are and also who the characters are. The last point Green makes is that editing can affect the psychology of the whole scene. The speed of the editing helps to set the pace of the film and, in turn, the pace suggests the tone. [2] For example, I plan to use slow edits after the wedding video in my first scene to highlight the awkward and uncomfortable nature.
[1] Marshall, P.D. (2013) The psychology of movement and blocking a film scene. Available at: http://www.raindance.org/the-psychology-of-movement-and-blocking-a-film-scene/ (Accessed: 4 February 2017).
[2] Berkowitz, J. (2013) 4 keys to creating A mood from director David Gordon Green. Available at: https://www.fastcocreate.com/1683546/4-keys-to-creating-a-mood-from-director-david-gordon-green (Accessed: 4 February 2017).
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