Film Directors: Here are 7 Simple Rules to Directing a Film

When shooting motion pictures, there is so much going on that you need a crew to perform the slew of duties on set (even on indie film sets where its a minimalist crew). But add the cast and you start wondering how you can manage it all at once? Here are a few quick unwritten rules for the Motion Picture Director:

1. As a film director on set, you are in control.

2. People know how to do their given role of work, but they need directions on what you need them to accomplish. Talk to them and give them solid answers.

3. DO NOT boss cast or crew around or belittle them – give proper directions only, as a professional!

4. To avoid copyright violation, be sure that all pictures and paintings are removed from the frame. If you can’t remove them, block around them or shoot somewhere else. Never capture someone else’s art work!

5. Unless you want your picture to look drab, avoid solid white walls like the plague.

6. Avoid shooting straight on against large windows and/or mirrored buildings – a good many crew have had to reshoot a scene after seeing themselves in the reflection during post!

7. When the going gets tough (and it will), remain calm and cool and refer to rule #1

If you are a photographer, these 7 rules can easily be applied to your sets as well.