Filmmaking / Directing : Making my Directorial Debut on a Short: Any Advice? by Jess Waters

Make sure you are crystal clear when you say something and always exhibit confidence. That's not to say you shouldn't ask questions and solicit their input, but if you aren't confident in yourself, they won't be confident in you. Always be honest and respectful toward everyone, no matter how bad your day is or how many things have gone wrong. Treat everyone the way you'd want to be treated and you'll do fine. The fact that you're actually thinking about this and asking questions shows a lot about you. Don't let go of that compassion for the people you'll be working with.

Work on someone else’s short movie first. Watch and learn, from prep (location scouting, casting) to on-set shooting. Also a great way to pooch cast & crew for your own shoot.

I turned out to my friends after I ditched the "pros" asking money upfront. We even got to make ghost production company, scored some money outta it...

This is a fantastic question, Jess Waters! I think having conversations with your key players before getting on set is SUPER important. Talk to your DP about how you want things to _feel_, not just look. I adore Spike Lee's story about when he was hiring his DP (or was it Production Designer?) and just asked, "it's supposed to be the hottest day in Brooklyn - how would you convey that?" Asking your DP and PD to participate in those conversations is a great way to keep what you've decided active in their brains.

After that, mood boards, storyboards, shot lists - but that's more for your DP and PD. For cast, you should hopefully have a little rehearsal time or even scene blocking to get a feel for what helps you to connect with them. John Turturro actually physically danced behind the camera as a director on Romance & Cigarettes to make Kate Winslet feel more comfortable dancing on camera. You will have to communicate different things to different people, but the only ones you should be dealing with directly is your DP, your Art Director, and your cast. Try not to dictate the details on the day, but you can certainly clarify your plan/expectations before set. Leave the "how" to the professionals you've employed.

As the director, you're the primary and ultimate "viewer", so as often as you can, get excited about the victories, and share that excitement with all who contributed to it. They need you to be their biggest fan while you are asking for the best version of your vision.

You're going to do great. Have a wonderful time and tell us all about it! #GetPictures