I was asked by K. Ross to share my directing experience in Tokyo, so here goes....I like to write a lot of sci-fi/comedy. I love testing out new scripts to see how actors can bring them further. I think my script ideas have helped a lot of actors network with other actors. I seem to be a hub for networking because I use a lot of ensemble casting. Now to the directing.
I seem to have a 'Spike Lee' style where I am silent or very quiet on set a lot. I let the actors do their thing and I get some great performances. I don't push actors to do days on end shooting. We often shoot in bit and pieces. We often get mild winters but this winter is like a blizzard at night, so shooting might be hard for outdoor shots. For indoor shoots as long as we buy drinks or food we can shoot at a lot of places.
I have been offered free places a few times as long as I follow the first rule and buys food for cast and crew. For crew I stay small, maybe an assistant or two, but often actors on set become assistants or in the case of filming in Vancouver they became DOP. It is amazing to see actors show other talents, some were good at sound and others can track for me with a camera.
So, I ran a few workshops and had up to 3 of them with DOPs and models just walking around and more networking happened again and again. I sometimes do shoot some stuff with themes of AI and society being in lockdown.
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Hi Ron Reid! Thanks for sharing! I love reading about your experiences :)
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Thank you Ron Reid for sharing.
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Thanks for sharing your directing experience in Tokyo, Ron Reid. Your post's title is "Directing Experience for the shy writer." Do you think that's one of the reasons you direct the way you do ("I seem to have a 'Spike Lee' style where I am silent or very quiet on set a lot")?
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Great insights here - you get it done and in your style and that's super cool and inspiring.
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What a great experience to share Ron Reid
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@Mairice Vaughan you might have hit the nail on the head.
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I was shy/kept to myself growing up, so I understand, Ron Reid. I started to be less shy in high school.
This sounds like one of those "work free for deferred payment, let's-make-a-film-for-festivals" productions.
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Thanks for those insights, Ron. Having moderated panels for a number of the LAWebFest events, the most successful directors also followed what you suggest to get free locations and buy-in from cast and crew. Treat your people well and also those who are supporting your project and it can indeed be win-win. Wishing you continuing success.
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And pay cast and crew.
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Certainly always if you can. And for cast and crew, learn when not to do a "freebie for the future" as too often, that future does not come. But I've seen some web series creators start out small and 'gratis' on the very first episodes; they're still going strong after many years and are well monetized, so it can sometimes work out. But yes, money's a great incentive.