What does a Director ACTUALLY do?

Summary

In this video, Rubidium explores the role of a film director, emphasizing their creative authority over the production. Directors are responsible for the film's final outcome, selecting scripts, hiring key crew members, and guiding the vision. They oversee auditions, rehearsals, and script changes, working closely with the cinematographer and actors to achieve their desired scenes. The director's power is crucial for maintaining a unified vision, ensuring all elements of the film work harmoniously to create a believable and engaging story.

Takeaways

• 🎬 Directing is the head creative position on a film set, responsible for the final creative outcome of the film.
• 📜 Directors are involved in choosing or writing the script, and then hiring the rest of the key department heads and actors.
• 🌟 Directors communicate their vision to the team, which may include references to other movies, photographs, collages, or music.
• 🎭 The director has the power to make changes to the script, including dialogue and scene settings, during rehearsals and on set.
• 📹 On set, the director works closely with the cinematographer to decide on camera placement, lens choice, and movement.
• 🔧 The director supervises the lighting and technical setup of scenes, ensuring they align with the creative vision.
• 👀 After each take, the director evaluates whether the performance and scene setup meet their vision and can request retakes or changes.
• 💪 The director's power is crucial because it ensures a unified vision, preventing a disjointed final product.
• 🔥 The role of the director is so significant that they may have the authority to fire actors if they do not meet the performance expectations.
• 🎥 The term 'director of photography' is a misnomer; the only person directing the photography is the director, with the cinematographer executing the director's vision.

Q & A

What is the primary role of a director in filmmaking?

A director is the head creative position on a film set, responsible for the final creative outcome of the film. This includes choosing or writing the script, hiring key department heads and actors, and overseeing the entire creative process from pre-production to post-production.

Why is the role of a director often confused with that of a producer?

The role of a director is often confused with that of a producer because they both have significant influence on the creative direction of a film. However, the director is specifically responsible for the artistic vision and execution, while the producer typically manages the business and logistical aspects of the production.

What does a director do during the casting process?

During the casting process, a director reviews headshots and resumes, conducts auditions, callbacks, and ultimately decides who to cast. They also organize table reads and give notes to the actors to align with their creative vision.

How does a director collaborate with the cinematographer on set?

A director collaborates with the cinematographer by discussing the visual style and camera placement for each scene. The cinematographer suggests camera angles, lenses, and movement, and the director either approves or requests changes to achieve the desired look.

What is the significance of rehearsals in a director's workflow?

Rehearsals are significant in a director's workflow as they allow the director to work with actors to refine performances and block scenes. This process helps in realizing the director's vision and ensures that the actors understand their roles and the director's expectations.

Why does the director have the authority to change lines or scenes during production?

The director has the authority to change lines or scenes because they are responsible for maintaining the film's creative vision and ensuring that every element contributes to the overall narrative. This flexibility allows the director to adapt and improve the film as needed.

What is the director's role in post-production?

In post-production, the director's role includes editing the film, selecting music, overseeing visual effects, and making final decisions that shape the film's final cut. They are involved in every step to ensure the film meets their creative vision.

Why is it said that cinema is a director's medium?

Cinema is considered a director's medium because the director has significant creative control over every aspect of the film, from casting to cinematography. They have the power to shape the narrative, performances, and visual style, which is essential for creating a cohesive and engaging film.

What is the difference between a director and a director of photography (DP)?

A director is the overall creative leader responsible for the film's vision, while a director of photography, or cinematographer, is responsible for the visual aspects of the film, such as lighting and camera work. The term 'director of photography' can be misleading, as only the director has the final say on the film's creative direction.

Why is the director's role considered to have so much power in filmmaking?

The director's role is considered to have so much power because they are the driving force behind the film's creation, from script development to final editing. Their vision and decisions shape the film's narrative, style, and overall impact on the audience.

How does a director ensure a unified vision on set?

A director ensures a unified vision by clearly communicating their creative ideas to the cast and crew, making decisions that align with the film's overall theme, and supervising all aspects of production to maintain consistency in the storytelling and visual elements.