Vimeo Directing 101I'm sure that when we all decided we wanted to become film directors it was a very serious and impassioned decision. We watched films made by the best directors in the industry, read the books that documented their entire life's work, and waited for the day when we could pull off screaming into a bullhorn while wearing safari jackets and jodhpurs. However -- it is the weekend, so why don't we take a little break from the weightiness of our dreams and take a lighthearted look at what Vimeo's Video School says about what it takes to be a good director.


Vimeo's 'Directing 101' video is just that -- it's an introductory course on what a young director should keep in mind before, during, and after he or she cracks that mighty directorial whip. Now, we're not going to get into any overly sophisticated material with this video, but it does give great information for beginners, as well as some much-needed reminders for the pros, such as the importance of preparedness, having a vision, knowing the lingo, and just plain being nice to your cast and crew. Plus, it's funny! (I'm sorry, but Experienced Directorson is just hilarious.)

Check out the video below.

"Directing 101" is only the latest in Vimeo's Video School "Lessons" series, which are video/text combos of tutorials, challenges for filmmakers, and Q&A's with creators. If that sounds right up your alley, be sure to check out their other lessons as well. They've got everything from how to shoot an interview to how to make a prosthetic mask.

What do you think? What questions would you like answered about directing? What's some sound advice for new directors that may have not been in the video? V's #1 Rule of Directing: Feed everybody something delicious (angel hair pasta with olives and a homemade tomato sauce is probably the toppest notch you can get.)

Links:

  • Directing 101 -- Vimeo
  • Lessons series -- Vimeo
  • Video School -- Vimeo