You're going to make mistakes on every film you make, but your first project is unique in that you're probably making all of them within the same project. Those who have already experienced it know the struggle all too well. But learning about the countless errors other directors have made in their first films can help you avoid the ones you could make on your own, which is why you should definitely check out this video from Film Riot. In it, host Ryan Connolly talks with Dan Trachtenberg about his experience directing his first feature 10 Cloverfield Lane to learn about how the many mistakes he made actually helped him become a better filmmaker.
Trachtenberg shares a lot of great insight in the interview, but here are a few of our favorite pieces of advice:
- Don't sweat ADR: Yeah, you're probably going to use more ADR than you think, but trust me, if it's done well your audience won't even notice it.
- Be pitch perfect: Know your pitch and be prepared to give it (a lot).
- It's okay to laugh: Humor and tension go hand-in-hand. Try to infuse a bit of it before, after, or even during suspenseful scenes.
- Don't be rigid: Let your production plans be loose enough to make room for great ideas late in the game because that's often when they arise.
- It's normal to not be confident: Many of us struggle to have confidence in our abilities as filmmakers, but sometimes you realize you have talent and good instincts during production when you're really put to the test.
- Focus on the whole: Every scene should serve the story. Pay close attention to things like tone, performances, character arch in each scene to make sure they're informing the scene after it or are informed by the scene before it.
- Find your own path: Like many of us, Trachtenberg tried to model his career like his favorite filmmakers, but he says you'll soon find out that you'll feel more confident and experience more success if you allow yourself to follow your own unique path.
What is one piece of advice you'd give your pre-first film self? What are some mistakes first-time filmmakers should try to avoid? Let us know down in the comments.
Source: Film Riot
10 Directing Lessons From Yasujirō Ozu
Ozu always kept it simple, beautiful, and deep.
Yasujirō Ozuu, a name synonymous with the golden era of Japanese cinema, has inspired filmmakers and cinephiles across generations. His approach to storytelling, framing, and character development offers a treasure trove of lessons for aspiring directors.
In this post, we delve into ten of his most influential techniques.
Let's get started.
1. The Importance of "Ma" (Negative Space)
Ozu’s use of "ma," or negative space, in his compositions teaches us about the power of what is not shown. His frames often feature empty spaces that speak volumes, encouraging viewers to engage more deeply with the scene.
2. Low and High Camera Angles
Ozu's signature low camera angles, often at the eye level of a seated person, create an intimate perspective. This approach invites the audience into the world of the characters, making the experience more immersive.
His high camera angles of buildings, bird's eye views, and static scenery shots emphasize a world that changes before our eyes.
3. Minimal Camera Movement
In stark contrast to contemporary filmmaking, Ozu often used a static camera. This technique forces the viewer to focus on the subtleties of the performance and the composition of each frame.
4. The Pillow Shot
Ozu frequently inserted "pillow shots," short, transitional scenes of nature, everyday objects, or settings, to create a contemplative pause in the narrative. This technique allows for a moment of reflection and emphasizes the environment's role in the story.
5. Restrained Editing
Ozu’s editing style is marked by its restraint. He often avoided conventional editing techniques like cross-cutting, instead opting for straight cuts that offer a more straightforward, contemplative flow.
6. Finding The Profound in the Everyday
Ozu's films often revolve around everyday life and simple stories, yet they touch on profound themes like family dynamics, the passage of time, and the clash of tradition and modernity.
7. Subtle Performances
Ozu directed his actors to deliver understated performances, believing that subtlety could convey deep emotions more effectively than overt drama.
8. Set Design
Ozu's meticulous set designs were integral to his storytelling. He carefully arranged every object in the frame to reflect the characters' inner lives and the film’s broader themes.
9. The Beauty of Simplicity
Ozu teaches us the beauty of simplicity in both storytelling and visual composition. His films, devoid of complex plot twists or elaborate cinematography, capture the essence of the narrative through simple yet powerful means.
10. Respect the Audience
Ozu respected his audience's intelligence, never over-explaining or spoon-feeding the story. He believed in the viewer’s ability to piece together the narrative and find personal meaning in it.
Yasujirō Ozu’s filmmaking philosophy transcends time and cultural boundaries, offering universal lessons for directors. His emphasis on simplicity, subtlety, and the profound in the everyday makes his work a continuous source of inspiration and learning.
It's amazing to have art like his to study and breakdown as we emotionally connect with its storytelling.
Now go watch his films and take these lessons into your own work.