10 Storytelling and Directing Tips Inspired by Akira Kurosawa

1. Trust Your Gut 

Kurosawa emphasized the importance of a director's intuition. This suggests that when faced with creative decisions, it’s often valuable to listen to your gut feeling. This could mean choosing an unconventional shot or narrative direction that feels right, even if it challenges traditional methods or the opinions of collaborators.

2. Study The Masters 

By examining the works of great directors, one can learn various aspects of filmmaking, such as shot composition, pacing, and storytelling.

Kurosawa himself was influenced by filmmakers like John Ford and Jean Renoir and believed in the value of understanding their techniques to refine his own work.

3. Collaborate With Your Actors

Actors bring characters to life, and Kurosawa believed in giving them space for interpretation. This includes working closely with them, understanding their perspective, and allowing them to bring their own creativity to their roles, which can result in more authentic and compelling performances.

4. Planning is Paramount 

Detailed planning and storyboarding were key to Kurosawa’s approach. He would often sketch out every shot before filming.

This level of preparation ensures that every visual element serves the story and can help in executing complex scenes more efficiently.

5. It's all in the Details

In Kurosawa’s view, the minutiae of a film—such as the costumes, set design, and props—were crucial in creating a believable world.

Attention to these details helps to immerse the audience and can subtly enhance the storytelling.

6. It's Okay to be Silent

Silence can be as powerful as dialogue or music. Kurosawa harnessed silence to build suspense and convey emotion, using it to draw the audience in and focus their attention on the visual storytelling.

7. Learn From Mistakes

Kurosawa was not afraid to recognize his own mistakes and saw them as learning opportunities. This principle encourages a mindset of continuous improvement and resilience in the creative process.

8. Keep a Handle on Emerging Technology

Always curious about the latest developments, Kurosawa integrated new technologies into his filmmaking. This openness to innovation can lead to new ways of storytelling and can give a unique aesthetic to films.

9. Maintain Your Vision

A director must have a clear vision for the film and remain true to it throughout the process. This can sometimes mean resisting studio pressure or popular trends to create a work that is authentic and personal.

10. Let Passion Guide You

Kurosawa’s passion for filmmaking was evident in his dedication to his craft. This principle suggests that great art comes from a place of deep commitment and enthusiasm, and that passion is infectious, often inspiring the entire cast and crew to strive for excellence.