Hands-On Directing, Part 1

If you can create a 'look' for your film, your career will rocket.

But why do so many British feature films, especially those by first-time directors, fail to achieve this important artistic success? When the technique needed for visually pleasing single-camera direction is so basic, why do so many directors fail to make the right choices? And when actors can add so much to a production, why don't directors take the time to ensure that their actors perform to the best of their abilities?

This intensive seminar teaches you the secrets of maximising performance from the cast while realising the importance of the ultimate audience - the camera. Learn how to direct on-time and on-budget, get the results you want and keep the producers happy. Single camera shooting techniques are explored in depth. Students will be given a number of exercises to undertake, including the opportunity to participate in directing a short dramatic scene which will be critiqued by Patrick Tucker.

This course is for experienced and beginner directors who are looking to improve their directing skills and craft, and to find their own form of directorial expression.

Patrick Tucker illustrates his points throughout with handouts and examples from Film and Television. There will be practical demonstrations and hands-on exercises using a professional digital camera. By the end of the course, the attendees will have learned:

• Shooting techniques
• Roots and reasons for selecting a camera style
• The grammar of single camera placement
• Style: approaching the script in an individual way
• Shooting script: developing your visual shorthand
• Planning: reading and analysing the script
• Storyboarding versus the scene sheet
• Screen geometry and grammar
• The 'Line': what it is and how to avoid crossing it
• Lenses: eyelines, hitting the mark, blocking, the 'look'
• The frame: the 'hot' area, acting in the frame
• Long, medium and close-up acting

• The Camera: the audience and camera movement
• Directing the actor's voice: creating screen intensity
• The Edit: shooting coverage, thinking in advance
• Shooting tips: save money and create a special 'look'
• Etiquette: organising the shoot and actors professionally
• Crew: maximising human resources
• The Showreel: a director's resume
• Video Clips: examples of good and bad directing
• Directing Actors: communicate effectively with talent
• Career opportunities