An Introduction to Directing Film

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This guide deals with the production stage known as principal photography, the actual process of filming a motion picture. It covers in part the essential elements of the great script, methods for directing actors, the basic production process, and how to plan an efficient shooting schedule.

However, the main focus of this course is on the art and craft of exposing film. Generally, this is the job of the director in collaboration with the cinematographer or director of photography. The purpose of this lesson is to familiarize the film director with the language of cinematography in order to facilitate more productive communication with the director of photography, or in the case of an ultra low budget, to assist the independent film artist in taking on the roles of both director and cinematographer simultaneously.



Short of any art theory, The Old School Film School is a simplified lesson on the mechanics of filmmaking. You don't need a significant budget or a large, professional, and expensive crew to produce a skillful masterpiece. All you need is a great script, some leadership skills, the talent of creativity, and the essential knowledge to transfer that creativity to film. Some of the most influential pictures ever made were first-time projects shot by aspiring directors with budgets no greater than the limits on their credit cards. The knowledge you will gain from this tutorial will enable you to shoot your story on film with distinctive results that are not too difficult to create nor costly to produce.

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this guide. Regardless, it is highly recommended that you continue your film education beyond what you learn here. An artist will only benefit from learning new insights and techniques. There is no such thing as too much knowledge. The works listed in the bibliography are all excellent sources of information on the entire filmmaking process.

As with all artistic endeavors, directing must always come from within. This guide is meant to be a silent partner, existing only to clarify, not to instruct, but to assist and to inspire.

First, for some inspiration, watch Robert Rodriguez's "10 Minute Film School"


PART I


PART II


Then, go to Lesson One: Elements of the Great Script