Staying in control of your film

In making my short film for class, I have learned that staying in control of shooting your film is something that is very difficult, yet important. Making sure your cast is reliable and dedicated to the project sounds impossible for an indie film, but it’s possible.

It’s the last day of shooting and I have one more scene to film. I hounded my lead actor to make sure he would be there, since he had cancelled on me a couple times before. Everyone was there and we were ready to start shooting and after the first take, my lead actor has a laughing fit. He can’t stop laughing enough to film other good takes.

At first I just kind of laughed along and kept retrying, but eventually I saw that he wasn’t going to stop. So, I just sat there and waited for everyone to get quiet. I didn’t smile, I didn’t laugh — if anything, I probably looked like I was pouting. This was my passive-aggressive way of handling the situation, and it worked for the most part. We got a couple of good takes after that and called it a wrap.

As the director, you are the one setting the tone for the shoot. If the director is hardcore, the shoot may not be fun, but it will get done. If the director is chill, but direct, then the shoot will be enjoyable and successful. If the director is a pushover and lets the cast and crew take control of the shoot, then the shoot won’t be taken seriously and won’t get done.

Remember, this is your film, so take control of it and own it. You are the one with the reigns. Finish your film.