Expert: Kenneth D. Plonkey - 2/9/2008

Question
Is a directing so hard? What's HIS JOB during the filming? Does he need to think for everything or not?

Answer
Hi Nikola, Yes, it is very hard.  Before filming the director has to create a shooting script, one that is broken down into the little scenes that will be filmed; and then during the filming, each evening he has to plan what will be done the next day and make sure all the crew and equipment he needs will be there, he helps decide where and how each scene will be set up,and he has to decide how many ways each scene is going to be filmed, his day starts before sunrise and goes long into the night.  During the filming, he has to decide if the takes of each scene are done correctly, and if anything is not perfect, re film it, over and over until it is acceptable.  Then in the evening when the rushes (the copies of the previous day's filming) come in, he has to watch them and see if any of the scenes need to be redone. In a sense he has to think of a lot of things, and rely on a good cinematographer to set up the takes correctly and a good crew to supervise of all the production details and make sure everything is right.  When the filming is over, the director helps cut the film, piece the takes together so that the story is presented in an interesting and clear fashion. I have probably left out many of the director's responsibilities which are myriad ( I just thought of approving the casting of the film, for example.) I hope this has answered your question, Doc