Expert: Hyunjin Jo - 9/13/2006

Question
What is your typical dday like while you are directing a film?

Answer
Hi Catherine,

Well, typically I arrive to set (usually before the crack of dawn, but if we're working an overnight, I might be arriving at sunset) and say hello to cast and crew(as many people as possible).  The cast and crew are there working very hard to make my vision a reality, it's good to touch base in the morning while everything is being set up/people eating breakfast etc.

Then my next things depend upon what is being shot for that particular day.  Typically though it is a lot of discussions with my 1st AD (assistant director), who runs the set about what we are shooting first. The 1stAD, the DP, the producer     (which sometimes will be me) and myself will  make sure that we are all on the same page regarding what we are shooting.

While the "set up" is being lit then perhaps I will speak to talent about the scene (discussing performance, etc.).

As soon as the scene is lit, then the performers come out and we shoot the scene.  Depending on what is being shot, complexity of the performance and how many set ups there are (camera angles, framing,etc.), this may go quickly or it could be something that takes all day, because every time the camera moves, the set needs to be relit.

After 6 hours, we break for lunch (30 min) and I usually eat with the 1st AD, the DP and other department heads, but perhaps sometimes talent depending on what we're shooting in the second half of the day.

After lunch it's the same thing as before, discussions, wait for set ups, then we shoot and we repeat it all over again.

If shooting goes past another 6 hours (which it normally does), we'll break for dinner or it might be a working dinner (meaning there's food, but we don't officially stop working to sit down to eat).

The shortest day I have ever worked was 12 hours from my call time.  The longest day I've worked has been 22 hours (where I had a 8 hour turn around with the following day being 19 hours---needless to say that it was a really tiring 48 hours)

During the set up times (when the grip, electric, DP and perhaps the art department are setting up), there is a lot of waiting time  (That is why you will often hear people say that making films/tv is a lot of hurry up and waiting.  Because when half of the crew is quickly setting up, others are waiting, such as talent and myself. But, when the actors and I are shooting the scene, most of the crew is waiting around until we move to another set up).  

During the waiting time, I might be making phone calls, checking email on my pda, thinking about things that need to be done the following shooting day, writing or just talking with members of the cast& crew.  It all really depends on the project.

You didn't include any background information on yourself nor why you were asking your particular question, so hopefully, some of the filmmaking, set terminology mentioned above was not too confusing.  

Hopefully though, you got some idea of a typical day of directing.

Good luck on all your future endeavors,
hj