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| (Eastriding.gov.uk) |
If you believe directing is all about sitting on your duff
and bossing people around, you have no idea what a director does. No matter
what the media medium – television, movie, music, etc. – is, directing is not
as easy as one may think. I know that
directors like George Lucas, J. J. Abrams, and Steven Spielberg make it look
easy, but it’s not. It is actually one
of the hardest and most stressful jobs of the entertainment industry, and I got
a taste of it as I was directing Sakor’s I’m Deep in Love music video.
Very few people discuss what it takes to be director.
Whether I wanted to or not, I soon found out. From my research, I discovered
directors are required outstanding researchers and storytellers, great
communicators, creative, organized, disciplined, wonderful decision-makers, and
being able to work well under pressure. The
one characteristic my research didn’t touch on was excellent leadership.
Directors are the commanders and chiefs of the artistic and production aspects
of the media medium. Every leader needs to have a vision and be able to guide
people towards that vision.
How was my experience? I can honestly say that I was glad
that I was a qualified mental health worker because I definitely used my psychological
skills. I felt like the character director Lloyd Fellows (played by Michael
Caine) in the 1992 movie Noises Off.
We were filming both indoors and outdoors, and each contains its own problems.
The indoor filming challenges were mainly lighting and space. Lighting and lack
of equipment were the outdoor challenges. I met each and every issue with calm,
cool determination and creative thinking. My true director’s test was managing
the talent. I’ve heard both great and horror stories about talent and their
personalities. Other than no one knew how to tell time, I had a great cast. There
were a few potential meltdowns that I was able to handle. When the question
“Why do we have to kiss?” was asked, I was stun. We were shooting a love song music
video, and the talent wanted to know why they have to kiss? The answer was
obvious to me…because you’re in love. It took me a moment, but I put those
thoughts out of my mind, and put on my professional face as I explained to them
to think about their significant other they are in love with. “Don’t you want
to kiss him or her?” The problem was resolved.
Overall, directing was one of the best and most exciting
experiences of my life. With a great cast and crew, patience, communication,
and a sense of humor, the director’s chair is a little less daunting. I look
forward to other opportunities in the television and movie industry.
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