[custom_adv] Some sit behind a monitor and watch, others prefer to be up close with the talent. [custom_adv] Maybe it’s combining two static shots into one with a cool dolly move. Sometimes it’s a fun transition from one shot to another. Or it could be the way I introduce a character. If it makes me think, “Oh yeah, that’d be cool” I’ll talk to the first AD as soon as I get to set and make it happen. [custom_adv] Other crew members get to work on lots of different sets and see how different directors operate, the good and the bad. If you’re a director though, you’re always just kind of on your own set and in your own head. [custom_adv] In my last article, I talked about some of the things crew members see that directors could improve on. In this one, I asked 12 different directors share a little insight into their directing process. These directors have had box office smash hits or have directed commercials that you’ve seen a hundred times. [custom_adv] I asked for tips that were unique to them, things that aren’t in every filmmaking blog. [custom_adv] Like, I have a tip that sounds horrible on its face, but despite how bad it sounds, it’s made a huge difference in some of my work. [custom_adv] On the drive to set, I think of the shot I’m missing or a shot that I can upgrade. By this time, I’ve scouted every location, shot listed or storyboarded every shot, worked with the actors and everybody on the crew knows the game plan. I’ve thought through every possible shot and edit, and internalized the whole project. [custom_adv] I know the limitations of time and gear, and that seems to be the perfect time to add that one last little something cool to the shoot. So, I think about the shot that I’m missing. [custom_adv] On the drive to set in the morning, I force myself to consider if I’m doing everything I can with the material. I’ll walk through the scene or the commercial in my head, think about what could be improved, and see if inspiration strikes. [custom_adv] Maybe it’s combining two static shots into one with a cool dolly move. Sometimes it’s a fun transition from one shot to another. Or it could be the way I introduce a character. If it makes me think, “Oh yeah, that’d be cool” I’ll talk to the first AD as soon as I get to set and make it happen.