The Director’s Playbook

A candid photo by Micah James capturing a filmmaker absorbed in their campaign filming.

Entering the field, I used to think that directing a project was just about having a vision and capturing it myself or leaving it to others to capture for me. Over the years, and after many projects, I’ve come to see it as a clock—comprising countless little gears that work together to make the entire machine function smoothly. I've learned how important it is to have a strong sense of people and awareness, to understand the craft basics of those you bring onto your projects, and to recognize that preparation and communication are the single most important factors that will determine if your project sinks or soars.

discussion location shots

I’ve watched countless hours of work from directors such as Nolan, Villeneuve, and others. What stands out in their projects—beyond the craft—is the unwavering dedication. The common factor is not only how passionate they are about the work, but how determined they are to see it through. Passion is an essential ingredient, but it will inevitably fade and reappear over time. I’ve found myself taking on projects for money, catalog, or notoriety, and watching them falter—or worse, not even get completed. Determination, however, is far more important. When faced with inevitable challenges, you must set up a system and fully understand that the project has to get done, regardless of the ups and downs of emotions or mood.

candid capture of the set crew

If you can couple passion with that kind of determination, along with strong teamwork and communication, you are almost guaranteed to see your projects through. A director’s true strength lies in understanding their team’s strengths and ensuring that each member is capturing the essence of what was envisioned. This approach leads to a more powerful contribution to the project because everyone is fulfilling their own passion, which is just as important as your own.

In a director's role, it’s vital to stay grounded, to guide and inspire, but also to have the foresight and strategy to adapt when necessary. The vision may start with you, but it’s the team that carries it forward.