Everyone has their own idea of what a director does. We've all seen old movies with the baseball capped director, megaphone and canvas chair.

But what does a director on a corporate video shoot do?

what the director does

At one level, the Director is the boss of the video shoot. They're responsible for ensuring that the shots required are all actually taken and that nothing is missing.

So the director comes armed with a detailed storyboard that will contain all the script and documentation required for the shoot, such as locations, the route march for the crew, the types of shots required, props and so on.

The director will then be required to oversee all shots to ensure that they are taken correctly and match what is specified in the storyboard.

In practice, this usually means a close working relationship between director and camera operator.

The director will explain what's required of the shot to the camera op, then leave them to get on with it while they focus on obtaining the best performance out of the cast.

dealing with people

All subjects are different and can range from a security officer at reception being interviewed, to a chief executive speaking to camera, to a performance from a cast of professional actors.

The director has to be able to get the best performance out of each subject, regardless of who they are. This requires a lot of flexibility from the director.

For example, some subjects may be nervous. So the director needs to have a calm personality, and transmit this calm to settle the subject. After all a nervous subject will look tense and unhappy on camera.

Other subjects will need directions to the best out of them. This needs top be done subtly, and not ham-handed.

A cast of actors will each need individual guidance on how to interpret their role, and hot to relate their performance to other members of the cast.

On the other hand, a class of schoolchildren need a completely different approach. Likewise, interviews with the staff in a Call Centre need something different too.

planning

The director also has to liaise with the client and plan ahead for the next location in that day's shoot, so that when the crew arrive at the next location they find everything is prepared in advance, and that there are no props or cast unexpectedly missing.

summary

The director is responsible for ensuring that all the shots specified in the storyboard are taken.

The director has to guide each subject on camera on how to give their best performance.

To achieve this, the director needs a close working relationship with the camera operator.

Next: The Camera Operator >>