These simple tools will help you streamline the creative and organizational responsibilities of a director. From pre-production to post-production, these tools ensure you stay prepared and focused.
Before stepping onto the set, a director needs to thoroughly plan their vision and communicate it with the crew.
? Finalize the script (or work with the writer on final revisions).
Break down the script into key moments, themes, and emotional beats.
Create a director’s visual style guide (color palette, tone, shot preferences).
? Work with the production designer to establish the look and feel of locations and sets.
Discuss the mood, lighting, and framing with the cinematographer (DP).
Attend rehearsals with the actors to shape performances.
Approve costumes, props, and set designs with the art department.
? Review the storyboard or create one if needed.
Develop the shot list with the DP.
Plan transitions between scenes (e.g., cuts, fades, match cuts).
Write notes for character motivation and subtext in key scenes.
? Finalize the shooting schedule with the assistant director (AD).
Attend location scouts to plan blocking and camera setups.
Test cameras, lenses, and lighting setups with the DP.
While on set, a director’s job is to oversee the creative execution and work closely with the cast and crew.
? Review the day’s scenes and shots with the AD and DP.
Ensure call sheets are distributed and all departments are ready.
Check that locations, props, and costumes are set up correctly.
? Communicate the emotional tone of each scene to the cast before rolling.
Approve the blocking for actors and the camera’s movement.
Watch each take on the monitor to ensure performance, framing, and lighting align with your vision.
Offer clear, constructive feedback to the cast and crew.
Confirm all necessary coverage is captured before moving on (e.g., wide, medium, close-ups).
? Review dailies (footage shot that day) with the DP and editor (if possible).
Confirm the next day’s setup and schedule with the AD.
Provide feedback to improve efficiency or resolve issues for upcoming scenes.
A shot list helps you communicate the visual approach for every scene to the DP and crew. Here’s a template:
| Shot # | Scene | Type | Camera Angle | Movement | Lens | Notes |
|------------|-----------|----------------|------------------|----------------|---------------|----------------------------------------|
| 1 | 1 | Wide Shot | Eye Level | Static | 24mm Wide Lens| Establish park setting with bench. |
| 2 | 1 | Medium Shot | Over-the-Shoulder| Handheld | 50mm Lens | Protagonist walking toward the bench. |
| 3 | 1 | Close-Up | Low Angle | Dolly In | 85mm Lens | Antagonist smirking. |
Rehearsals are crucial for shaping performances and refining blocking.
? Break down character arcs and key emotional beats.
Prepare notes on tone, subtext, and motivations for each scene.
Test blocking and adjust if needed.
? Guide actors on their emotional objectives for the scene.
Experiment with line readings and physical movements to find the best fit.
Collaborate with the AD and DP to finalize blocking and camera placements.
? Adjust the script (if necessary) based on discoveries during rehearsals.
Provide actors with notes and encouragement.
Communicate any changes to the DP and other departments.
Directors often use a scene breakdown template to organize important creative and technical details.
| Scene | Description | Location | Characters | Notes |
|-----------------|--------------------------------------------|---------------------|---------------------------|------------------------------------|
| Scene 1 | Detective interrogates the suspect. | Police station room | Detective, Suspect | Dark lighting for tension. |
| Scene 2 | Flashback of childhood memory. | Family home | Young Protagonist, Parent | Use sepia color grading for flashback. |
Create a document outlining the visual and tonal elements of your film. This guide is shared with the cinematographer, production designer, and other key departments.
Example: Shadows of the Past uses dark blues and greys for mystery, with red as an accent color for danger.
Cinematography:
Example: Close-ups for intimate character moments, wide shots for isolation.
Lighting:
Example: Dim streetlights and heavy shadows for alleyway scenes.
Visual References:
After shooting, a director works closely with the editor and other post-production departments.
? Review the assembly cut with the editor.
Provide feedback on pacing, transitions, and scene selection.
Ensure continuity between shots.
? Approve ADR (re-recorded dialogue) for scenes with poor audio quality.
Collaborate with the sound designer to finalize sound effects and ambient noise.
Review and approve the final sound mix.
? Review test grades to ensure the visual tone matches the film’s style.
Approve final color correction and grading.
| Scene # | Emotional Tone | Key Action | Camera Style | Lighting Notes |
|-------------|---------------------|--------------------------------|----------------------|-----------------------------------|
| 1 | Suspenseful | Detective interrogates suspect | Handheld, close-ups | Low lighting, heavy shadows |
| 2 | Reflective | Protagonist remembers childhood| Wide, slow dolly | Soft, warm tones for flashback. |
| Scene # | Character | Action | Movement | Notes |
|-------------|-----------------|-----------------------------|----------------------|-----------------------------------|
| 1 | Detective | Paces the room nervously. | Left to right, repeat| Maintain tension with tight framing.|
| 1 | Suspect | Sits motionless, smirks. | None | Low-angle shot for dominance. |
| Task | Completed? (Y/N) |
|--------------------------------|----------------------|
| Review call sheet for the day. | |
| Meet with DP for shot review. | |
| Rehearse scene with actors. | |
| Approve blocking and camera setup. | |
| Review dailies after shooting. | |