I’ve been directing for the past year and I realized that being behind the camera is just as beautiful and great as being in the front! You see things from a whole different perspective.
On Directing…
If you get the chance to direct, you’ll start to develop the eyes of a director, which if you’re an actor too, will help you in more ways than you can imagine; giving you two perspectives to draw from.
Being able to direct has provided me with a whole new realm for growth as an artist. I’ve learned new techniques that have helped spark my creativity and expand my knowledge when it comes to this craft. As a director you begin to learn rules like the 360, shooting on the correct shoulder, nailing the right camera angles, etc!
Also, you start to master the trickier, more complex shots, for me that tricky one is a long shot. Long shots can take hours of rehearsals for a simple 3 min scene (even for the most experienced directors!) but when you finally get it right, the scene comes out looking beautiful!
Tarantino’s iconic long shot in Kill Bill is a masterpiece and is a constant source of inspiration when it comes to my directing.
On Eastwood…
Clint Eastwood is an all-around legend whose ability to direct, produce, write and star in his own films has made him one of the greats. He understands the film industry from the inside out and not just through one pair of eyes!
Eastwood did an excellent job with American Sniper (2014), he captured the actors’ natural experience as well as the depth and feeling of the environment throughout the entire process. He constantly focuses on the actors’ breathing, body language, and expression which gives the scenes a semblance of reality. His sound design never fails to reel in the audience as well. His art is the definition of perfection in my eyes.
On Set…
Just the other day I was directing a short film with JIG Reel Studios called Corner, (feel free to check it out!) and it was an awesome experience for all of us involved in its production. The lead actor and actress I was working with were amazing; the actress was doing incredible with the few lines she had but her nonverbal acting, I noticed, was much more powerful than the words.
The actor, on the other hand, initially was overwhelmed by how many lines he had, and I could tell he was in his head about it. Knowing the moment is the most important thing, I called cut early and I spoke to him privately. “Forget the lines and feel the room,” I told him. “That’s more important to me as the director.”
After that, I watched as the actor took my advice and began to feel the moment. I can say it was truly one of the greatest scenes I’ve ever directed to this day! It also goes to show you that the actor’s authentic experience is what we all want to see.
Being able to see two completely different styles of acting come together is beautiful! Watching the two of them play off each other and be completely in the moment was amazing.
Directing has taught me so much especially how to work the camera and how to milk each scene for the best! I’ve been discovering the dos and don’ts. It makes me really appreciate the blessing of this career and the art.
Essentially, my role is to envision the scene and utilize my craft and the talent my friends possess to paint the picture as I see it.
In an effort to take on the roles of not only an actor, but a director, and a writer, I’m working on a grand total of 13 original screenplays in addition to my 3 finished scripts. My personal goal is to produce, direct, write, and star in my own films, and I’m so excited to do so.
Thank you,
-GG
