A Director creates and carries the vision for a film from the script to the screen. While the screenwriter(s) lays out an initial vision for the story in the screenplay, the Director picks up that screenplay and adds their own vision to bring it to life on camera.

The Director must continually work to convey the world and narrative their mind sees to the rest of their team, as clearly and specifically as possible, so that everyone is empowered to succeed in creating that vision. Especially on smaller crews, where just a few people may be working to bring all of the elements together.

This can be done through intentional communication and scheduling meetings. Even greater unity comes as the Director and those in charge of the different departments look at specific examples together: drawing pictures, taking photos, scouting locations, referencing other photos, film, and artwork, playing songs, etc. The goal is to really try to narrow in the specific style and feel the Director wants for each facet of the film, as several aspects, including: camera and lighting, locations, cast, props, wardrobe, hair, makeup, set design, and so on, need clear vision to be created.

The Director is both the Gatekeeper and the Captain.

Ultimately responsible for protecting the impact of the final story told, they must constantly dictate what ideas serve to benefit the narrative, and what ideas are a threat to the final vision. They continue this key role of deciding what ideas are allowed in or kept out, from the first reading of the script to the final edit and finishing touches on the film.

While the Gatekeeper protects the story, the Captain leads and protects the crew. Everyone on the production looks to the Director to point out which way the ship is going, and keep the ship afloat. For a Christian Director, this is not only in practical direction, but in the spiritual warfare that comes on every film project. When the enemy attacks with doubts and fears, and tries to work division into the project, the Director has to keep finding the value and purpose behind the struggle, and keep pointing the right way for the team to go, all the way through post-production.

In order to thrive, a Director must be allowed to direct. They must be empowered to carry their vision from beginning to end. This does not mean a Director white-knuckles their own ideas and closes their ears to everyone else’s input. On the contrary, a healthy directing scenario would create the safety for lots of valuable, collaborative input and conversations while the Director always remains the final authority. They’re empowered to make the decisions of which ideas progress, and likewise, are responsible for the outcome.

While the role of Director is often idolized, no other role in film production carries more responsibility or pressure. Jesus says it in Mark 10:44, “But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all.”

Talk to Kelsie about serving your production as Director today.

The Director’s scope of work may include:

• Leading the film project

• Stewarding the story and creative vision for the film from script to screen

• Collaborating with the Producer(s) to accomplish the project by preserving the vision while managing project limitations

• Communicating their vision, as clear as possible, to the production teams

• Planning the specific approaches to be taken in each phase of filmmaking to accomplish the vision

• Collaborating with leaders, such as the Screenwriters, Cinematographer, Art Director, Locations Director, Casting Director, Editors, and so on, throughout the entire filmmaking process

• Directing the cast and image on production to capture the footage needed

• Being available for communication to help maintain project progress and direction

• Carrying the largest responsibility of the final outcome