Directing the Actor for Camera

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  • This course is open for 13 weeks
  • 57 lesson series
  • 14 hours, 59 minutes of video

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These are supplementary exercises that will help you maximize your experience in Filmmaking 37.

The lessons

  • Analyzing Character

    In this module, you will learn directing techniques to help actors determine the subtext, intent, and back story of their characters. Develop your directing skills and help your actors portray honest, memorable characters.
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  • Rehearsing Actors

    Learn how to structure rehearsals, how to conduct a table read, and what the responsibilities are of the director and actors during the rehearsal process.
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  • Rehearsal Exercises

    Learn valuable techniques from working Hollywood directors to get to the heart of the actors’ performance, learn rehearsal techniques from developing the character to overcoming mental blocks on the set.
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  • The Language of Directing Actors

    Learn from Hollywood actors and directors on how to approach and work effectively with actors on set, how to deal with problematic actors, and how to communicate in the actor’s language.
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  • Acting Techniques

    Learn the various types of acting techniques - from Stanislavsky to Chekov.
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  • Directing Actors on Set

    Learn what to say to an actor at the beginning of every scene – 30 seconds before you call action and 30 seconds after you call cut, learn how to rehearse on set, establish strong blocking, and how to help actors balance their performance with the technicalities of film production.
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  • Directing Mistakes

    Learn to identify common directing problems and how to fix them to ensure you get the best performance on set possible.
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  • Building the Camera Package

    Learn the different components of the camera, accessories, and how to choose the tight combination for your project.
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  • How to Prep a Camera

    Drew Lauer, from Hollywood Special Ops, takes us through the process of prepping a camera package for a shoot.
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  • Film vs. Video

    Learn the differences between shooting on film versus shooting on digital video.
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  • Shooting Film

    Learn the process of shoot, buying, and processing film.
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  • Shooting Digitally

    Learn how to select and shoot on the proper digital format for your project.
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  • Imaging Sensor and ISO

    Learn how the imaging sensor works and how to use the ISO as an exposure tool.
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  • Frame Rates

    Learn about frame rates, how to choose the correct one, and the impact frame rates can have on your image.
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  • Tripods and Sliders

    Learn the types of camera support equipment - from tripods to jibs - and how to properly use them.
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  • Introduction to Lenses

    Learn about the attributes of the camera lens and how to choose the best lens for your production
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  • Taking Care of Lenses

    Learn how to properly handle and care for a camera lens
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  • Focusing Techniques

    Learn how to use focus tools - including the measuring technique, peaking, and 1:1 zoom to keep your shot in sharp focus
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  • How to Expose a Shot

    From zebra strips and light meters to false color and waveform monitors, learn how to use these tools to get the perfect exposure.
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  • F-stops and T-Stops

    Learn how f-stops and t-stops work, and how to use them as a measure of exposure.
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  • The Zone System

    Learn how to use the zone system to determine the proper exposure for your shot
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  • Lens Focal Length

    Learn how the focal length of a lens affects the look of the shot.
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  • Macro Focus

    Learn to use macro focus when you're shooting a subject within the minimum focus of the lens.
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  • Back Focus

    Learn how to properly identify if the back focus is out on a camera and how to resolve it.
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  • The Camera Shutter

    Learn how the camera shutter works, its limitations, and how you can use use it to change the look of your footage.
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  • Managing Media

    Today's filmmakers almost always shoot on a digital format, and that makes digital media the new film negative. Learn how to properly manage your on-set media.
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  • Intro to Light and Exposure

    Learn the basics of exposure, latitude, the attributes of light, and the Inverse Square Law.
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  • Attributes of Light

     Learn the basic attributes of light and how to craft it to achieve the ideal cinematic look.
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  • Tungsten Lighting

    Learn how to work with, operate and trouble shoot tungsten lighting fixtures.
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  • LED Lighting

    Learn how to work with the newest LED lights.
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  • Low Budget Lighting Tools

    Learn how to use simple, inexpensive lighting tool if you're on a budget or on the road.
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  • Using a Light Meter

    Learn the difference between the types of light meters, how to calibrate one, and how to properly use it to get the correct exposure every time.
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  • Shaping Light

     Setting up a light is easy, but crafting it is an art.  Learn the tools and techniques for shaping light to achieve the desired look.
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  • Color Temperatures

    Learn about the colors of different light sources, how they affect the format on which you're shooting, and how to properly compensate.
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  • Lighting a Scene

    Learn how to assess an existing location, scene blocking and existing lighting to deterine the best way to light a set.
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  • Lighting Daytime Exteriors

    Learn how to light actors outside using only sunlight, reflectors and diffusion.
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  • Three Point Lighting

    Learn a range of lighting techniques when lighting people.
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  • Lighting People

     Learn how to use the three-point lighting system to properly light people.
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  • Key Light Techniques

    Learn advanced techniques for shaping your actor's key light
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  • Green Screen Techniques

    Learn how to properly light and expose green screen shots.
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  • Using a Clapboard

    Learn how to properly use one of the most iconic tools in the film industry.
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  • Using a Monitor

    Production monitors are used on practically every set.  In this module you will learn how to properly calibrate a production monitor to ensure that the image you see on screen is what is actually being recorded.
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  • The Physics of Sound

    Learn how the sound wave works, why we hear sound, how frequency and amplitude affect the sound and our approach to recording it.
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  • How Microphones Work

    Learn how microphones function, their classifications, output configurations and how to choose the best microphone for the job
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  • Microphone Pick-Up Patterns

    Learn the different types of pick-up patterns, how they capture sound, and which to choose when recording audio.
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  • Audio Pre-Production

    Learn how to prepare for a shoot by breaking down the script, determining the best equipment to use and how to address complex scenes.
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  • The Microphone Boom

    Learn about the types and uses of boom poles, windscreens, shock mounts and techniques for monitoring audio
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  • Boom Operating Techniques

    Learn techniques for the proper placement and operation of the boom mic on set
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  • Recording the Audio

    Learn the difference between analog and digital recording, how audio is encoded and recorded, setting levels, managing peaks, working with compressors and limiters, and how to record the perfect audio.
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  • Cables and Adapters

    Learn to use and care for cables and adapters when recording audio on set.
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  • Composition

    Learn compositional techniques including the rule of thirds, how the great painters used mathematical principals like the golden ratio to create the perfectly composed images, how to balance line, color, and shape, and then how to break these rules.
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  • Creating Depth

    Learn techniques for crafting foreground, midground, and background elements, how to manage depth or flatness as a narrative tool, techniques used in network television shows to cheat depth, and the ways the camera lens can affect depth.
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  • Eye Lines

    Learn how to choose the best eye line, directing techniques for ideal camera placement, how to overcome challenges when working with visual effects, and how to fine tune actor’s eyelines within mere inches to achieve the desired emotional impact.
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  • Framing People

    Learn techniques for framing people from lead room to headroom, how networks and major studios influence framing choices of their programs, how to use single and dirty shots to convey connection or distance between characters, and how directors and cinematographers decide on common guidelines for each production.
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  • Shot Types

    Learn the intricacies of framing, the basic shot types, advanced variations on these shot types, how to quickly communicate your vision to the cinematographer, and the emotional responsive invoked by various shot types.
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  • The Frame

    Identify and work with different aspect ratios, manage conversions from film to HD, NTSC to HD, title safe requirements, and how various aspect ratios are adjusted for different exhibition and broadcast formats.
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  • Rule of 180

    Learn the core fundamentals of screen direction, how to establish the line of action, the rule of 180, exceptions to the rule of 180, instances where the line of action doesn’t apply, how to shoot multiple character with an ever-moving line of action, and how to prepare your shot lists to avoid catastrophic editing problems.
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