Quote: AJGO @ October 15 2012, 10:29 PM BSTHas anyone directed audio sketches or short visual sketches for showreels? Am potentially going to be doing both soon and have no experience in either so any pointers appreciated
Yep. What do you need to know?
This time keep your clothes on
Quote: David Bussell @ October 15 2012, 10:34 PM BSTYep. What do you need to know?
All of the things please! Just, I know from a writing point of view that there are things that seem so obvious you might not even think to comment on them if someone asked about writing. So if there are any things you noticed learning and thought 'Ooh, well I never' (cos you talk like my imaginary Great Aunt) then those things.
Quote: sootyj @ October 15 2012, 10:38 PM BSTThis time keep your clothes on
I haven't got where I am today by keeping my clothes on. This police cell's quite cosy, albeit rather chilly
AJGO, do you get jobs thrown at you? I'm only asking because I'm also wondering if you handjobs out.
Hehe.
Jeez PimpLee, I have a note from my mum saying I'm allowed to not walk the streets of your evil domain for a few hours and you start getting sarcy. Did I tell the rozzers that you got those cuts on your finger from the great sandwich heist? No, so show some respeck!
Quote: AJGO @ October 15 2012, 10:45 PM BSTAll of the things please! Just, I know from a writing point of view that there are things that seem so obvious you might not even think to comment on them if someone asked about writing. So if there are any things you noticed learning and thought 'Ooh, well I never' (cos you talk like my imaginary Great Aunt) then those things.
That's a bit of a tall order, particularly as you're talking about two very different disciplines (directing audio/directing video)!
Recording audio isn't too complicated - get yourself a decent mic, make sure you listen out for sibilance and popping and try to record in a small room without too many hard surfaces (windows, wooden floors etc). From a directing perspective try to organise a rehearsal session beforehand if possible and make sure you get plenty of coverage. Keeping notes of your favourite takes during the recording will save a bunch of editing time in post. When it comes to that stage get your audio in the hands of someone who knows their stuff - a good sound guy can work miracles.
As for directing video, that's far more complicated. I'd recommend getting hold of a dummies guide to make sure you're at least familiar with the basics. Knowing what 'crossing the line' means for example is the difference between capturing what you need or ending up with a jumble of shots that don't stitch together for shit.
Quote: David Bussell @ October 15 2012, 11:00 PM BSTThat's a bit of a tall order, particularly as you're talking about two very different disciplines (directing audio/directing video)!
Recording audio isn't too complicated - get yourself a decent mic, make sure you listen out for sibilance and popping and try to record in a small room without too many hard surfaces (windows, wooden floors etc). From a directing perspective try to organise a rehearsal session beforehand if possible and make sure you get plenty of coverage. Keeping notes of your favourite takes during the recording will save a bunch of editing time in post. When it comes to that stage get your audio in the hands of someone who knows their stuff - a good sound guy can work miracles.
As for directing video, that's far more complicated. I'd recommend getting hold of a dummies guide to make sure you're at least familiar with the basics. Knowing what 'crossing the line' means for example is the difference between capturing what you need or ending up with a jumble of shots that don't stitch together for shit.
Groovy. Equipment has been sorted by others who know what they're doing, I'm just directing so at least don't have to worry about that. But should familiarise myself with the basics. I guess like when I've been in charge of keeping track of storyboarding for preproduction, the main editorial issue of mine will be making sure that everything has followed satisfactorily when we've had the chance? Then in terms of actually telling people what to do/encouraging the creativity of the artists, just having a clear but reasonably flexible view of what we want to achieve beforehand?
Quote: David Bussell @ October 15 2012, 11:00 PM BSTRecording audio isn't too complicated - get yourself a decent mic, make sure you listen out for sibilance and popping
Old trick I learned from my band days was to go "Sssuck a popsicle, sssuck a popsicle" into the mic and twiddle knobs accordingly until hiss and pop were no more. Still do it now. Mind you, in my day there were no such thing as laa-di-daa digital audio filters etc, we had to stretch a pair of mother's tights across an old coat hanger and stand it in front of t'microphone.
Sad but true. 
And my keyboard stand were cobbled together from an old clothes rack salvaged from the tip. And a pound o' whippet tripe. Well okay the whippet tripe bit isn't true. It were badger dung.
Quote: AJGO @ October 15 2012, 11:06 PM BSTGroovy. Equipment has been sorted by others who know what they're doing, I'm just directing so at least don't have to worry about that. But should familiarise myself with the basics. I guess like when I've been in charge of keeping track of storyboarding for preproduction, the main editorial issue of mine will be making sure that everything has followed satisfactorily when we've had the chance? Then in terms of actually telling people what to do/encouraging the creativity of the artists, just having a clear but reasonably flexible view of what we want to achieve beforehand?
Unless you're making something visually complex I wouldn't get too hung up on storyboarding. Chances are you're not working with dollies, cranes and stedicams, so your shooting options are likely to be fairly limited. Your efforts would be better spent, as you say, encouraging the right performaces and guiding the overall vision of the piece.
Out of curiosity, exactly what is it you're directing?
Quote: David Bussell @ October 16 2012, 9:56 AM BSTUnless you're making something visually complex I wouldn't get too hung up on storyboarding. Chances are you're not working with dollies, cranes and stedicams, so your shooting options are likely to be fairly limited. Your efforts would be better spent, as you say, encouraging the right performaces and guiding the overall vision of the piece.
Out of curiosity, exactly what is it you're directing?
Okay, that's what I was hoping! Will pm you details
One thing I massively learned is don't get hung up on your own version of how everything should sound/feel. If you restrict actors or give too much direction the performances become really wooden. I've found you get the best by making them comfortable and not worrying about doing it exactly as you imagine.
That's my 2p worth!
Quote: Mr Carnegie @ October 16 2012, 10:41 AM BSTOne thing I massively learned is don't get hung up on your own version of how everything should sound/feel. If you restrict actors or give too much direction the performances become really wooden. I've found you get the best by making them comfortable and not worrying about doing it exactly as you imagine.
That's my 2p worth!
Hitchcock said actors should be treated like cattle. That's how a new mooovement in cinema was started
Cheers Mr Carnegie. I shaln't refer to the complex outline on whiteboard then, just let it lurk in the background, like an papery dictator assessing and judging, and indicating when they may feel my wrath. Ta!
Quote: Pingl @ October 16 2012, 10:47 AM BSTHitchcock said actors should be treated like cattle. That's how a new mooovement in cinema was started
Was it bovine intervention?
Quote: AJGO @ October 16 2012, 10:48 AM BSTCheers Mr Carnegie. I shaln't refer to the complex outline on whiteboard then, just let it lurk in the background, like an papery dictator assessing and judging, and indicating when they may feel my wrath. Ta!
Was it bovine intervention?
yes but I think it was a load of bull frankly.