GOOD FILM DIRECTING 101… (THE BIG SECRET)

As you approach each scene, in a true low-budget movie, your first priority is to get it DONE!

1. Start with a Master Shot which is                                                                                                       (A) pull the camera back                                                                                                               (B) put on a small number almost wide angle lens that                                                                       (C) sees the entire set and all the actors say                                                                                         (D) “action”, wait till the scene is done and                                                                                     (E) say “Cut”.  

 Once, you get a good Master Shot (do not proceed to a Medium Shot or a Close-up until you first get a Master) you have a small sigh, because the scene (the page or pages) is covered with a Master and then you proceed to do the same scene, from beginning to end a 2nd time, but this time with a Medium Shot from one angle and then, form the beginning to end a 3rd time, with the opposite angle Medium Shot. That is the Master & 2-Pops…. Sometimes called the Master and 2 Over-The-Shoulder (OTS) Medium Shots.

If you can appraoch each scene with this concept till you're done shooting, the post production job will be a breeze and your movie will be a success.