Filmmaking / Directing

After decades, MTV is now silent outside the US, victim of the Paramount Skydance merger. How long MTV music only channels remain active in the US, they're not saying yet. Thoughts?

https://www.pastemagazine.com/music/mtv/paramount-skydance-merger-kills-...

Feature films are often referred to as a director's medium because, in the film industry, directors have a significant amount of creative control over the final product. They are responsible for interpreting the script, shaping the visual and emotional tone, and guiding every aspect of the production to fit with their vision. Directors' creative choices influence everything from casting to camera work, ensuring that the film reflects their unique storytelling approach and artistic style.

1. Artistic Vision: Directors have the primary role in shaping the artistic vision of a feature film, making key decisions about the look, feel, and style of the film.

2. Awards and Recognition: Directors are often the primary recipients of critical acclaim and industry awards, highlighting their role in the film's success and further establishing feature films as a director's medium.

3. Casting Decisions: Directors have a significant say in the casting decisions for the film, including the lead roles and supporting roles. They work closely with the producer and casting director to find the right actors for the roles.

4. Cinematic Techniques: Directors choose and implement various cinematic techniques such as camera angles, movements, lighting, and sound design to enhance the storytelling.

5. Collaboration with Actors: Directors work closely with actors to get performances that fit their vision, directing and guiding their character development.

6. Costume and Makeup: Directors influence costume and makeup choices, ensuring that each character’s appearance aligns with their personality, the setting, and the film’s style, helping bring characters and the world to life.

7. Creative Control: Directors often have significant control over the creative aspects of the film, including casting, script adjustments, and visual storytelling.

8. Editing: Directors have a significant influence on the editing process, including the final cut of the film. They work closely with the editor to ensure that the film is edited in a way that reflects their artistic vision.

9. Personal Style: Directors can infuse their personal style and signature into the film, making it a unique piece of art that reflects their creative identity.

10. Post-Production Influence: Directors often play a crucial role in the post-production process, including editing, sound mixing, and visual effects, to ensure the final product matches their vision.

11. Production Oversight: Directors oversee all aspects of the film's production, from pre-production planning to the final cut, ensuring that every element matches with their overall vision.

12. Set Design and Locations: Directors guide the selection of sets and filming locations that best serve the story, working with production designers to create authentic environments that immerse the audience.

13. Script Revisions: Directors often work closely with screenwriters to refine the script, making adjustments to dialogue or scenes to better align with the overall vision and emotional tone of the film.

14. Sound Design: Directors collaborate with sound designers to craft an auditory experience that enhances the film's atmosphere, mood, and emotional depth, ensuring it aligns with their vision.

15. Storytelling: Directors have a significant influence on the storytelling of the film, including the pacing, structure, and character development. They work closely with the screenwriter to ensure that the script is engagingly brought to life.

NEXT ARTICLE: Television is a Producer's Medium

To help you work and survive in this business, you must understand this crucial fact about film industry politics: Television is primarily a producer’s medium! Feature films are mainly a director’s medium!

Please read this again:

TELEVISION is primarily a PRODUCER'S medium!

FEATURES are mainly a DIRECTOR'S medium!

Knowing "who holds the creative power" helps you navigate expectations, decision-making, and collaboration dynamics.

Directing a feature and directing television both present unique challenges and opportunities. While feature film directing offers broader creative autonomy and a focus on a single story, television directing requires working within an established structure to contribute to an ongoing story. Success in either format demands flexibility, strong leadership, and an ability to serve the specific needs of the medium.

Both mediums demand different approaches to storytelling, pacing, and character development, each with its unique set of challenges and rewards. Feature films allow for deeper exploration of a character arc within a defined timeframe. Television requires maintaining consistency and growth over multiple episodes or seasons while adapting to evolving scripts and showrunner input.

Here are some key differences from a director's point of view:

(1) Feature Films

a. Audience Engagement: The goal is to engage the audience for a longer period, typically around two hours, requiring a well-paced story.

b. Character Development: The director has the opportunity to develop characters throughout the film, focusing on their emotional journeys.

c. Cinematic Techniques: There is more time to experiment with cinematic techniques, such as complex shots, elaborate set designs, and visual effects.

d. Creative Control: Directors often have more creative freedom in feature films, allowing them to stamp their personal vision throughout the film.

e. Story Arc: Feature films typically have a self-contained story with a clear beginning, middle, and end.

f. Thematic Depth: Feature films offer the opportunity to explore complex themes and messages allowing the director to weave deeper layers of meaning into the story.

g. Time and Budget: Feature films have longer production schedules and larger budgets, providing more time for planning, shooting, and post-production.

(2) Episodic Television

a. Audience Retention: Directors aim to keep viewers engaged within the shorter episode runtime (usually 30-60 minutes) and encourage them to return for future episodes.

b. Character Continuity: Characters are already established, and the director’s role is to maintain consistency while contributing to ongoing character development.

c. Collaborative Nature: Television directing is highly collaborative, often involving the showrunner, writers, and other directors to ensure a unified vision across episodes.

d. Creative Constraints: Directors of television episodes work within the established style and tone of the series, following the showrunner's vision and series bible.

e. Director’s Flexibility: Television directors often need to adjust to last-minute script changes or production needs, as episodes are produced on a tight timeline. This requires quick problem-solving and the ability to maintain the episode's quality despite unexpected challenges.

f. Episodic Structure: Television episodes are part of a larger series arc, and the director must keep the continuity with previous and future episodes.

g. Pacing and Format: TV episodes must fit within a specific time slot, often requiring precise pacing to accommodate commercial breaks and episodic cliffhangers.

h. Time and Budget: Television episodes often have tighter schedules and smaller budgets, necessitating efficient planning and execution.

i. Viewer Expectations: Television audiences often have established expectations based on previous episodes, including tone, pacing, and storytelling style.

VERY IMPORTANT:

On a Feature film, the DOP, PD & 1AD work "FOR the Director WITH the Producers!"

In Television, they work "WITH the Director FOR the Producers."

Big difference!

We, Hungarians say "Tessék!" :)

Hello everyone!

I’m Li, a director from China. I’ve just completed my very first feature film, and right now I have a rough cut ready. I would be truly honored and delighted if some of you would be interested in watching it and sharing your thoughts and feedback with me.

Your insights would mean the world to me as a debut filmmaker, and I’m genuinely excited to hear what you think!

If you’re open to it, please feel free to let me know — I’d be so grateful for your time and kindness.

Thank you so much in advance!

Looks like the 1980s soundtrack universe is expanding into a new, anachronistic realm! I know I love to get lost in the synth-pop and new wave classics from the '80s, and we know how significant artists like Tears for Fears, Peter Gabriel, and New Order are to the very fabric of pop culture. It looks like director Josh Safdie is striking up a deal with the past! His new film "Marty Supreme," starring Timothée Chalamet, is launching with a soundtrack packed with '80s bangers—despite the story being set in the 1950s.

What do we think, as a director, what would you do? Of course, these songs live in their own world of MTV and mixtapes, but will we see an even bigger trend of using anachronistic music to create new emotional landscapes in film? This creative choice by Safdie, paired with a vaporwave-inspired score from Daniel Lopatin (Oneohtrix Point Never), builds a bridge between eras that feels totally fresh.

Read more about this bold creative choice here: https://variety.com/2025/artisans/features/marty-supreme-music-tears-for...

If you’re interested in how large-scale films come together across departments, this behind-the-scenes breakdown of Wicked: For Good is a masterclass in collaboration.

In this video, the craftspeople behind the film, including cinematography, production design, costumes, hair and makeup, VFX, editing, and sound, walk through how character, emotion, and theme were translated into visual and sonic storytelling. From transforming Boq and Fiyero into the Tin Man and Scarecrow while preserving their humanity, to designing Glinda and Elphaba’s relationship through light, color, and sound, every department is clearly in conversation with the story.

Watch the full breakdown here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kBYH2k47dvU

Which department do you feel is most underestimated when it comes to shaping emotional storytelling on screen, and why?

Hey Filmmaking Lounge,

This week, my creative growth showed up in a place I didn’t expect: learning to loosen my grip on control and trust my collaborator.

It’s no secret that many creatives, especially writers, have a bit of a control streak baked into our personalities. We care deeply. We see the whole picture in our heads. And we often feel responsible for protecting the vision at all costs. But film and television are collaborative mediums at their core. They only truly work when the right people come together, trust one another, and build something collectively.

My greatest collaborator has always been my husband, Jordan. We’ve been best friends since we were 12. In film school, we were a well-oiled team: I produced, he DP’d, and we shared an unspoken shorthand that made collaboration feel effortless. That trust has always been there, creatively and personally.

We just moved into our first home, and hit the ground running with projects we wanted to tackle early: installing a dog door for our little guy, hanging a pendant light over the dining table, and tackling small upgrades that help a house start to feel like home. Jordan comes from a family of farmers and construction workers, and he has a natural instinct for building, fixing, and figuring things out. I’ve always trusted him with projects I’d normally call a professional for… until this one.

“I’m going to drill a hole into the granite countertop and install a reverse osmosis water filter,” he said casually.

All I could see was our brand-new, beautiful granite cracking straight down the middle.

I panicked. I questioned it. We argued, more than once. I surprised myself with how hard it was to let go. But eventually, I had to make a choice: hold tighter to fear, or trust the collaborator standing right in front of me.

He nailed it.

The install is flawless. The water is incredible. And the lesson landed hard: I don’t know everything. Sometimes growth comes from stepping back, letting go of control, and allowing someone else’s expertise to lead. When we trust our collaborators to take risks, problem-solve, and push their limits, the outcome can be better than anything we imagined on our own.

So I’m curious:

Where in your creative life are you being asked to loosen control a little?

Have you had a moment where trusting a collaborator led to unexpected growth or a better result than you planned?

What are you doing currently to challenge yourself to learn and grow?

The process of making a film can be divided into at least eight distinct stages, though the exact number may vary depending on the project’s scale, budget, and creative approach. These stages typically include Development, Financing, Pre-Production, Production, Post-Production, Marketing, Distribution, and Exhibition.

Each phase requires close coordination among multiple departments—writing, casting, design, cinematography, editing, and more—to transform a concept into a completed film. Clear and consistent communication across all stages is essential to maintaining cohesion and ensuring the director’s vision is fully realized. Here is an overview of the 8 stages:

1. Development: This is where the idea for the film is born and shaped. It includes concept creation, scriptwriting, securing rights, and initial financing. The goal is to develop a solid story and package that can attract collaborators and investors. Writers may go through multiple drafts to refine character arcs and dramatic structure. Producers often provide creative feedback during this phase to help shape the project. Key attachments such as a director or lead actor can significantly improve the project's market appeal.

2 Financing: Financing involves securing the funds needed to produce the film. This may include private investors, production companies, grants, tax incentives, or crowdfunding, and is essential to greenlight the project and move it into pre-production. Detailed budgets and financial projections are often required to convince backers. Legal contracts and equity agreements must be negotiated and finalized. Once funding is in place, the production can officially proceed to the next stage.

3. Pre-Production: Detailed planning takes place here. The director assembles the crew, casts the actors, scouts locations, finalizes the script, schedules the shoot, and prepares budgets. This phase lays the groundwork for an efficient production. Departments coordinate logistics to avoid delays once shooting begins. Tech scouts and rehearsals help clarify blocking and camera setups. Storyboards, shot lists, and breakdowns ensure that everyone shares a unified plan.

4. Production: Also called principal photography, this is when the film is actually shot. Actors perform scenes, and the crew captures the footage according to the director’s vision. It’s a high-pressure stage where planning meets execution. The schedule is often tight, requiring precision and adaptability. Directors manage performances while collaborating closely with the cinematographer and assistant director. Production dailies are reviewed regularly to track progress and identify any issues.

5. Post-Production: The film takes shape in editing. This phase involves cutting scenes, sound design, music scoring, ADR, visual effects, and color grading. The final cut is produced, polished, and made ready for release. Editors work closely with the director to refine pacing, tone, and story clarity. Sound and image are layered to build mood and emotional impact. Multiple versions may be screened for feedback before locking picture.

6. Marketing: Campaigns are created to generate buzz and awareness. This includes trailers, posters, interviews, festival entries, and social media promotions. The goal is to position the film in the market and attract its target audience. Publicists pitch stories and interviews to media outlets to build anticipation. Test screenings can help gauge audience reaction and refine strategy. A strong marketing push can increase visibility and drive early ticket sales or streaming interest.

7. Distribution: The film is sold or licensed to distributors for theatrical release, streaming platforms, or home entertainment. Decisions are made about release strategy, territories, and screening formats. Sales agents and distributors negotiate deals at festivals and markets. Windowing plans determine when and where the film appears across different platforms. Effective distribution ensures the film reaches its commercial potential and recoups investment.

8. Exhibition: The final product reaches audiences in cinemas, online, on TV, or through educational or community screenings. Feedback and reception at this stage often determine the film's cultural and commercial impact. Critical reviews and box office numbers can shape a film's legacy. Viewer response may influence awards campaigns or future distribution deals. Exhibition is where the director's vision is finally shared with the public.

Here’s an (incomplete) list of the many Creative & Logistical Elements YOU should know in the filmmaking process. :)

Archiving and Preservation: Safeguarding film materials for future generations.

Attention to Detail: Noticing small things that can make a big difference.

Budgeting: Allocating resources for the production.

Camera Department: Managing technical aspects related to camera operation.

Casting: Selecting actors for the roles.

Catering: Providing food for the cast and crew.

Cinematography: Deciding on camera angles, lighting, and lenses.

Collaboration: Working with various departments to achieve the director's vision.

Color Grading: Adjusting the color and tone of the footage.

Community Engagement: Help communities affected by the film's production.

Communication: Keeping everyone informed and on the same page.

Continuity Planning: Develop backup strategies for unforeseen challenges.

Costume Design: Creating the look of the characters.

Craft Services: Providing snacks & refreshments for cast and crew during filming.

Distribution: Getting the film to theaters or streaming platforms.

Editing: Piecing together shots to create the final product.

Empathy: Understanding and connecting with the characters and their emotions.

Environmental Sustainability: Reduce the film's carbon footprint.

Flexibility: Being open to new ideas and changes.

Grips and Electric: Handling lighting and camera equipment on set.

Health and Wellness: Promote physical and mental health for cast and crew.

Insurance: Protecting against unforeseen events.

Integrity: Staying true to one's artistic vision and values.

Leadership: Inspiring and guiding the cast and crew.

Legal: Handling contracts and permissions.

Locations: Securing permits and managing logistics for various locations.

Makeup and Hairstyling: Enhancing the actors' appearance.

Manage Digital Assets: Organize and maintain files from filmmaking.

Marketing: Promoting the film to audiences.

Music Composition: Writing original music for the film.

Patience: Dealing with the long hours and delays that can come with filmmaking.

Post-Production: Overseeing the editing, sound mixing, and visual effects.

Problem-Solving: Finding solutions to challenges that arise.

Production Design: Designing and creating the overall visual look of the film.

Production Management: Overseeing the logistical aspects of the production.

Promote Diversity: Ensure equitable opportunities for all backgrounds.

Public Relations: Managing press and media relations to promote the film.

Research and Development: Research and innovations to improve filmmaking.

Resilience: Bouncing back from setbacks and disappointments.

Safety: Ensuring a safe working environment.

Scheduling: Planning the timing of the shoot.

Script Supervision: Ensuring continuity in dialogue and action between scenes.

Scriptwriting: Developing the story and dialogue.

Set Decoration: Improving set visuals with props and dressing.

Set Design: Creating the environment where the story takes place.

Sound Design: Creating the auditory aspects of the final film.

Sound Mixing: Balancing the audio elements of the final film.

Special Effects: Creating practical or digital effects to enhance visual storytelling.

Specialized Equipment: Such as drones, cranes, or underwater cameras.

Story Development: Collaborating with writers to develop and refine the story.

Storyboarding: Planning out the visual aspects of the film.

Talent Casting: Conducting auditions and talent searches to find the right actors.

Talent Management: Handling actors and crew negotiations and contracts.

Textile Management: Managing costumes and wardrobe items.

Time Management: Allocating time and resources to meet production goals.

Transportation: Getting people and equipment to locations.

Union Relations: Managing relationships with all labor unions.

Vendor Coordination: Liaising with vendors and suppliers.

Vision: Having a clear idea of what the final product should be.

Visual Effects: Adding computer-generated imagery.

Visual Storytelling: Using visual elements to enhance storytelling.

Voice Direction: Directing voice actors for animated films or voice-over work.

Weather Management: Planning for and adapting to weather conditions.

Wildlife Management: Concerns related to environmental conservation.

Wirework: Planning and executing wire stunts or aerial choreography.

Youth Coordination: Managing child actors or young performers on set.

As we head into the new year, we're launching a fresh set of Open Writing Assignments (OWAs) for 2026. These opportunities come directly from producers and executives seeking standout projects across a wide range of formats—from music variety shows to female-driven YA dramas.

With deadlines in mid-January, this is your chance to start the year by getting your work in front of industry leaders.

Here are the latest opportunities now open for submissions:

1. For Music Variety Series & Shows

A Producer and Showrunner is seeking music variety series and shows in the classic vein of The Midnight Special, Don Kirshner's Rock Concert, and Iconoclast.

2. For Character-Driven Comedies

An Acquisitions Executive seeks character-driven comedies with budgets under $10M, comparable to films like English Teacher, Sorry, Baby, and Wake Up Dead Man.

3. For Dark Comedies with a Twist

A Manager of Development at a TV production company seeks dark comedies with unique twists and strong points of view, in the spirit of The White Lotus, The Bear, and It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia.

4. For Medical Thrillers

A Manager/Producer is looking for medical thrillers for both TV and features, with the gripping tension of The Pitt, Dead Ringers, and Contagion.

5. For Uplifting Female-Driven YA Dramas

A Producer and Showrunner seeks uplifting soaps, docu-series, and micro-dramas, specifically a female-driven YA cheer or dance drama. Ideal projects balance comedy and emotion while exploring friendships, rivalry, and love—think Dance Academy, Bunheads, or Tiny Pretty Things.

6. For Character-Driven Action

An Acquisitions Executive seeks character-driven action projects with budgets under $10M, capturing the intensity of John Wick, Rebel Ridge, and Hell or High Water.

Submit your work now and kick off the new year by connecting with producers actively shaping their upcoming slates.

Submit Today: https://www.stage32.com/writers-room