Screenwriting : Do you want to be a Director??? by Jerry Doubles

Hey, I'm a screenwriter who's directed... good to hear I was flawless! I actually thought I did a so-so job. Apparently not!

Alle, I wish writers would explore directing or be multi-tasking just like you. Very few are vasertile, like the James Cameron, and the rest. But until they are sure they can carry on with it, if not? One should stick to the trade he is good at... Great addition anyway!!!

Kerry, am glad to see your comment.. share your Directing experience being a screenwriter please.

I have worked with writers who directed ( meaning they came from writing and had no or little prior on -set experience ) ... those who succeeded carefully selected their cast and crew, and entrusted them to do their jobs, and those who sucked beyond belief tried to jam the film making process and collaborators into their script as opposed to wrapping the pages around the resources and realities available to them. Better said, a good writer / director understands his or her story and characters but leaves the screenwriter at home and only brings her or his eyes-wide-open director realist to the set.

It's interesting as I am a writer and have thought about directing. Whenever I write a TV script I picture each scene's camera angles. I can see the shots and how I want the action to unfold. I can see the visual progression of what I write about. I have yet to option my first TV pilot but would love to provide this insight when the right people are on board.

"If a screenwriter decides to direct a story he writes, he will be flawless." A bizarre statement. Working with actors is very different than writing dialogue. working with the crew is very different than picturing the movie in your head as you write. I agree with Peter. Screenwriters may THINK they make flawless directors. Most do not. Directing and writing are so different. I'm not saying writers should try. They should!. Jerry's over confident statements should be tempered with humility. Writing is very personal and a solo craft - directing is the ability to inspire many talented, creative people. Many writers cannot make that transition flawlessly.

David, that's amazing..then perhaps you should co-direct for a start... Try it!! I am certain you will be flawless. Best wishes Dave!!!

Royce, you are absolutely right. There should be a proper difference between the mindset of a screenwriter and that of a director, if one can strike a balance between both, am certain he can be excellent. I love your view on the subject.

Jerry, no great wisdom to share except to agree with most above posters that they're completely different skill sets. I would add that directing your own script will make you a better WRITER. It wasn't until I tried to actually direct actors and camera through the endless boring dialogue I had written that I started to appreciate what it means to write visually.

Thanks Jerry! From your lips to god's ears!! lol.

Peter and D.Marcus, I enjoy the fact that in a way both of you share a particular idea. Funny enough, I do share in the reasoning likewise. It won't be flawless as I said if the writer wakes up one morning and starts directing, one has to learn how to direct before he ventures into it. Take a moment and understand the experience of Terry as he ventures into directing being a screenwriter. Read above.

Wow! Kerry, I can imagine your experience venturing into directing. That was a huge boost and very inspiring. Just keep it up and always share the goodnews, I'll be right here to cheer. God bless.

FWIW, some of the most notable horrific experiences I have had in the business were working for writers new to working with crew... one extremely prepared on paper and in his head, unable to accept the reality of a daily page count dictated by budget and frames that did not seamlessly lay over his long-rehearsed mental wanking; another merely insecure about accepting any input from the creatives he had assembled... so we stood aside and watched him drive his bus right off the cliff... never finished and never heard from again. Then there was the deer-in- the -headlights writer who couldn't deal with humans in person... many of those. BUT to be fair, I just shot the first feature for one of THE best directors I have ever worked with or seen... she is a published author and stage actress who had directed a few shorts... and she completely "gets" directing. So pleasurable ... she could laugh and shrug and say " let's do this, it's not what I pictured but I like it "... and yet that said she is very strong with dialogue and would not allow one higher profile actor to ad- lib a word. It was a wrestle, but she played the game well and won. Isn't the process fascinating ?

I have directed one short film. I was not a director without flaws. I did not do it excellently. It was a wonderful experience, I won some awards, but not every writer who decides to venture into directing does it excellently. Again, Jerry, you broader theme is very nice: "Jump on it". Your over confidence in all writers being flawless directors is naive.

Writing and directing take different skillsets. There's some overlap, and some people can do both, but most screenwriters make bad directors and most directors make bad screenwriters.

D.Marcus, Its a good thing that you are a director and also a screenwriter, for the records, i am not a director and not thinking about becoming one. I am certain that you didn't just jump into directing over the night, you put in a lot to meet up the directing challenges and you are upcoming, so when you have gotten a library of experience and become really high profiled like the James Cameron, you will understand my statement. For now am certain you won't understand. Best Wishes..

James, I am not certain of this theory. When a screenwriter acquires a directing skillset, in my experience and record, over time, he should do well..as far as he can differentiate between both perfectly. He takes the helmet of screenwriting when he is interpreting his story on a paper and also does the same when directing, he shouldn't mix both.. You share my view yea??

So you are saying I will only understand your statement when I have gotten a library of experience and become really high profiled like the James Cameron? That I cannot understand you because I'm not a high profile director? That's quite insulting.

Insulting? Go with "amusing", D. Jerry's so wise you have to be an Oscar-winning, number-one-movie-in-history-directing genius to comprehend him. Surely that's worth a chuckle.

D.Marcus, My intentions in any way aren't how they turned out to you. I didn't mean to insult you...I apologize and I take back my comment. I am really sorry.

Kerry, This is not funny.

It's a little funny. Because your theory is based on literally nothing but an untested belief in something that has never been proven. And you're suggesting writers do something that you yourself have never done. So...I am confused on the whole point of this thread.

your like me david levy. i do that too

i can picture each sequence visually and know exactly where a scene has to stop("cut"), so that the other can begin.

Episodic TV writers and film writers and how they work are very different... as are directors of episodic TV and film directors. Different thread but pertinent. My references were only in relation to single narrative films, not episodic, FYI / FWIW

Interesting! I hadn't given much thought to directing, but what you've said makes perfect sense. We act out our scripts in our heads; know what works and doesn't work based on our multiple drafts. Definitely something to keep in mind. I always like to keep my options open.

Do you really think that just because you can write a script means you can direct a movie ??? Sorry.. but you're dead wrong. A good director can see the entire story in their head, and know where to cut, rework, modify, and simply dump material and story to get a solid commercial film made on budget and on time based on a brilliant script. They need to know how everything works on set, how to cast, how to manage actors, how to pull the best from actors. When to take that extra take or walk away with what you've got, How to push each actor in their own way to get them to where the director needs them to be. Your script is the STARTING place for the movie, not the END RESULT. A good director needs to no how lighting works, how fast grip and electric can get something done, how to physically create what is on the page and do it within time and budget allowed, or how to work around a bad situation... A good Director needs to understand how cameras work, they need to be able to select a good DP and work within a team environment. A Director needs to know which lenses do what, how to take the massive amount of information and technical details and get an emotional story "in the can". Even then , their work doesn't stop. They now have to work with a skilled editor to create and polish that emotional story with pacing, timing, selection of footage, the right look and reaction in the right place, the sound design, selection of music, working with a composer, understanding how music affects the audience and how to get the audience to the correct emotional point in the story without hitting them over the head. THEN, the director has to sit in the dubstage and work with the re-recording engineers , understanding the basics at least of mixing a feature, and get all the pieces to finally come together. All the time dealing with Executive producers, producers, product placement issues, crew issues, actor issues and overall project issues. A good director is a strong leader one second and a team member the next. They are both artistic and business driven... A brilliant writer does NOT make for a good director. It takes all these skills to make a good director. If you can do all of these things, then you can direct.

Mel Brooks wrote The Producers. When talk of a director was going on Mel said he could do it, having no directing experience. He said he could see the angles that need to be shot, how the actor should be, etc. he just knew how his script should be filmed. He won the AA for Best Director. This may not be the right move for everybody, but for some, it just makes sense.

Georgia, Very great comment I must confess. But don't you think being a screenwriter gives one an edge when he decides to venture into directing?? The writer will just need to learn the lot more in directing you spelt clearly in your comment. After all it has everything to do with passion, that is, if a writer isn't really passionate? He will do awfully in directing. I believe writing and directing are distinct parts, but both are connected in a way. So it makes it a little easier to swap parts. What do you think??

David, Nice one...I agree with you wholly.

Alle, You are fantastic. I just keep learning a lot from you all the time. Keep it up...nice one!

being a writer does not stop you from being a director. But being a writer does not make you a director. The job of director is one of those odd jobs that requires not only a wide span of knowledge but a rather deep knowledge level as well. Being an Editor, or a sound designer, or a project manager at a random company is no worse or better than a screenwriter. at the potential of directing. One of the draw backs of writing and directing your own film is that you must have the ability to step back and treat the script as a script, not as YOUR script. If you have the knowledge base , you still might not make a good director. If you don't have it and you can learn fast with some level of inherent ability you might make a good director. But the bottom line, IMHO, a writer is not necessarily the best person, nor probably is the best person to direct the same script.

Another appropriate analogy is the architect vs. contractor- not everyone can do both. A great architect has an understanding of space, aesthetics and style. Their drawings need to go before an engineer and even so there WILL be field modifications by the builder. There may even be great revisions on site. The builder has to know both the big picture suggested by the blueprint and the minutiae of every single trade that comes through; has to keep it all in perspective and control and anticipate things in 3D space not yet built and how they affect each other. A builder does not have to have ever drawn blueprints to read them and even suggest appropriate deviations or corrections ( plenty of stamped blueprints get modified because the math simply doesn't work out in real life... or walking though the framing you realize, it can be better than what was drawn..). Plenty of architects have no idea how to frame a wall, hang a door or keep it all syncronized as noise and dust and falling objects take over a job site crawling with various trades, all seeking the same result. Filmmaking is no harder than building a very custom home. But it is just as hard.

This might be the one time i agree with Alle. No, seeing your script in your mind does NOT make you a director or give you ANY upper hand in directing in any way. EVERY Storyteller does that. That's why you're a screenwriter - to write visually. If you CAN'T picture what the scene looks like, you're literally doing it wrong. But that has NOTHING to do with directing or being able to bring a scene to life on camera. Being a multi-hyphenate can be a great thing, and a great way to break in, but there is no direct correlation between being a screenwriter and being a director, unless you are a writer who is getting their movies made and you get to be on set and really study with and work with the directors on those movies!

Aside from the villa in Tuscany, one of the things I like about the thought of selling a screenplay is seeing how a director interprets it. OK, mainly a villa in Tuscany, but the director's interpretation is a not-that-distant second.

"Hostility" is a shock word that is often used to try and shut people down in politics and religion. Film making, to many, is both ;) Adamantly differing opinions come with the territory. This thread is merely a mix of speculation from people who have little foundation for their opinion beyond distant observation, and people who have experience working with a variety of directors - some writers, some not. Gross generalizations and prejudices are based on experience. Are there exceptions to rules ? ALWAYS. One thing I personally have learned is that what I thought I knew about the business long ago turned out to be wrong wrong wrong, and how I wish someone had been hostile with me to drive home some truths. A little guidance and well formed advice can go a long way to making success more likely. Yes, by all means, write, direct, whatever. Just know that when you get beyond the smallest personal efforts, now more than ever the peers watch and know, and it's still a smaller business than you may think; one major mess can stain a rising career. Choose wisely.

I never said writers can't be directors... But don't think that because you are the writer of your screenplay you have the ability to direct. Different tool set and different set of talents. @ Oriel - you're the only person who seems to be creating Hostility but instigating it.... Seems everyone else in the thread is having a great open discussion, offering ideas, opinions and information.... ...Hostility... is that a code word for people not agreeing with your point of view ?

Mel Brooks was a sought after and successful television writer for 13 years before the original THE PRODUCERS was released... he struggled several years before that... For what it's worth.

@ Oriel , I take exception with YOUR opinion on rude. I'm just simply offering real life. you don't want to accept it that's your issue. Not mine, nor his. He hasn't talked to me, or said anything to me about being rude, nice, or whether he accepts my opinion. I have never, nor will I ever, candy coat anything in this business. This is an extremely tough business to make any money, let alone a career, so toughen up. You don't have to agree with anything I or others offer. It has nothing to do with a nerve... I just don't like your low handed insinuations, nor you or anyone else who tried to play your game. Someone posts something you don't agree with, so therefore it's Hostile.. I'm calling you out on low handed tactics of someone who can't have a strong realistic discussion... no facts? Attack. I just don't play that game. Instead of attacking us, give us some facts as to why a writer can just step into the role of director, let alone be the right director for a project.

All good from here Oriel. Have a great day

I write scripts and I directed them

Michael, Wow! That's really good to know. How did you switch and how do you run both crafts/skillset....what are the challenges???

Writing and directing are two totally different skillsets and any writer wanting to take the plunge into directing should do a few unprofessional shorts with some mates to see if it's right for them. So, jot down a 3-page script you can film around the house (preferably with natural lighting), get a cheap camera or your phone, film our scenes, edit it all together on whatever free program came with your computer and see how you liked it. This process costs nothing bar time and where your effort won't be festival quality, it'll tell you (and probably those you worked with, given they've any other experience) whether or not directing is something you'll be good at or would like to attempt on a higher level. From my experiences, almost NOTHING goes as perfectly as it was in my head whilst writing, but on some occasions, it's worked out better. Directing is more than just telling somebody where to stand, where to move to and what mood they're in for the scene; there are these constant creative challenges to be overcome, and sadly, even that beloved storyboard doesn't always hold up in real life, so what makes anyone here believe that a script written in the spare room of your house several months/years previously will? Oh, and the editing part is very important for the learning curve, so please, if you're to take my advice, don't just hand the SD cards over to your mate who claims to be good at it and wait for the outcome.

@Jerry . yes its a big challenges sometime . I always want to directed but never plan to write . I just got tried waiting for other filmmaker in if they need help in their film or not . So I start to writing and decide to directed the film . @ C.D Broughton so true about your statement

C.D That's a great contribution...!! Cheers...

I want to make a movie. I want to bring to life my idea of the characters I wrote for the movie. No doubt I can do it but I need a team. Teamwork is a vaulable asset to this for me.

In order to get a team, you need a plan... or at least a producer who has one.

My, but this is a lively thread. There's a lot of interesting opinions here, whether born from experience, guesswork, or plain fantasy. I read every comment and really didn't see that much negativity (re: hostility). Actually, I was rather surprised there wasn't more. I say that because filmmakers are by necessity, somewhat overly tough on themselves, and those who show little understanding of the craft. I'm sure Jerry meant well with his initial opinions, but as someone previously said, they are at best, naive, at worst, the result of being in the arc of a super narcotics high. ;-P He made absolute definitive statements that are quite ridiculous, though I'm sure his intent was pure. I enter this conversation now because I am an award-winning screenwriter, and a novelist, and multi-talented, and can multi-task, AND I'm in pre-production on my 1st feature. TA DA! Even though I can do all those things, and have worked in the Hollywood system for 15 years on some of the biggest films of all times with some of the biggest directors, including Cameron, I won't know how good I am as a director until the film leaves the editing room. My experience after 30+ years in film, writing 19 screenplays and 8 published novels, is that most writers are not so good, and neither are most directors. Many of the great directors are great because they had incredible crews to work with. I've seen firsthand how a director can sink a project by going it alone. I've also seen directors who only had a skill set, but no apparent talent, and their movies failed. I've seen directors who had talent, but hardly any skill set achieve their vision because they allowed the crew to do their jobs and they took advice well. This is how I hope to complete my film. Because of my past experience, which anyone can see by visiting my websites, I've been bringing together a rather fabulous international crew to help me realize my vision. There are folks from Germany, Thailand, Sweden, Singapore, America, and Laos, so far. Their input has be wondrous. I belong to a writers group, and from their comments on my script, along with my cinematographer's comments, I rewrote certain scenes. Why? Because those comments made sense, and everyone wants to make a great movie and have a fun time doing it. The point for me is that, yes, a screenwriter can make a good director, just as anyone else with certain talents, drive, focus, ambition (in a good sense), can. In this thread, I agree with everything Alle has said. Do I think every screenwriter should try to direct his or her own film, or that they, by divine right would be fabulous at it. No. That doesn't mean I'm against anyone from doing it. Like anything taken serious in life, you should learn all you can about the craft your going into before you start. Filmmaking (except in Cameron's case) is a collaborative effort. (It's a joke, James, though with a ring of truth.) Unlike a carpenter using tools from his toolbox, where he or she wields each tool, the tools of a filmmaker--his or her crew--have minds, talents, and skill sets of their own, and are usually chosen for how well they interpret the directors vision. My uncalled for advice, is to take the intent of what Jerry said, and if you, as a writer, feel you can bring something to the table that another director can't, then go for it. There's no one stopping you...except the all the powers that be in the world, the movie gods, the financiers, the naysayers, most of your relatives, your wife or husband, girlfriend or boyfriend, people you don't even know, and the cruel hand of fate. If you feel that you have the power to bend Kismet to your will, then maybe you do have what it takes to be a director. Still, whether you will be any good at it will only come when the end credits role and the lights come up. It's the sound that follows, which will give you your answer.

I've thought about directing. Since I know the visuals in my head when I'm writing, and how the angles should be, etc. Unless I find a director who has the same visual ideas I do.

Stuart- what are your websites ? Am I missing them on your profile page ?

Royce, check the ABOUT tab on the profile page. My girlfriends don't that much about me. :-) ... Alle, I'll freak out on first day of shooting!

Stuart for some reason the first time I tried that there was no " about". Now I have seen it. Thanks.