Filmmaking / Directing

What’s one film, series, book, or piece of art that has influenced your creative work the most this year?

I’d love to know what made it resonate for you, whether it shifted your perspective, sparked a new idea, or reminded you why you love telling stories.

Share your pick and your “why” below. Let’s inspire each other.

I believe that all the years I’ve spent in the “film production trenches” have given me a unique insight into finding the answer to the question: “Is there a formula, or guide, or checklist, that film directors anywhere in the world can follow, that will help them make a successful film?"

We all know there is no 100% guarantee of anything being successful in our business, but I believe there is a “formula” that any filmmaker can use to HELP them make “compelling movies with believable characters.”

In my opinion, most inexperienced, (or experienced but lazy) film directors spend the majority of their time figuring out how to shoot the film first (cool visual effects, creative shots, camera angles etc.) before they understand what the story is really about and what the characters really want.

I’m going to be bold here and state publicly that this is the wrong way to prep and direct a film because I strongly believe that to successfully direct a “visually compelling story with believable characters”, you need to first understand the following 7-step 'formula.'

STEP 1: THE STUDY OF HUMAN NATURE AND HUMAN BEHAVIOR

A. Human Nature

Human nature refers to a set of inherent and intrinsic characteristics, including ways of thinking, feeling, and acting, that are believed to be universal among humans regardless of culture or upbringing.

Studying human nature involves understanding core principles about what it means to be human. This includes exploring philosophical, psychological, and biological perspectives on inherent human traits.

These fundamental traits and tendencies encompass a wide range of attributes, such as the capacity for rational thought, emotions, social behaviors, and moral reasoning. These characteristics influence how individuals interact with each other and their environment, shaping societal norms, cultural practices, and personal identities.

Examples of human nature include emotions like love and fear, the need for social connection, and moral reasoning. These traits are considered innate, meaning they are present from birth and not significantly altered by individual experiences or the environment.

Human nature provides the foundational tendencies believed to be inherent in all humans. Understanding these basic characteristics gives you a grounding for exploring how these traits manifest in various “behaviors.”

This framework helps explain why certain behaviors occur, making it easier to analyze and interpret human actions by revealing commonalities across diverse populations and explaining patterns observed throughout history.

Once you have a good grasp of human nature, you can then see how these inherent traits interact with external factors to produce human behavior. This includes looking at how individual experiences, environmental influences, culture, and social norms shape human behavior.

B. Human Behavior

Studying human behavior allows you to see the practical applications of the principles of human nature, and understand how inherent traits manifest in real-world actions and interactions. This study spans fields like psychology, sociology, and anthropology, aiming to comprehend how and why people act in specific ways in different contexts.

Human behavior includes a range of actions, reactions, and interactions exhibited by individuals and groups. Influenced by feelings, attitudes, and the environment, our behavior is shaped by genetics, culture, personal experiences, and social norms, observable in everyday activities and interactions.

Examples of human behavior include habits, customs, rituals, communication styles, and responses to social norms. This behavior is affected by a combination of innate characteristics (human nature), personal experiences, environmental factors, culture, and social norms.

C. Why Should Filmmakers Study Human Nature and Behavior?

1. Human Nature

a. Character Depth: By understanding the inherent traits and tendencies of humans, filmmakers can create more nuanced and believable characters. This depth enhances the emotional connection between the audience and the characters.

b. Emotional Authenticity: Knowledge of human nature helps in portraying authentic emotions and reactions. It allows actors to deliver performances that feel genuine and resonate deeply with viewers.

c. Moral Complexity: Knowledge of human nature allows filmmakers to explore moral ambiguities and ethical dilemmas, creating richer and more thought-provoking narratives that challenge audiences to think deeply about human behavior and choices.

d. Predicting Audience Reaction: A deep understanding of human nature enables filmmakers to anticipate how audiences might react to certain scenes or characters, allowing them to craft more engaging and impactful narratives.

e. Universal Themes: Understanding human nature allows filmmakers to tap into universal themes that resonate with a wide audience. It helps in creating characters and stories that are relatable on a fundamental level, regardless of cultural or individual differences.

2. Human Behavior

a. Conflict and Resolution: Insight into human behavior helps in developing compelling conflicts and resolutions. Filmmakers can construct believable obstacles and the ways characters overcome them, which is crucial for engaging storytelling.

b. Cultural Sensitivity: Understanding the variability in human behavior across different cultures enables filmmakers to create culturally sensitive and accurate portrayals. This can make the film more relatable and respectful to diverse audiences.

c. Dynamic Relationships: Insight into human behavior allows filmmakers to depict complex and dynamic relationships between characters. This depth adds richness to the narrative and helps viewers connect more deeply with the story.

d. Realistic Interactions: Studying human behavior aids in depicting realistic interactions and social dynamics. Filmmakers can craft scenes that accurately reflect how people act and react in various situations

e. Social Commentary: A deep understanding of human behavior enables filmmakers to make insightful social commentary. They can address contemporary issues and societal norms in a way that resonates with and challenges the audience.

D. You MUST be a “Witness” to Human Behavior

As writers, directors and actors, we are all artists, and as artists, we must observe and report on our version of the human condition. Therefore, we must understand human emotions and feelings so we know “what makes us tick” and “why we do” certain things.

Once you know the answers to these questions, you will have a better idea of how the characters in your script should interact with each other, as well as having the proper “psychological tools” to direct actors on the set.

The good thing about human behavior is that it is observable, and as storytellers, we must first observe the way people react to different situations and circumstances to understand “How and Why” their behavior changes.

As a film director, you must be a “witness” to human behavior. You need to get into the habit of observing people going about their daily lives, so you can find out what motivates them to take action.

Once you know what motivates a person to achieve their daily needs, you will understand the story you are telling better, and you will also feel more confident helping your actors achieve believable performances.

Next Article: Part Two (STEP 2: STORY, STORY, STORY)

QUOTE: “As a writer, you can’t get too eager and give too much away too quickly. The Slow Reveal is paramount to any story and is vital in creating tension in a film. Keep in mind that tension is the result of conflict and that conflict arises from slowly revealing a series of mysteries leading to the central mystery of the film.” Wayne Camilleri

The "slow reveal" in filmmaking refers to a technique where information is gradually unveiled to the audience over time, rather than being presented all at once. It involves teasing out details, plot points, or character traits slowly throughout the film, creating a sense of suspense, mystery, or intrigue.

This technique is often employed to build tension, engage the audience, and maintain their interest throughout the story. By withholding certain information initially and revealing it gradually, filmmakers can heighten anticipation and keep viewers invested in the narrative. The slow reveal can also enhance storytelling by allowing for gradual character development, plot twists, or thematic revelations.

In practice, the slow reveal can be achieved through various cinematic techniques, such as strategic editing, subtle visual cues, cryptic dialogue, or gradual exposition. It requires careful pacing and timing to ensure that the information is revealed at the most impactful moments, keeping the audience engaged while avoiding confusion or frustration.

The Power of “The Reveal!”

Reveal isn’t just a way to keep the audience engaged; it’s also a way to keep them coming back for more. Each reveal should deepen the audience’s understanding of the characters, the plot, or the world of the story, making them eager to uncover what comes next.

The idea of 'Reveal' is central to my approach to storytelling. I believe in challenging the audience’s perception of reality, gradually peeling back the layers of illusion to reveal deeper truths about the characters and the world they inhabit. Each reveal should be like a puzzle piece falling into place, adding richness and complexity to the story.

The key to a great reveal is timing. You want to tease the audience with hints and clues, gradually building suspense until the big moment hits them like a punch in the gut. But it’s not just about shocking the audience; it’s about satisfying their curiosity and rewarding their investment in the story.

STEP 3: PERFORMANCE

Almost everything you need to know about directing actors can be explained in these 3 words: MOTIVATION DETERMINES BEHAVIOR

When we break these words down, we see that:

MOTIVATION (Our inner world)

DETERMINES (Controls)

BEHAVIOR (Our outer world)

If we break them down further, we see that:

What our needs are (MOTIVATION)

Will decide (DETERMINES)

What actions we take to fulfill our needs (BEHAVIOR)

And if we break this down into Text and Subtext:

MOTIVATION (Character Subtext/Super Objective)

DETERMINES (Will decide how an actor plays)

BEHAVIOR (The Script Text/Objective/Want)

One of the main responsibilities of a director is to help actors achieve a realistic performance, and a good director does this by “listening for the truth” and by asking:

1. Do I believe them? Directors need to ensure the actor's emotions match the character's situation and motivations. If the performance feels forced, they need to help the actor find more genuine emotions and reactions.

2. Do the words make sense? Directors need to make sure the lines flow naturally and communicate the intended meaning and subtext. If the dialogue feels awkward, directors need to work with the actors to adjust their delivery or suggest minor script changes.

3. Are the characters believable? Directors need to make sure the character's actions, speech, and reactions match their character’s personality and backstory. If their behavior doesn’t seem to match the “reality” of the character, directors need to help the actor explore the character's motivations more deeply.

The key to getting a realistic performance from an actor is to first understand the character’s objectives. Objectives should be clear, concise and stated in one simple sentence: “To discover where the gun is hidden.” There should be one main objective per character per scene: “What do they WANT in the scene?”

A character’s objective should create obstacles for the character. Look at what the character does (their behavior) rather than what they say. Look at what happens in the scene, and how it ends.

On the set, actors want to work with directors who understand their vulnerability, so it’s incredibly important to create a good relationship with every actor in your film. And what do actors want more than anything from this relationship with the director? TRUST!

If actors feel they cannot trust the director to know a good performance from a bad performance, they will begin to monitor their performances and start to direct themselves: they will become “Director Proof!”

Remember, to find the character they are playing, actors must surrender completely to feelings and impulses, and a good director understands an actor’s vulnerability and creates a safe place for them to perform.

Next Article: Part Four (STEP 4: THE PSYCHOLOGY OF THE CAMERA)

“As filmmakers, we often search for powerful concepts to bring to life on screen. But some of the most original ideas come from places beyond logic — from intuition, spiritual perception, and deep reflection on nature and the unseen. Being spiritually aware can unlock myth, sci-fi, supernatural, or horror concepts that feel fresh, layered, and meaningful. Sometimes, a vision isn’t just imagination — it’s inspiration waiting to be written. Let’s keep creating from the soul.”

STEP 2: STORY, STORY, STORY

A. The Director and the Story

There are many phases of a film director’s prep, but the first, and most important part of your job, is to understand every detail about the story: where it takes place; who the characters are; and what happens to them.

When you first read a script, here are just some of the many questions you will need to answer to help identify and solve potential script problems:

1. What is the story about? This defines the central premise or main idea of the story, summarizing its essence in a concise statement.

2. Does the story make sense? This ensures that the plot is coherent, logical, and easy for the audience to follow and understand.

3. What problem is to be resolved? This identifies the central conflict or issue that the main character must overcome, driving the story forward.

4. What event hooks the audience? This is the inciting incident or initial event that grabs the audience's attention and sets the story in motion.

5. What is the plot? This outlines the sequence of events and actions taken by the characters as they work towards resolving the central conflict.

6. What is the subplot? This secondary storyline supports the main plot, often highlighting deeper themes and adding complexity to the narrative.

Understanding the story requires a lot of work on your part because you then need to dig deeper into the story and its structure by analyzing each individual scene in the script to find out what the story is about, what works and what doesn’t. You do this by asking questions like:

1. What is the intention of the scene? This identifies the scene's purpose and what it aims to achieve in the context of the overall story.

2. What are the story points? These are the key events or pieces of information that drive the narrative forward within the scene.

3. Where are the scene beats? These are the moments of change or emotional shifts within the scene that keep the audience engaged.

4. Where is the climax? This is the most intense or pivotal moment of the scene, often determining the direction of the subsequent action.

5. What is the resolution? This is how the conflict or tension within the scene is resolved, leading into the next part of the story.

6. What are the important lines of dialogue? These are key lines that convey critical information, reveal character, or advance the plot significantly.

Remember, your script analysis will be a never-ending process. Each time you read the script, you will find something else you didn’t know about the story or the characters.

And the script will also constantly evolve. The script will change because of your creative notes, writer changes, actor changes, producer changes, studio changes and location availability. But as long as you know what the story is about, and where the story is going, you will be able to adjust to all the changes.

B. The Classic Three-Act Structure

The three-act structure is a model used in modern storytelling that divides a fictional narrative into three parts: the Setup, the Confrontation and the Resolution.

ACT ONE (Set Up)

“Boy meets girl”

1. What is the story plot and the story theme? The plot outlines the sequence of events that drive the narrative forward, while the theme represents the underlying message or central idea the story aims to convey.

2. What is the “dramatic question” to be answered? The dramatic question is the central question that keeps the audience engaged, revolving around the main character's journey or the story's primary conflict, and is typically resolved by the story's conclusion.

3. Who is the main character and what are his/her needs and goals? Identifying the main character involves understanding their primary role in the story, along with their needs (what they lack or desire internally) and goals (what they aim to achieve externally), which drive their actions and decisions throughout the narrative.

ACT TWO (Confrontation)

“Boy loses girl and fights against impossible odds to get her back”

1. What is the dramatic “rising” action? The rising action consists of a series of events that build tension and suspense, leading up to the story's climax, and it involves the development of conflicts and challenges faced by the main character.

2. What are the obstacles in the main character’s way? These are the challenges, conflicts, and adversities that hinder the main character’s progress toward their goals, adding complexity and depth to the narrative.

3. How does the main character overcome each obstacle? The main character overcomes obstacles through a combination of strategy, growth, determination, and sometimes external assistance, demonstrating their development and resilience as the story unfolds.

ACT THREE (Resolution)

“Boy gets girl and lives happily ever after”

1. How does the story end? The ending of the story provides resolution to the main plot and subplots, wrapping up the narrative and leaving the audience with a sense of closure.

2. What happens to the main character? The main character's fate is revealed, showing the outcome of their journey, including how they have changed or what they have achieved.

3. Is the dramatic question answered? The dramatic question, which drives the narrative tension, is finally addressed, resolving the central conflict and delivering the story's ultimate message or lesson.

Next Article: Part THREE (STEP 3: PERFORMANCE)

Q&A: From Script to Screen: How Projects Get Made with Producer Ethan Erwin

FREE webcast open to everyone on November 19th at 11am PT featuring renowned producer Ethan Erwin, whose films have grossed over $1.5 billion dollars worldwide.

With credits including Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows, Book of Eli, Unknown, The Gunman, The Nice Guys, and the CBS cult hit TV show Moonlight, Ethan brings over fifteen years of experience as both a writer and producer. He’ll break down how projects actually get made in today’s industry—essential insight for any writer looking to understand the path from script to screen. This is a can’t-miss conversation.

Come prepared with questions.

RSVP: https://www.stage32.com/education/products/from-script-to-screen-how-pro...