Anyone who is a fan of movies or has studied cinema has a list of favorite directors. A director is the leading visionary for a film. They get accolades if the film is great and the blame if it is bad. 

But what exactly does a film director do? Though they are a crucial part of filmmaking, their job starts way before the cameras roll. 

This is a breakdown of the five practical steps a director takes during pre-production. 

Step 1 – Script 

It’s the directors responsibility to oversee the entire filmmaking process from start to finish, which always starts with the script. 

First and foremost, a director reviews the script to suggest notes and changes. Though if the director is also the screenwriter, this process may have already happened through rewrites. However, if the director is directing a script they didn’t write, they go through the script line-by-line and scene-by-scene to take detailed notes.

This is the process of developing their vision for the film. They’re also looking for any potential issues with character or plot. 

Does each character’s action in every scene make sense, or are there things that feel out of character? Does the film’s plot unfold naturally in every scene, or are there apparent holes in the script? Are there any moments or scenes that feel confusing or that somehow you need help visualizing them fully? 

Directors look for the parts of the script that aren’t working and fix them. Fixing these issues in the pre-production phase is much easier when they’re just words to paper. 

Step 2 – Casting

Casting for a film can be one of the most important aspects of a film. 

We’ve all seen films with bad casting or, even worse, bad acting. That’s why finding the right actors for each role is so important that some directors even say casting is the most crucial job a director does. 

Casting the right actor for the role means much more than having a good actor, but an essential part of a character genuinely coming to life. This allows a director to have an easier time on set when it comes to portraying the character on camera. 

Step 3 – Locations

Directors are responsible for finding suitable locations for a film. 

It is the director’s job to find a location that can fit the tone and mood of the film, while still being visually cinematic. However, finding locations that can be used in multiple ways is important. 

When it comes to shooting outside of a soundstage, finding a location that fits the story and the production’s needs can go a long way. For example, multiple floors of one building can be dressed to depict hospital rooms, offices, and almost anything the director’s mind can imagine. 

Step 4 – Working with the Department Heads

Working with each department head is an important aspect of a director’s work. 

This includes the cinematographer, production designer, and 1st assistant director. These department heads need the director’s help and guidance during pre-production to ensure they do their jobs to the best of their abilities. 

Directors discuss the look and feel of the film with their cinematographer. Together, they create a shot list. One of the best ways to do this is to share scenes from movies, paintings, or photographs that inspire them and their vision for the film. By picking 3 or 4 key visual inspirations, the director and cinematographer can discuss what works and doesn’t.

Similarly, a director shares their key visual inspirations with the film production designer. The production designer is responsible for creating the look and feel of the world in your movie. Think of filmmakers like Tim Burton or Wes Anderson, who spend a ton of time on production design to create significant visual storytelling elements. 

With the collaboration of the 1st AD, they develop a shooting schedule and determine the order of script to film in. The 1st AD has an interesting job as they work with both the director and the producer, thus having one foot in each world. 

Step 5 – Rehearsals

The final step for a director in pre-production is rehearsals with the actors. 

As a director, this is a wonderful opportunity to develop a strong relationship with the actors while also experimenting. The purpose of rehearsals is not to relate the perfect performance to bring to the camera but to explore the characters, make any necessary changes to the dialog, and practice the blocking for each scene. 

Ideally, rehearsals create efficiency between the director and actors and allow for spontaneity. Good actors will become true collaborators with the director through thoughtful rehearsals. 

Get Started

Now that you know the five practical steps a director can take during pre-production, you can start directing your film. If you are serious about a career in the film industry, San Francisco Film School offers multiple degree and certificate programs to get you started!