New DVD Explains How to Plan and Direct Films and Videos

A new training DVD from Videomaker magazine can help aspiring movie directors make better films and videos. “How to: Directing and Pre-Production” is a complete resource for any director who wants to better understand the many decisions and actions that can affect the success of a movie.

Newcomers to video-production might not be aware of everything that goes into directing a film. Before shooting begins, you have to make all the decisions about every aspect of the movie—from scripting to lighting to sound. Then, you must coax stellar performances from an entire cast of actors, while keeping the behind-the-scenes crew under control and on the ball. And, you must do it all under budget.

This training DVD shows you some of the tricks experienced directors use to make sure the production never leaves their control. The DVD includes helpful advice on the six key areas listed below.

How to Break Down a Script. Learn how to “read between the lines” to turn scripted words on paper into compelling footage. Learn how to flesh out characters and discover the story of the next great production.

How to Cast a Production. To cast the best possible actors in your video, you’ll see tips for drawing out an actor’s potential during the audition process.

How to Organize a Shoot. This segment shows how to put together a storyboard so that actors know where to stand and the camera crew knows where to shoot. See how to manage a production schedule so the shoot doesn’t run wild!

How to Block Shots. This important step involves making sure that the actors are in the right position so they don’t appear to be talking to thin air instead of each other. Blocking determines the direction of the shoot.

How to Get Good Performances. Learn what direction you can provide to help your actors give you their best work.

How to Manage a Crew. See how to manage your crew to keep your production moving efficiently.

The DVD is available on the Videomaker website for $24.95.

Videomaker magazine was founded in 1986 and was the first magazine to introduce video to a mass, non-industry audience.  As the video field has exploded, Videomaker remains dedicated to its mission of encouraging aspiring directors and documentarians to use video technology to find their own voices and tell their own stories.

Today, Videomaker is more than just a magazine. It has grown into a robust online community. In addition to offering training DVDs, Videomaker offers videos-on-demand, webinars, and hands-on video training workshops.  For example, you can learn skills such as:

Every month, more than 50,000 professional videographers, independent filmmakers, and home video hobbyists turn to Videomaker to get the latest news and ideas on video production.

LINKS

Videomaker DVD: How to: Directing and Pre-Production

Videomaker Magazine