Week Nine

This week’s session was my second time in the directors’ chair. I think things went better this time around but it’s difficult to judge objectively. Initially, after reviewing the script and giving it a good proof read, I proceeded to edit the script. There were a few typographical errors which I found amusing. Police Chef was referenced twice instead of Police Chief. In context, it was meant to be chief, however a drama about a Police Chef does sound vaguely interesting and certainly entertaining. Gordon Ramsey’s Kitchen Nightmares meets The Bill.

Some of the grammar and sentence structure felt a bit clumsy, so I tweaked the dialogue. I did feel like I had at least partially overstepped my mark as director. This quote from 130 Lessons in Leadership from the Director's Chair, illustrates my potential error in judgement. “Don’t change the author’s words. Director Lloyd Richards said that if you continually find yourself itching to make changes to a script, consider whether you should give up directing and take up playwriting”. However, after reviewing my edit, the scriptwriter was happy with the work we had produced in this collaborative fashion.

Halfway though the session, we were meant to switch roles in preparation for exam conditions. I left the gallery and assumed my secondary position as a camera operator. Everything quickly fell apart during the second half of the session. The other director became unwell and had to leave the studio. This was no ones’ fault, it’s just one of those things that happen. Unfortunately, we as a group were not prepared for this eventuality.

The second half of the session was detrimental to our groups morale. Another practise session has been scheduled. However, with my childcare restrictions, I can’t make myself available at the required time, so another member of the crew will have to replace me for that extra session.

My half, went well. We were slightly behind schedule but were still on track. I would have preferred to have dressed the set, immediately after we entered the studio instead of going over text describing our individual roles. This process took 30 mins. Time in which we could have had the set dressed before the cast had arrived.

I would have liked to have had at least one more rehearsal session with the actors prior to getting into the studio. But we are working with unpaid actors, so availability is at their discretion. I’m going to end this blog with another quote from 130 Lessons in Leadership from the Director's Chair “The best compliment for a director: “You seemed from the beginning to know exactly what you wanted.” Actors and others will follow you even if they disagree with your direction. But they will not follow if you are afraid to lead. A clear, confident presence and strong direction are highly reassuring to everyone.”  We only have one final session this week before our practical exam. At least, by this point I feel somewhat confident in my skills/ability as a director.