Directing Reel
“The craft of directing film comes down to an instinct, an inherent knowledge of when to let go and let life happen. That is movie magic. Those are the moments we most remember in moviemaking, the legendary scenes. ”
Really beautiful opportunities surrounded me in 2022. Working on some super amazing projects with friends in 2023, can't wait to film more in the mixed processes of Cinema Verite while designing every film frame. I have learned a lot about myself and my own process this year. Cinéma vérité is the style of filmmaking that, to put it simply, gives us the “fly on the wall” perspective.
The point of it is to be completely objective and simply record events as they unfold, rather than taking any sort of stake in the outcome. Cinema is best when controlled and not controlled at the same time. It is itself a paradox. Exactly like the meaning of life. The magic in Cinema does not necessarily come from a perfectly executed plan but a plan that leaves room for real life to bind itself to the frame.
I used to think I had to tightly bind the frame of my movies to the plan and storyboards that I designed in pre-production. I storyboarded the entire picture from start to finish and followed it. I plan to continue to storyboard the entirety of my films, but also allow some moments to simply happen. Give creative license to some more of the talent and key crew allowing the film to breathe.
¡Que viva el cine!
It all comes down to planning and allotting time for freedom, letting the film live. I have found that this is not always the case. The reel definitely makes a case for practicing Cinema Verite. The craft of directing film comes down to an instinct, an inherent knowledge of when to let go and let life happen. That is movie magic. Those are the moments we most remember in moviemaking, the legendary scenes.
