The Process of Directing

Let me begin by saying I've received awesome news in the past few weeks. First, my USC second semester film "One on One" has been accepted into The San Diego Black Film Festival.

You can check out more info HERE. My film also received an Award of Merit in the African American category of The Accolade Competition. 

You can check out the link HERE. I'm waiting to hear back from other competitions and festivals, but it was amazing to receive good news from these ventures. 

My third semester at USC's School of Cinematic Arts has been focused on cinematography and learning the in and outs of rental houses. I'm taking an intermediate cinematography class with Director of Photography, Linda Brown, while working at Panavision. Outside of class, I've focusing on honing my directing chops. I directed a comedy sketch for the group, Wolf Punch Comedy. 

I directed an episode of the webseries, Black Man Depressed. 

Each of these projects are in post-production. I'll have the chance to show them at the beginning of next year. For now, I'm in the production stage of a webseries I'm directing called "Sassy Batman." 

These past few gigs directing have been immensely rich. I've focused on Uta Hagen's "Six Steps", studying character and structural beats, character arcs, motivation, and the proper usage of verbs to communicate with actors. It's difficult putting these techniques into action, especially on set. When you're in the thick of shooting you're usually thinking on your feet. I've found that sitting down with your actors beforehand, and discussing the intention of their characters leads to a smoother actualization of your ideas. 

Giving them objectives for the scene, conscious and unconscious goals, plus asking them ambiguous and direct questions allows them to create a foundation for their role. The best outcome arrives when an actor formulates a new path for a character you didn't realize based on discussion. It's the intimate relationship between directors and actors which shines through these techniques, questions, discussions, and research. 

The process of directing is arduous. It is commanded by an innumerable amount of ideas, provisions, and strategies. Still, there is a large chunk completely dependent upon chemistry, luck, and physical play. During the Wolf Punch's Daisy's Enfeugo sketch, I repeatedly swooned with one my actors to help her feel "dainty." A few shots later I was jumping/high stepping with my actors right before shouting action. I wanted to ensure their pile-drive into the third character felt authentic. There's a set of guidelines towards bringing the best out of your actors, but there are instances when your instinct serves you best. 

Granted, I'm still learning. I admit this. I'm proud of it. I'm growing. Each time I'm on set working with actors I sense growth, a maturity in my direction. I couldn't ask for more. 

Casino Royale

I considered Que The Lights a heavily visual site. It is a conglomeration of my videography and photography work with a dash of insightful writing for good measure. My reasoning for leaning heavily on visuals is defined in my mission statement. Que The Lights embodies an online portfolio of my dedication to the craft I am currently building into a career. This serves as my ultimate maxim and principal code of conduct. Que The Lights will always consist of original work I played a significant role producing, most importantly films, videos, and photography. 

Still, on occasion I allow my personality to dominate a post by focusing primarily on a non-visual subject. I’ve done this with The Prince of Persia as well as Red Tails. I’ve also tackled issues such as why I have such a passion for success and the misconceptions of earning a degree. This should be ample forewarning the direction and tone I’ll be taking in this article. Don’t worry, I plan to keep the topic of discussion on film. 

As a filmmaker, I have a strong belief the pathway towards making your film successful is understanding how another film found success. Recently, I’ve been routinely watching at least two older movies a week considered commercial and/or critical successes. Last week I watched Children of Men and American Psycho, two film justly deserving praise. Yesterday, I finished watching Casino Royale. I’ve seen it numerous times, but I’ve never viewed it while asking the question, “Why does this work?”

    

Granted, James Bond is an international icon. A massive chunk of pop culture bridging generational gaps with sustained relevancy. James Bond will alway be popular. Unfortunately, around 2002 with the release of Die Another Day the Bond Franchise found itself still on top, yet severely criticized for it’s over the top and almost cartoonish depiction of the Bond world. 

This is where Martin Campbell and Daniel Craig stepped in. In 2006, Casino Royale appeared in theaters adeptly rejected the well-known formula attributed to Bond. Bond was no longer an overly-sexual, omnipotently competent, and overly-confident caricature. Instead, we were introduced to a Bond quite wet under the ears. He is just receiving his double-0 status. As an audience, we are given a skilled, yet inexperienced. Bond. Flawed and overly emotional, we watch him make mistakes as well as earn his distinction as a bearer of the double-O status. It was a more realistic interpretation of Bond. 

Christopher Nolan began this trend of hyper-realism with Batman Begins, creating a world where our superheroes could possibly exist in the reality we live. Martin Campbell’s James Bond followed suit. 

These are points numerous outlets have made, but I believe many overlooked another reason Casino Royale was a success. Just as James Bond is a staple of pop culture, the casino is also an entity considered vital within American culture if not international culture. Thousands of people flock to the Atlantis Resort, The Clermont Club, and Bellagio. Even more enjoy online casinos if travel is not an option. The casino is a powerful icon and well-known symbol of luck and wealth throughout the world. 

Unfortunately, does not always see the most romantic depictions. The Ocean’s Eleven series takes the portrayal of casinos to a ridiculous level. Movies such as The Hangover leave audiences with an impression the casino will offer any visitor an over the top outlandish adventure. In my opinion, Casino Royale brings the casino a gritty atmosphere, while allowing the entity an air of regality not seen often in current films. 

Overall, Casino Royale is a classic. I consider it a film that will age well. Six years later and its aesthetic still fits our current culture. If you haven’t seen this film you’re missing out.

If you haven't seen the movie, you can watch the trailer here.