Tips for Beginner Directors

The short I directed: • "Two Wrongs" - Short Film
BTS Filming - David Williamson
Host and Creator - Simon Cade
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[@AidinRobbins]

I must say, learning how to learn from others' learning is one of the best ways to learn.

[@darraghclarke2884]

So glad I'm not the only person who hasn't forgotten how to correctly use an apostrophe

[@feralmode]

Best way to learn anything is to do it yourself otherwise it’s just theoretical

[@selman044]

What a nice instructive "learning" sentence about learning of others' learnt! xD

[@noahhambling1080]

Pure poetry thanks

[@KingPolly]

Aidin Robbins thank you so much!!!!

[@canadude6401]

It's going to be cool in 10 years, when we say, "before Simon made it big in films, I remember watching his videos on KZbin back in 2016, he's come a long way since then!"

[@trojanincrypter]

5 more years to go...

[@safiyaibrahim5493]

4 years to go

[@pinkvenomblackpinkscomeback]

lmaoooooo

[@ChildishPonyFilms]

2 years to go!

[@LynnEksonyeondan]

I'm a first time filmmaker and really everything is so overwhelming. Thank you for your videos. They are super useful and inspiring :)

[@DSLRguide]

+Lynn Eksonyeondan you're welcome Lynn!

[@andytan1430]

I feel like as a director , we need to have a clear vision on how would the audience feel before filming a scene

[@andytan1430]

Other than that , directors should also leave some space for actors to play with their creativity

[@carters_multimedia8378]

you lucky

[@CobyResnick]

Nice dude. Directing isn't always holding the camera, which is what I constantly forget. It's giving orders.

[@MRPictur3s]

Right. The director of photography is holding the camera not the director...

[@LostUtopiaFilms]

+MRPictur3s Because of budget those 2 jobs are sometimes done by the same person.

[@MrBeastknows]

+Coby Resnick There's only extremely rare cases when the director holds the camera lol. Usually that's the camera operators. And it's not about giving orders, that sounds harsh. It's about making sure everyone knows what you're going for.

[@handlotion8244]

Shane Benjamson by giving orders. Orders may be disguised as a tip or a better description of the character they are trying to explain, but it’s still an order, because at the end of the day you decide what’s on screen. Also, the dude is right. Sometimes the director holds the camera as well if they are working with a small budget. Every directors first movies are probably shot by themselves.

[@handlotion8244]

Shane Benjamson just saw this is a 4 year old comment lol sorry

[@baranekinozdemir4451]

You have one of the best filmmaking channel ever on youtube, your vids look so sincere keep up :)

[@DSLRguide]

+Baran Ekin Özdemir thanks Baran!

[@maxboissiere4806]

+Blint lin :|

[@maxboissiere4806]

yeah

[@SeyhanK17]

Aynen ben onun sayesinde gelişiyorum ya... Ha bu arada buradada türk bulacağımı sanmıyordum

[@baranekinozdemir4451]

+seyhan köseoğlu türkçe çok bir kaynak olmadığından, buralarda geliştiriyoruz kendimizi :)

[@ethanmacdonald4133]

Last bit is definitely true; making sure your cast and crew thoroughly understand what's being asked of them and what you're trying to achieve is the key skill every director needs. That's what the director's "vision" really is, his/her idea extending through the talents of the great people they work with. Positivity and humor are vital, especially on ultra-low budget shoots when tension is high and something is bound to go wrong.

[@panagiotisalexandrosriniot3368]

you are the most serious young director i ve ever seen congrats young man

[@0oAnimeMinieo0]

I am so happy with your Channel! From nature I am shy and I Stutter when i talk. But When I did a Film Study at school, there was one teacher that asked me : do you want to learn to be an Director? Cause I think you can do it. And that was te first time I had the feeling someone believed in me! (even when I was his second choise haha). But when my teacher asked me that question I allready did my intake for Photography so I couldnt do it.. Now I have my Diploma for Photography and start an education again for filming. The struggle now is that the filmingworld at my school is a"Mensworld". So I have to prove my self again that I can be an Direcor as an woman. I hope I will inspire people like you do one day ! (sorry, for my english haha).

[@nirupamjollymullassery4335]

All the best for your future :)

[@Starzie_]

I also am shy, have anxiety and I stutter sometime when I talk. And I hope to go to film this year

[@rakib_rahman]

Hey, that's amazing. I think you'll do great as a filmmaker. Please don't let the "Mensworld" get you down. Even women can be amazing filmmakers!

[@simonrockstream]

Your videos are far and beyond professional! Awesome work!

[@l4mb021]

Your videos are so motivational. Every time I watch one, it makes me want to get up and make a film. Thanks Simon!

[@Allottedaaron]

If you are not familiar (and you may very well be) then look up the work of Mike Leigh. He took the view that creativity happens as a result of collaboration between actor and director through the concept of devising and improvisation. He is without a doubt a doubt one of the greatest, bravest and most unpredictable artists of recorded art. He is also the complete antithesis of directors who do not know how to let go. I know several actors who have worked with him and all of them feel that the experience was a privilege.

[@chandlerryd6750]

In my limited experience, you are absolutely right that the director must put everyone else before himself. I've learned that the director needs to serve everyone else on set and provide them the opportunity to create their best work, whether that be acting, cinematography, or whatever else.

[@HackMyControlSystem]

Never pretentious, which is why I love this channel. Great job.

[@simon_patterson]

Awesome post! This is leadership, in any job, summed up in under 6 minutes. And your conclusion is the best approach to life, summed up in under 4 seconds! Love your work as always.

[@sahilkhanna1964]

"I'D ALSO LIKE TO THANK SIMON CADE FOR HIS AMAZING TUTORIALS ON FILM MAKING" WILL DEFINITELY FEATURE IN MY OSCAR ACCEPTANCE SPEECH. ;)

[@LostUtopiaFilms]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="285">4:45</a> Taking things too seriously and forgetting to just have fun is one of the biggest issues I've found myself running into. Humor definitely is a great cure to it! Great video as always!

[@jonathonweldon3439]

I love you brought it all around full circle. Thanks man for the positive message.

[@everythingRICHARDIFY]

Man. As always. You are my inspiration. By your videos I learned and continue to learn how to start in the film industry. Hopefully this road will be a successful one. Thank you for being part of it

[@HowardWimshurst]

great job man, your channel teaches me so much, thank you!

[@downDOGMAyoga]

One of the most difficult aspects for me is balancing the scattered creative mentality and the get-stuff-done-don't-overthink-it-have-a-balanced-sleeping-schedule mentality. Thanks for another insightful video, Cade!

[@henryhicks7559]

These are honestly the best filmmaking videos that I've come across. I think you've got it spot on with these, everything about them is perfect.

[@thespiritstudio]

I like to try and make sure to joke around and laugh while shooting. And take time to let the cast and crew do fun goofy stuff on camera. Those moments, and how we overcame problems, or had things just fall into perfect place are what we remember from the shoots.

[@brianslyproductions1410]

You have no idea how much I love watching these videos! Every time I see little "1" next to DSLRguide under my subscriptions I get so excited. These make my day/week, and the re-watch value is fantastic! Thanks for always helping us out with these videos!

[@davidmcclelland8090]

Totally on the same page. From what I've learned the films that involved me the most were the ones which gave the actors the most personal freedom, even to the point sometimes of improvising (changing script) every other line. There are a type of actors who are very good at this and can contribute loads to your film when you give them this freedom. Of course there are those who can't, but I'm still on the same page. Micro managing actors' every move restricts them and we don't want to do that. I consider them the "royalty" of filmmaking, and I know in my future projects, if I'm ever fortunate enough to be able to see them come to life, will make it my highest priority to treat them that way. As a kid I grew up with watching skits of the director sitting in a director's chair as if it were some little throne, yelling through a big cone, commanding perfection and being loud and mean. I had this impression for a long time and although it was done in a comedic sense, still left a realistic impression. Glad to know reality isn't like this, working with the actors, anyway. lol

[@valaineshelby6639]

Your editing technique of leading the dialogue on each cut is SUPER effective and I might copy it. Also, that delegation thing is really a point I needed driven home. So thanks

[@CandBStudios]

As usual another wonderful, inspiring and genuine video Simon. You are so right, It's funny how simply laughing when things go wrong can be the difference between a stressful or an enjoyable experience. And I have found that this can just apply to life in general. I am a dancer myself, and the fact that my dance group can be lighthearted about their mistakes has made us a pretty close team.

[@Derokas]

"You have one of the best filmmaking channel ever on youtube" that's true! I'm so much older than you but I learn a lot from you ... Thanks for sharing your experience

[@kieranproskills]

Thank you so much Simon. So glad I came across this channel back in summer when I got my DSLR

[@MouniaMoussi]

Simon Cade you are real and genuine person! Thank you so much.

[@JURGENALDANA]

Man... I learn a lot with you. I'm working in my first short, and always see your videos for inspire me and take notes for everything. Thanks a lot

[@Spiderbot101]

The tips you gave I found useful especially since I'm getting ready for my 1st written short, I mean the script is halfway, but still I find these tips useful for when I arrive at production

[@mychalsimonz]

Good advise Simon. As a record producer I had to develop those same skillz. Producing people like Ice Cube vs Mack 10. To even the R&B group "Troop" knowing how to work with different personalities can be extremely useful.

[@Lost_In_Translationnn]

Love this channel so much i even decided to express it here. Your videos are slowly becoming my favorite source to come to when looking for tips and tricks. Hope you keep up the good work cause god knows i need it. :)

[@eusouoestuca]

That apple is taking you ages to eat! ahah

[@querilloquerilian]

You master! Now I'm pretty sure that my short film would be different if I hadn't see these videos! Thanks for helping little guys like us!

[@DANAMIONLINE]

I like how you acknowledge your lack of experience as a director but highlighted your ideas to be better. That was humbling yet recognizing your own value (ideas) to offer others. Great video Simon!

[@DSLRguide]

+Danami thanks Danami :)

[@DANAMIONLINE]

You're welcome!

[@timmbruce99]

You hit all the right points :") I just finished directing a movie not long ago, and I have learnt that the key to a good movie is to get people understand your ideas and to accept others' opinion, even if the result is yet to be seen. I've learnt a lot, and what you have pointed out is so true to me. The movie, with all its strength and flaws, has just come out on Valentine's Day, and while it has quickly reached to many people - something I really glad - I'm happy that those who I asked to review have spoken to me truthfully about the errors of the movie (y) Oh and that note about "particular actions at that particular time" is so true: no actor really pays attention to that if, to them, that action is illogical in terms of character. Maybe that is the magic of editing ;-)

[@timmbruce99]

Or if it's part of the script, and part actor's improvisation (y)

[@jacobbonham]

Simon, you are amazing! Thank you so much for all your videos. This one in particular took a lot of unnecessary weight off my shoulders. I really appreciate it!

[@carters_multimedia8378]

boss

[@mediaproductionfilms3665]

man, I was looking for a video to bring me into the mood of directing my first short later today, and this video gives me so much motivation. Thank you.

[@cjscheer1211]

A good idea would be to have a "Suggestion of the week" like how Film Riot does. Great videos i really love this channel.

[@AmeyaBenare]

i feel lucky that i am learning film making at the same time Simon is learning and sharing it in these videos.

[@nirusinghr]

Firstly, you stole my apple. Secondly, thank you for taking the time to make these videos, giving us an insight into the world of filmmaking. I have been definitely been learning a lot.

[@valaineshelby6639]

AMEN brother! Put others first. Always.

[@NostalgicRoe]

I totally agree! I do a lot of live event direction and the first thing I do is establish that I trust my crew. I don't want to be in their ear all night telling them how to specifically set up every shot. I talk to them about the basics of what I expect and only when it calls for it do I give them specific direction. It works great and they enjoy the freedom and creativity they have.

[@maiwei]

Great advice, Simon. Very humble and human, which I think will take you far. Best of luck, mate.

[@benaaronmusic]

This is great, Simon. You are so passionate about film making and sharing your experiences. Thank you for this.

[@xionnation9932]

I absolutely love that he says "we" it makes me feel like I'm already a director, he's just thinking to be before a sit.

[@querilloquerilian]

Dude, your videos are awesome! Thanks to them now I have a better idea about how to make a good short film. Thank you for helping rookie guys like us!

[@exploregadgets]

Learning a lot from you videos simon , thank you for your wonderful contents :)

[@DSLRguide]

+Explore Gadgets you're welcome!

[@devyntheeccentric4308]

Aye I'm making a KZbin/Film group chat where we can Motivate, Lead, and Build each other up as Filmmakers, If you wanna join say "I'm In" Sh

[@mishtaromaniello8295]

A quote I learned from the notable Dov S-S Simens, "Direct actors, direct post-production, direct the shoot, direct the camera, direct your vision."

[@Dowlphin]

The details can be part of explaining a character, scene, mood etc.. The "flexible" approach is great if you're working with actors who either have little experience or a big ego or both, or if the situation you're starting with as a director doesn't warrant the kind of authority for detailed guidelines. These things should simply be communicated accurately beforehand, if possible, or if not, skillfully during the process. Sometimes a director also has to play an act.

[@Jaysharmatl]

seriously dude! you are my guru and u are a filmmaker....ohhh sorry...u r a director...👍👍...love u man keep ut upp brother!!

[@degsy220]

First rule of good management 'put other people before yourself'. Great vid mate.

[@foreverfilmsskits5438]

Thank you so much! This would have been really helpful for my last film, but will be used for films to come.

[@mishtaromaniello8295]

Awesome! Just what I was hoping for last week. (What's even better is I got my first DSLR yesterday, a Canon T6i so I'll be shooting on it a lot). Thanks Simon, seeya next week.

[@milinpatel7180]

came at right time because I am going to shoot my second film in couple of days. Learned good things from it.

[@Stupchek]

This was a really good video man! Well explained and with sincerity. I hope to see your film soon :D

[@thomasgonzales5367]

Your channel is very informational and amazing. I have just discovered your channel and I think it is absolutely terrific. Especially this video because I want to be a director when I am older so this video helps a lot.

[@Jonnyvonwallstrom]

Great, effective, and useful tips for beginners, as well as experienced and experts!

[@DSLRguide]

+Creative North why thank you!

[@talktosijo]

none of the film directors are ready to share their film directing skills to public . But these ppl are taking some effort to share their ides . appreciate .

[@chazziekocur564]

It was really helpful, your advice was very mature, well thought and I’m sure you’re successful in what you’re doing, fight on

[@StevePhillips]

Not many can take the best idea instead of one they thought of first. Good tips Simon.

[@EZerweiss]

I want to be a director and author when I get older. You’ve definitely helped ,e with trying to figure out what to do while filming, I’m only 11 and I might change my mind of what I want to be when I get older. That probably won’t happen tho. I love to write. Thanks for this video, it helped me quite a bit!

[@GhostiesWorld]

My script got picked to be directed into a short film, and therefore i had to be the director.... It's super scary imo. When we were shooting i had no clue on what to do! This has given me more confidence! Thank you :D

[@ayshagondalvlogs6606]

DearGhost that’s awesome

[@jjbotev]

I follow you every week since sometime. I've made some comments before. You channel is really awesome..

[@JordanFountain]

how would you respond to any idea from a collaborator that you know is wrong without hurting them?

[@DSLRguide]

+Rad Radish I think the important thing is to let them know that it's not a bad idea, just that you don't think it fits with this particular project :)

[@Bluemgwes]

Usually asking them follow up questions for their argument not only creates a discussion and open environment where ideas are welcome, but you as a director, get to understand the strength of their idea by putting it on trial so to speak and also proves if the person truly believes in the idea enough to fight for it. Otherwise it could just be someone making a nitpicky comment if the idea falls flat without evidence to back it up and is an emotional decision rather than a logical one.

[@ecko4life777]

Id like to see you do another short with the only difference being no budget at all just what you can do with what you have and whoever will help for free

[@JaredIsham]

Keep at it! Things smooth out the more you do it and become second nature, but your philosophy is spot on! - "Put other people before yourself." It makes an amazing difference, works for me on my sets and actually takes a bit of the stress away. KZbin Spaces channel has a great video where they interview Guillermo Del Toro. He has some great stuff that he shares on a Director's job.

[@bokeflo]

You always have such well thought out tips on film making Simon and these tips on directing are no different :-)

[@AsuaChannel]

You can never stop learning. I've been a commercial director for over 10yrs and I'm still a student at the craft. It's an adventure every time.

[@enduraman1]

You are right about the director being the leader on set and with that leadership come the responsibility of directing everyone and everything. However, as the director you can leave room for people to be creative and be themselves while you ensure they understand the overall direction of each scene. Keeping the people on set positive and productive and "putting others before yourself" gives the director the right attitude to be successful. Good video Simon.

[@PhilipposSlicher]

You are really too good you know....everything film related i've done has had some small part of inspiration from you.

[@MelanieAnneAhern]

I seriously love this channel so much.

[@myfbx]

You REALLY got the best filmmaking channel I know, and I if you're not a Master... It inspires someone by seeing a person becoming a Master :)

[@colinstevenson2211]

Simon, you are freaking awesome!!

[@napkong6355]

this helped a lot before i head off to film school, working in film had always been a dream of mine but i have a lot of work cut out for me considering i’m heading in with no experience

[@spanishcooking9493]

Great tips. Thanks for sharing!

[@hummingbirdjourney2971]

These are Humble and helpful advice Thank you !

[@TehLongDay]

im doing a video drama for my final project in my drama class and you've helped soo much dude keep it up

[@ayshagondalvlogs6606]

TehLongDay 1 haha that’s nice are you the director of that project

[@vedantrane4067]

Great dude. On our way to this journey

[@jurassicmecha1216]

Your channel is so great for filmmakers and everyone who want to get better experience I im one of them thank you so much from Mexico

[@belugaabs]

I love your channel, could you make another video about travel guide for film maker (or documentary), how many gears should be carried, which ones is essentials, how to manage your atribute. Thanks and keep up the good works, Love from Indonesia

[@GriffinPearson]

I really enjoy your videos. Great content, great pace, and great quality.

[@DSLRguide]

+Griffin Pearson thanks Griffin :)

[@Spectra163]

I'll start my short film in 2 weeks and I'm really excited about working with people because they'll make an effort to build the world that I'll create. So, I think being a director is a little bit about inspiring and encouraging other people. Because you make another world and invite them. You need to be sure they're enjoying it. So wish me luck and also good luck to other people to want to be a director.

[@ShahazadBagwan]

another excellent episode! enjoyed!

[@malcolmmoore2066]

Brilliant man. Just brilliant!!!

[@DudiLins]

Simon, congrats on the quality of your videos! Keep up the good work!

[@DSLRguide]

+Dudi Lins thanks Dudi!

[@findingvictoria]

favorite youtube show. (and i guess tv show too, since i never watch tv). great video as always!

[@aidan10359]

I love your quiet approachable voice

[@dareto2326]

its my first time watching your video and I have gained a ton of lessons already. Thank you.

[@Iskaflip]

This is my fave channel here in youtube! Also Roberto Blake. I'm starting to create too, thank you for the inspiration and tips

[@filmmaker5457]

Hope you r doing well! Thank you for sharing this!

[@emilyriskas6606]

Thank you for making these videos!! They help my filmmaking a lot! :D

[@patrickmessier1642]

I'm glad this video is helping many many people.

[@FrankTBird1]

'Put other people first' the key to life. Great video. Still wondering about the purpose of the apple at the end though lol. Thanks Man.

[@ms9592]

Thank you so much for not crowding your videos with film jargon. It is loads of help, and your giving me a lot of knowledge. .P.S. Could you make a video about using Color and Sound to tell a story? I'm curious about that topic and how it effects the views mood etc.

[@isabellerickards5919]

Lots of great points here :)

[@Mickey-bo6cv]

Thank you, Simon Cade!

[@DSLRguide]

+Mickey no problem :)

[@dimitris5941]

very useful for directors!well done!

[@TheDukeWin]

172k subs!!!! man that is amazing!!! pretty proud to have been here since around the 40 mark haha