2. Experience Life
"Write what you know" is always thrown around by writers. "Direct what you know" is just as valid a statement for directors. Of course, this isn't literall. If you are directing a film about a guy experiencing time travel for the first time, you obviously won't 'know' that. However, what you hopefully will know are the ideas of loss, confusion, wonder and joy that your character will go through during that event. It is your job to 'know' those emotions. If you have not felt them, it will be mighty hard to convey them. If you want to go down the route of film school, it is important for you to know that some schools won't even considering accepting applicants until they are 25 or so. I know many incredible directors who haven't made the cut above someone who has never directed before merely because they haven't 'experienced' life enough. If as a director you can only imagine what feelings your characters are going through, your audience aren't going to believe in them. You will likely be taking your inspiration from another film dealing with similar themes. Often as an audience we exclaim that empathy with characters are the most important thing, and it is! You don't want that to be second hand in your short film. There is wisdom in the advice to "go out and get your heart broken." If you have never truly experienced that, why as an audience member should I believe your character is going through it?
Patrick Dane
Contributor
Patrick Dane is someone who spends too much of his time looking at screens. Usually can be seen pretending he works as a film and game blogger, short film director, PA, 1st AD and scriptwriter. Known to frequent London screening rooms, expensive hotels, couches, Costa coffee and his bedroom. If found, could you please return to the internet.
See more from
Patrick