1. Director’s Journal
Why is the Director valued greatly within a production?
To put it quite simply, the ultimate role of the director is to ‘direct’. They are expected to lead a
group of acting talent in order to fulfil the requirements of the final product and they are too in
charge of designating sound instructions during pre production, production and often post
production.
Nowadays many film directors dismiss the title ‘director’ and would much prefer the term
‘storyteller’. Indeed this is true on many levels. The vision of the motion picture solely derives from
he who has a story to tell. This is why the storyteller’s presence is paramount and structured at the
forefront of the entire production process.
What did the role involve?
Starting up an independent production company.
Coming up with a name for our production company.
Brainstorming possible narratives for the short film.
Narrowing options and deciding on the final creative idea.
Coming up with a name for the short film and characters.
Creating multiple drafts of the script.
Organising locations, cast, equipment, hospitality, props, shooting dates and travel.
Preparing shooting dates before arriving and directing cast and crew members from the
offset.
Working closely with the editor in order that the juxtaposition of shots reflects my vision.
Were any problems encountered whilst embodying this role?
There were a few occasions were this role stretched my directing skills. As a pose to just relying
on others, I also had to trust in myself. As soon as I learnt this from my media teacher, I quickly
began to see near predicaments as a challenge and a test of my worthiness as a director.
For instance, one of my locations (within a company building) decided to ring me on the day of
production to inform my crew that we aren’t to film there due to company issues. Instead of
throwing in the towel and calling it a day, we decided to rehearse the scene we were planning to
film in a different location whilst I called up other possible locations for the scene.
Why this role?
Other than the fact that I have had previous experience with this sector, both within school
projects and independent projects externally from school, I have always had a burning passion
for filmmaking. It allows me to recreate what was only a figment of my imagination.
This year, however, not only did I direct the short film as I thought that it would not have been
much of a challenge, so I decided to also taking on the role of editor would be ideal. I have
attained impressive editorial skills before starting the project so editing this project was similar

2. to some of my other projects. Through both directing and editing the short film has definitely
tested my ability in both fortés.
What ha this role taught me?
Ultimately, taking on the role of director is most definitely challenging. However it goes without
saying that being a director is not at all far-fetched, as it is an enjoyable position if handled
correctly.