Directorial Techniques for Remembering Needed Footage Without Shot Lists or Storyboards

While shot lists and storyboards are ubiquitous tools in the film industry, some directors rely on alternative methods to remember the footage they need before shooting a film. These techniques include mental rehearsal, pre-visualization, collaboration with crew, familiarity with the script, improvisation, and rehearsals.

Common Techniques for Remembering Needed Footage

Mental Rehearsal

Directors often visualize scenes in their minds, running through the shots and movements as if they are filming. This mental rehearsal helps them retain information about the desired footage. This technique is particularly useful for directors who prefer to have a clear idea of the scene's flow before stepping onto the set.

Pre-visualization

Pre-visualization (pre-vis) involves using software or apps to create a rough version of the film digitally. This helps directors visualize the sequence and flow of scenes without a detailed shot list. Pre-vis can be a valuable tool for ensuring that the overall vision of the film is consistent before actual shooting commences.

Collaboration with Crew

Directors may rely on their cinematographers, production designers, and other crew members to help remember specific shots and scenes. Team discussions can reinforce memory and ensure that everyone is on the same page. This collaboration ensures that the necessary footage is captured effectively and efficiently.

Familiarity with the Script

A deep understanding of the script enables directors to recall the necessary shots intuitively. They may focus on the emotional beats and narrative flow, which can guide their filming process. This approach is particularly useful for directors working on more complex narrative-driven projects where a strong understanding of the story is essential.

Improvisation

Some directors prefer a more organic approach, allowing the actors and crew to explore different ways to capture a scene. This flexibility can lead to spontaneous and creative shots that weren't initially planned. Improvisation can be a valuable tool for capturing unexpected moments and adding depth to the film.

Rehearsals

Conducting rehearsals with actors helps directors solidify their vision for a scene and remember key moments they want to capture on film. This process allows directors to work the cast into the scene, blocking, and rehearsal, and then select shots based on what they see in rehearsal. Rehearsals can also help directors refine their blocking and camera movements.

Personal Perspective

As a personal directorial approach, I generally avoid using storyboards or shot lists. Different projects may require different methods, and what works for one project may not work for another. For example, during an infomercial or corporate production, a very rigid pre-planned approach may be necessary, and you simply follow that blueprint. However, for music videos, I often take a more stylistic approach, letting the action dictate the takes and keeping the focus on the precise spirit of the project.

Scripted narratives, particularly feature films, require a detailed plan. However, once on set, I prefer to work with actors, creating a scene through blocking rehearsal and then selecting shots based on what works. I believe in a more intentional approach that evolves as the story progresses, which involves things like lens choices and lighting choices. This approach is meticulously planned, as much as the budget and schedule allow. However, my primary goal is to make sure I have all the essential shots by the time I leave the set.

Each camera setup plays a role in the overall sequence, and I don't want something like a shot list or storyboard that will restrict my creative vision. While a shot list or storyboard might serve as a reference for others, it can throw everyone off if changes need to be made. Curveballs during a shoot slow down the process, and I prefer to have a clear vision and ensure that the puzzle pieces fit together perfectly.

For technical elements, such as stunts or insert shots with effects, a shot list and drawings are essential to ensure efficient communication and execution on set. However, for the hundreds of shots that make up a feature film, I don’t write that down. Instead, I go in knowing what I want and make sure the puzzle pieces fit that vision. I have never been asked for more footage or told something didn't cut, as I rely on my experience and intuition to make the necessary decisions during shooting.

Conclusion

Directorial techniques for remembering needed footage without shot lists or storyboards can vary widely. Mental rehearsal, pre-visualization, collaboration with the crew, familiarity with the script, improvisation, and rehearsals are all valuable tools that can help directors stay focused and achieve their creative vision. Whether you prefer a more rigid approach or a more flexible one, the key is to find a method that works for you and your project.