Want to be a Better Director?

I've directed 7 short films over the past few years and I've got a great suggestion for anyone who wants to be a director or wants to be a better director - take part in the editing process whenever you get the chance.

I'm not suggesting you have to become a whiz at Final Cut Pro or Avid, but it will really help to sit in on editing sessions (either for your own films or even someone else's.) Nothing will remind you to get plenty of coverage and to plan your transitions better than listening to an editor weeping, wailing, and gnashing teeth while trying to piece a project together.

I've edited most of my 7 shorts and it really helped me become a better writer, better director, and has even helped my planning and organizational skills for future shorts. A Fine Line was a pretty ambitious project for me, with several locations and a large cast & crew, shooting for about seven days on an 18-minute long story. Throughout the project, I heard a lot of concerns from my crew and some of the cast - they weren't sure the story would work well. But I ended up getting all the footage I needed and was able to pull it together - and I credit most of that to knowing what would and wouldn't cut together in the editing room. I've gotten some great reactions from people involved in the project and they were also happy with how it all worked out.

They say a story is told three times - in the writing, in the production, and in the editing. I heartily recommend learning to edit, if you've got the time. You'll be amazed at how you can improve a performance, change a story, or even take the project in a whole new direction with some editing skills.

I'll try to throw out some editing tips along the way - little tricks, shortcuts, and lessons I've learned the hard way (like backing up your projects!) that will hopefully help you through your filmmaking journey.