Ps. Q&A For The FILM DIRECTOR

Q. Where Did You Learn Your Directing Skills?

As an experienced writer of over 30 years, I am extremely visual. When I write I always have a clear vision of how I see the words on paper as a film or in real life. I always wanted to make films going back to the 1990s. Life stopped my filmmaking from happening. Lockdown was a perfect opportunity as I was gifted time. Since then I learned my skills from making six films so far and others slated for making. The answer to the question is, I learned to direct films on the job. Thre is one more secret. I have my directing heroes - I’ve spent an age studying them also.

Q. Which Is The Most Favourite Film Directing Project And Why Did You Enjoy Making It?

Definitely two of my favourite two films to write and direct were The Curator and The Other Frontline. Why? Both masterfully revealed a hidden story beneath what most think is the actual story. They took some extra directing, editing and long days of translating those ideas into words and then before the final edit. I think both films go way beyond the brief. Both films reveal a true local hero that is extremely understated. I like the way we put them together, but like all work involved. I would love to do them both again as I would do them differently. Despite that, I love them both.

In The Curator, I also directed the soundtrack. It was written from scratch.

Q. When Approaching A Project How Do You Draw Inspiration For It?

The first thing I do is find out what the real story is. The real story is rarely the actual story that appears on the surface. I want a focal point a person or thing the viewer can relate to and attach themselves to. Once I start to build up the image and story I will generally look outside your industry for inspiration. Not that I try and do anything totally new because everything has been as good as done. I mean stories and characters from other unrelated places can fill gaps and create better, strong more compelling stories and films. I am inspired by classic films that are story focused.

Q. How Would You Approach Our Project?

First, it all begins with a simple conversation. Tell me what you are thinking. Tell me exactly what you don’t want. I would hate to deliver a film you don’t want. I want you to love my work.

Then the research begins. A research and development process begins. I will gather everything I need to know, and start to build ideas, stories and different approaches that will be unique to you and your story.

Q. What Is The Process For Working With You?

I like to have full creative control.

But…

I also know this is your film so your input for your film is critical. This means we meet to go through everything you are also thinking and of course the things I am thinking. Once we have an initial agreement I will pull in production and the team to get the ball rolling. In the meantime, I will be busy pulling everything together. Things like styling the film, colouring the mood of the film, sound, camera and so forth. You will have regular updates at all times and open access to me.

Q. How Long Does It Take To Make Our Film?

I don’t have the answer until I know what we are making. The Curator was an 8-month project, but any film can take 12-18 months very easily. Then again a film can be produced, directed and delivered in 12 weeks. It depends on lots of things.

Why Ask Me To direct Your Film Or Documentary?

Budget and Timeline. This is a huge problem in the film business. Not in my business. I guarantee to make sure the budget and timeline we agree on will be stuck to.

First, all of the films I have directed, written, and produced are done on time and within budget. Just look at the quality of them. Imagine what I can do with a bigger budget.

Second, I take my work so seriously that I will live, breathe and sleep your film until I have grasped the vision for your project.

Third, I know you need a film director that thinks. As a writer of stories published philosopher and a maker of my own films I get it.

Fourth you will need a film director for hire that isn’t stuck to a script, that can think on his or her feet and make changes that will still work with our vision when those changes need to be made (and they will be).

Finally, as a film director, I have a strong and growing track record so far. I love creating stories and making films. I will give you a film you will be proud of and a film that will live forever.

And you should know; I can be a pretty eccentric character. Once I am committed and fully committed. I can be demanding of everyone on set. I will push everyone carefully and masterfully so they deliver their absolute best for me and for you. And of course - my name is on this film so I will want to give you something I will be proud of on my own list of IMDB films.

Not All Film Directors Direct

I am of the strong belief that a visionary film director will make or break any film. The film director also has to have a powerful story and rely less on editing, tricks and speed of motion. I am a director that believes in two things: The power of a story and the power of directed visuals to enhance that story. This is the making of a good film.

All of my six films and documentaries, I have written, produced and directed with a hands-on approach from start to finish. I take a very old-school directing approach to all of my work.

That is, get the story right, tap into the emotion of the viewer and create a film that will live forever.

I take more influence from the direction taken in old films like Wuthering Heights or old Hitchcock rather than heavily edited Netflix binge films. It’s not that I am a purist it’s more I always feel the need to feed the mind of the viewer than feed my ego. Regardless of what I am directing, my approach is to treat it like a unique blockbuster.

Your Film director Tick List

As a film director, I love Francis Ford Coppola, Alfred Hitchcock, Wim Wenders, Orson Welles, and others. Why? Most of their films are truly unforgettable. That is a skill I am gaining fast mastery.

Here is a list of words that I have been called whilst working as a film director.

• STRONG - If you are not strong on set the film can take all directions and end up being a nothing film. Being strong is essential to the vision.

• VISIONARY - A great film director also has to be a great visionary. When I make a film I sit and see the audience watching the finished film. How do they react? How do I want them to react? What response do I want? How can I tap into human emotions? The vision must be clear.

• STORYTELLER - As a writer and storyteller, I know a story has to grab. Once grabbed the story must keep them hooked until the last page. The film is no different. A film must grab, must hook, must be compelling and drive home a point. That is what I aim for every time with my storytelling.

• HUMAN UNDERSTANDING - People watch films. People make films. People are in films. This is a very human business regardless of what is being filmed. A director that fails to understand humans will fail.

• THINKS DIFFERENT - I don’t think I can be accused of never thinking differently. I made a film with no script. The script didn’t work and I was on the clock. The script was dropped and the story was then told through what was seen on the screen. In the film, you have to be a different thinker to be a great director.

• PROBLEM SOLVER - Every set and shoot will have problems. A director that cannot think on their feet to solve problems instantly will fail. I thrive on solving problems. All good directors are great problem-solvers.

• STRESS TOLERANT - In today’s world this speaks for itself. We are in a time when stress is seen as negative. I love stress and thrive in stressful mode. I find it empowering and can feed from it. Stress can be powerful. Great directors love stress.

• TIME AWARE - Time is money. Great FILM directors plan ahead to prevent any loss of time.

• STRONG VOICE - This is critical when you have a set full of creatives. A director with no voice will always struggle. Great directors have great voices.

• ABILITY TO UNLEASH CREATIVES - A great director cannot do it all alone. Yet they have to channel their vision into the crew. The crew must be masterfully unleashed to achieve the vision of the director.

• INSPIRING LEADERSHIP - There is only one person that will lead a crew on the day and that is the director. A failure to do that will fail to bring the many elements together that create great direction.

I Am Film Director For Hire …

I am interested in projects that I can help to transform through inspiring and creative directing. I guarantee to deliver you an overall idea, concept, story and vision for your film that will pull everything together and deliver you an incredible piece of work.

If you really need a film director for your next film or documentary project let’s have an initial no-commitment conversation.

I am happy to talk, happy to travel and happy to give you an incredible film.

For a limited period, I am a Film Director For Hire.

Get hold of me here.

Writer, Director and Filmmaker.

Alan Forrest Smith

ALL MESSENGERS: /// U.K. 00 44 (0) 7793069486