The most obvious example are actors that won't appear when they are supposed to.
Any others?
The only peron I've ever seen undermine a director was the director himself. Everyone else on set was just doing their job but this shit was shouting, screaming, and bitching that it wasn't being done "right" when he had no clue what he was doing.
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We just stood around and laughed.
Good one.
That reminds me of the classic Pogo comic strip "We have met the enemy, and he is us!"
i worked on a film where a single actor radically changed his dialogue, to the detriment of the narrative. man, i wish i wasn't directing that day!
<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Ha! That wasn't who I think it was, was it?Originally posted by miker:
i worked on a film where a single actor radically changed his dialogue, to the detriment of the narrative. man, i wish i wasn't directing that day!
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I hate that bloody actor.
"Have you ever witnessed a Directors Authority Undermined while on set?"
There's something about that question that I think helps contribute to the false Director is God concept.
I'm sure we can all pretty much agree that the director has a vision and blah blah blah, but it's also important for the director to swallow his or her pride, be humble, and be open to other ideas from anyone, even if it's a radical change from the original plan.
If a director develops a reputation for being that receptive and flexible, I can see how people would start saying things like, "He doesn't know what he's doing - he's letting other people walk all over him." And I think that wouldn't necessarily be true. As long as the ultimate decision, no matter who came up with the idea, helps with the overall film, then there's no problem.
It doesn't mean that they will always fold under others input, but just listen, even if they usually do ultimately say "no" and stick with their own guns. Of course, it also depends on how the other people approach him, and if it is courteous and professional.
Addressing the question and how it was worded, I have respect for directors who have the humility and sense of humor to allow their "authority" to occasonally be undermined if it benefits the final film.
Most of the discussion of divergent ideas should perhaps happen off of the set.
Of course quick decisions and quick action need to be taken to keep a shoot on schedule, but the time to discuss the inner workings of the script are better left to after the days work is done, rather than during the shoot day.
I just wanted to add something. About another thread which I think is related to this one:
""so you make ....films ? oh.Thats ...... um ... thats nice....."
So what response do you want people to have when you tell them you're a filmmaker? You want them to kneel down and kiss your feet?
<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">I agree. In a perfect world that would be the case.Most of the discussion of divergent ideas should perhaps happen off of the set.
But sometimes, even after detailed and exhaustive planning, it is only when you are on set and actually putting the plan into action do you realize how things really are, and adjustments need to be made, otherwise the idea of Murphy's Law and improvisation wouldn't exist.
But you do make a good point Alex.
<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Ha! That wasn't who I think it was, was it?Originally posted by jb.:
</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by miker:
i worked on a film where a single actor radically changed his dialogue, to the detriment of the narrative. man, i wish i wasn't directing that day!
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I hate that bloody actor.</font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">ha ha, you only hate him because he got the girl off-set ;-)
but, no. he just had a bad memory/lack of preparedness. he at least tried to do what he was told ...
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