The Rules of Filmmaking... an evolving list

Back when I was making movies a lot more frequently, I came up with a list of rules for better filmmaking. I like rules and handbooks and that sort of thing. Rules are, of course, meant to be broken, but you should understand the rule and why it exists before you trespass in its realm. I will go into detail about the specifics in a later post or posts.

The Rules of Filmmaking... an evolving list

Please do not repost this elsewhere online without a link back to the original page and a reference to the version number, or reprint for commercial purposes without the express written permission of the author. It can always be found at http://www.starfortress.com/filmrules.html

• Leave the location or stage in a better condition than you found it.
• Never forget your flashlight.
• Never forget your radio.
• The streets of Hollywood were never paved with gold. Make that your job.
• Never perform an actor's line.
• Always keep your crew well fed and watered.
• One sandbag per light indoors, two if you're outside.
• Watch your language, kids show up at the oddest times.
• Tagging someone with C-47's is not a crime unless you're caught in the act.
• Only the director may say or grant the authority to say "action," or "cut."
• Keep the assistant directors informed about EVERYTHING. Give them a department status report at least every 30 minutes. If something is going to be delayed or ready ahead of schedule then they should know that immediately.
• Never ask someone to do something you would not.
• Never be afraid to ask someone to do something you cannot.
• The set should be treated more like a temple where the filmmakers are the monks, and less like a saloon where the filmmakers are the customers.
• If you're not needed, be nearby.
• If there is not a phone list then compile one and distribute it. There are always movies down the road where you may want someone or someone may want you.
• Never let an actor take home a prop or costume that you cannot easily replace.
• Never pay for an investor's lunch.
• Never unplug an unfamiliar cable.
• The director should never hire or fire anyone directly unless it is their personal assistant.
• Filmmaking is definitely a collaborative process, but not so much a communal process. There needs to be a leadership structure like you would have on a ship.
• Never shoot in an actively hostile location.
• Master lighting with one source first.
• The lowest ranked person in the room is the most important one to have on your side.
• "In a crisis people need to feel like soldiers, not victims." - The West Wing
• Know all the rules (and what they mean) before you break them.
• When all else fails, ask yourself "What would John Ford do?"

version 3.2, released the 30th of October 2005
all versions (C) 2003-2005 C. Beckwith