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Introduction
🎤 What’s up, ladies and gentlemen!
Welcome to a brand new episode of The Blade Podcast—the podcast dedicated to film production, post-production, and marketing.
I’m your host, Lungile Mayindi, and today’s episode is all about directing tips from Lesli Linka Glatter, one of the directors and executive producers of the hit series Homeland.
If you’ve ever wanted to improve your directing skills, this episode is packed with insights straight from a Sundance Masterclass.
1. What is Homeland? 🎥
For those who may not know, Homeland is an American spy thriller series starring Claire Danes and Damian Lewis.
📌 The show is known for its:
✅ Intense suspense
✅ Thrilling storylines
✅ Incredible acting
✅ Top-notch cinematography
It’s one of my favorite shows, and when I found out that Lesli Linka Glatter, one of its key directors and producers, was teaching a Sundance Masterclass on directing, I had to watch it.
2. Key Lessons from Lesli Linka Glatter’s Masterclass 🎬
After watching this three-hour directing masterclass, I learned some invaluable lessons that I want to share with you.
A Director’s Job
A film director’s role is to:
✅ Interpret the script and bring it to life visually.
✅ Understand camera work and lenses to create the right emotional impact.
✅ Be clear and decisive while listening to the crew.
✅ Prepare and plan meticulously before the shoot.
Lesli emphasized that preparation is key—the more you plan ahead, the better your shoot will go.
3. Script Analysis Before Shooting 📖
Before you even start filming, you need to analyze the script thoroughly.
Ask yourself these critical questions:
📌 What is the text? – What’s happening on the surface?
📌 What is the subtext? – What’s the underlying meaning?
📌 What is the world of the story? – What kind of setting are we in?
📌 What is the theme? – What message is the film trying to convey?
📌 How do I communicate this visually?
🎭 A great director reads the script multiple times and thinks about how to bring it to life with cinematography, editing, and storytelling techniques.
4. Breaking Down a Scene 🎭
When working on a specific scene, ask yourself:
✅ Why is this scene important?
✅ What do the characters want?
✅ What is their emotional state?
✅ Whose point of view (POV) is the scene from?
✅ Where are they coming from, and where are they going?
This helps you direct actors better and plan your shots more effectively.
5. Prioritizing Scenes: $1 vs. 25¢ Scenes 💰
One of the coolest concepts I learned was the idea of $1 scenes vs. 25¢ scenes.
📌 $1 Scenes – The most important moments in your film.
📌 25¢ Scenes – Less important, filler scenes.
🎬 Why does this matter?
Knowing which scenes hold the most weight allows you to:
✔ Allocate more time to key emotional moments.
✔ Give actors extra preparation for intense scenes.
✔ Plan the schedule so that critical moments aren’t rushed.
If a big emotional moment is coming up, you need to allow actors time to prepare—this makes a huge difference in performance quality.
6. The Importance of Research & Realism 🔍
Before filming a scene, the Homeland team consults experts to ensure authenticity.
📌 If it’s a military scene, they talk to actual soldiers.
📌 If it’s a CIA operation, they consult intelligence professionals.
This ensures that every detail feels real and accurate.
💡 Takeaway: If your film involves a specific profession or culture, do your research!
7. The Power of Concept Meetings 🎭
Before filming starts, Lesli and her team hold concept meetings with all department heads.
📌 What happens in a concept meeting?
✅ Script reading with the full crew.
✅ Discussions on props, locations, costumes, and lighting.
✅ Setting color palettes and textures with the production designer.
✅ Sharing visual references and photographs.
Having these meetings reduces confusion on set and ensures that everyone is on the same page.
8. Location Scouting & Pre-Shoot Planning 📍
Lesli also emphasized the importance of scouting locations before filming.
✅ Visit the location with the cinematographer & department heads.
✅ Take photos & plan shots ahead of time.
✅ Rehearse scenes on location with actors.
By doing this, the entire team is prepared, and when filming starts, everything runs smoothly.
9. Blocking & Storyboarding 🎭
Before shooting a scene, blocking (staging actor movements) is crucial.
📌 Steps to Proper Blocking & Planning:
✅ Meet with department heads and visit the location.
✅ Plan where actors will stand and move during the scene.
✅ Create a shot list & storyboard before filming.
If you pre-plan, your shooting days will be more efficient, and you’ll capture better performances.
Final Thoughts & Takeaways 🎬
🎭 Directing is about clear vision, preparation, and communication.
Key Lessons from Lesli Linka Glatter:
| Lesson | Takeaway |
|---|---|
| 📖 Script Analysis | Understand text, subtext, and theme. |
| 🎬 Scene Breakdown | Know what’s happening emotionally. |
| 💰 $1 vs. 25¢ Scenes | Prioritize key moments in the schedule. |
| 🔍 Research & Experts | Ensure authenticity in every scene. |
| 🎭 Concept Meetings | Plan ahead with department heads. |
| 📍 Location Scouting | Visit, plan shots, and rehearse before shooting. |
| 🎥 Blocking & Storyboarding | Organize movement and camera work in advance. |
💡 Takeaway: The more prep work you do before filming, the better the final product will be!
Closing Remarks
Did you find these directing tips useful? Let me know in the comments below!
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📩 Got a topic request? Email me (details in the show notes).
Until next time—stay safe, keep creating, and stay inspired! 🎬🔥