Mastering Your Craft: Directing Tips with Brian Cates

Faith & Family Filmmakers

Episode 28 - Mastering Your Craft: Directing Tips with Brian Cates

In this episode of the Faith and Family Filmmakers Podcast, host Jaclyn Whitt talks with Writer / Director / Producer Brian Cates about the importance of dedicated practice, accountability, and continuous learning in the journey of mastering filmmaking. They delve into Brian's personal experiences, highlighting the value of having a time slot and a captive audience for feedback. The discussion also covers how new technologies and platforms offer opportunities for filmmakers to hone their skills regularly. Brian shares inspiring stories of individuals and teams creatively pursuing their passion in filmmaking through consistent practice and learning from their efforts. Key advice includes giving oneself a 'time slot' to create, embracing failures as learning opportunities, and the significance of persistence. The conversation further explores the nuances of directing, including working with actors, the importance of pacing, and specific tips for directing children, with insights drawn from industry professionals like Steven Spielberg. The episode encapsulates the essence of never giving up, evaluating one’s dedication honestly, and the journey towards mastering the craft of filmmaking within the Christian community. Hear about:

• The Importance of Mastering Your Craft
• Leveraging Social Media and Creating Accountability
• Real-World Examples of Craft Mastery
• The Journey of Learning and Persistence
• Director Tips / Pacing
• Director Tips / Line Readings for Child Actors
• Director Tips / Working with Experienced Actors

Brian Cates is an Emmy® Award-winning filmmaker, and is best known as the director and co-writer of the Dove Award nominated feature film, FAMILY CAMP. Over the past 15 years he has directed over 500 short films with The Skit Guys, and with them has built one of the largest faith-based short-film distribution networks in the world. Brian lives in Oklahoma City with his wife and best friend, Jina, and their three daughters.

The Skit Guys online: skitguys.com

Brian on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/notbriancates/

The Faith & Family Filmmakers podcast helps filmmakers who share a Christian worldview stay in touch, informed, and inspired. Releasing new episodes every week, we interview experts from varying fields of filmmaking; from screenwriters, actors, directors, and producers, to film scorers, talent agents, and distributors.

It is produced and hosted by Geoffrey Whitt and Jaclyn Whitt , and is brought to you by the Faith & Family Filmmakers Association

Support Faith & Family Filmmakers Our mission is to help filmmakers who share a Christian Worldview stay in touch, informed, and inspired. If you would like to assist with the costs of producing this podcast, you can help by leaving a tip.

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