Quick Reference Directing List: Visual Concept and Colors

I have read many books and articles on Film Directing over the past 20 years. As I read, I underline or yellow certain sentences or paragraphs that contain valuable information. I then take these marked sentences and type them into a Quick Reference Directing file on my computer where I sort them into specific categories, print them out and keep them in my binder for quick reference.

The following list contains just a few of the “rules and guidelines” that I have accumulated over the years. In future articles, I will include more of these valuable tips and techniques.

VISUAL CONCEPT

* image structure and style
* what is the PRIMORTAL IMAGE (to take the audience into this world)
* design a MOTIF (concept)
* repeat a motif it becomes a style
* decide on what the audience is going to see
* devise a DRAMATIC METAPHOR (motifs & symbols)
* what is the pacing & mood
* PATTERNS:
- triangles
- formalism, constructive, balanced
- circles
* motion going LEFT to RIGHT (comfortable)
* motion going RIGHT to LEFT (conflict)
* anything that is centered has no statement
* anything that is off-centre has implied action
* what is the colour of the story
* stillness creates focus
* action creates focus
* what dialogue is the most important to be heard
* what is the RHYTHM of the story/scene/act (build on the heartbeat)

COLORS

* PHYSICAL: ENVIRONMENT (red,orange, magenta)
- people who relate to the world by interacting with their physical environment
* PHYSICAL: BODY (yellow, physical tan)
- people who relate to the world through the sensation triggered by their physical bodies
* MENTAL (mental tan, green, nurturing tan, loving tan)
- people who think about the world and their place in it
* EMOTIONAL & SPIRITUAL (blue, violet, lavender, crystal, indigo)
- people who live in a world where the intangibles of life (hopes, wishes, dreams) are more important than the tangibles (emotions, feelings)
* EXTROVERT
- warm colours (red, orange, yellow)
* INTROVERT
- cool colours (green, blue, purple)
* CLEAR, BRIGHT COLOURS
- good physical, mental, emotional health
* MUDDY COLOURS
- depression, anger, self-pity
* RED
- anger, passion, rage, desire, vital force, achieve results, the present
* PINK
- love and innocence
* YELLOW
- wisdom, knowledge, search for a way out, relaxation, hope of greater happiness
* ORANGE
- humour
* GREEN
- healing, soothing, perseverance, tenacity, self-awareness, proud, unchanging
* BLUE
- faith, spirituality, complete calm, contentment, loyalty, fulfillment
* INDIGO
- power, ego centre
* BROWN
- materialistic, sensation, money conscious, dispossessed and rootless
* BLACK
- extreme anger, people who hide feelings and things, ultimate surrender, No
* WHITE
- protection and love, positive energy, Yes
* GREY
- neutral, remain uncommitted, insulated, unwilling to take part, non-involvement
* VIOLET
- sensitive intimacy, a magical state, erotic

Copyright (c) 2000-2009 Peter D. Marshall / All Rights Reserved