How to Direct When You’re Still Learning

Jun 16

Intro: You Don’t Need to Know Everything to Lead Something

Every great director started with a first shoot, a first mistake, and a first moment of wondering, “Who let me be in charge of this?”

If you’re directing while still learning—you’re in the right place.
The truth is, most of us are still learning.
But leadership in film isn’t about having all the answers.
It’s about knowing how to move forward with humility, clarity, and vision.

Here’s how to direct even when you’re not “seasoned”—yet.

1. Lead With Vision, Not Ego

People don’t need you to be the smartest person in the room.
They need you to know what kind of story you’re telling.

Your team will trust you if you:

Stay grounded in the heart of the story
Invite collaboration without defensiveness
Communicate clearly, even if you’re unsure technically

Clarity beats charisma.
And ego kills trust faster than inexperience ever will.

2. Surround Yourself With People Who Know More Than You

The best directors are not the most skilled at every job.
They’re the ones who know how to empower a crew.

That means:

Asking your DP how they’d light something
Listening to your editor’s pacing instincts
Leaning into your AD when the schedule gets tight

You’re not less of a director for not knowing everything.
You’re more of one when you’re willing to learn openly.

3. Prepare Like It’s All on You—Then Collaborate Like It’s Not

Do your homework.
Shotlist. Study references. Know your story beats. Walk the location.

But once you’re on set, let it breathe.
Leave room for better ideas.
Stay flexible when the plan shifts.

The best directing often happens in the tension between preparation and presence.

4. Ask Better Questions

When you don’t know something, don’t fake it. Ask.

But ask like this:

“I’m thinking of this tone—how would you approach that?”
“Would it be faster if we blocked it like this instead?”
“What would you suggest here if we’re losing the light?”

Curiosity with intention builds trust.
Confusion without accountability breaks it.

5. Set Culture First

Even on low-budget sets with small crews, your leadership creates culture.

Your tone—stressed or steady.
Your communication—panicked or present.
Your values—rushed or relational.

People remember how they were treated more than how the final cut looked.
And many will sign on for your next project based on how this one felt.

Set culture before you set the first frame.

Closing: You’re Not Faking It—You’re Forming It

Directing isn’t about already being great.
It’s about being honest, clear, teachable, and in it with your team.

At Fragrant Film, we believe the best leaders are always learning—and the best shoots happen when people trust the story and the person guiding it.

So if you’re directing while still learning…
Keep learning.
Keep directing.
You’re doing better than you think.