Working with Actors

Episode 013 - Discussing Herzog’s Masterclass Lesson 14

We discuss Herzog’s Masterclass Lesson 14 - Working with Actors on Set. There are no stars on set, but whoever is front of the camera is royalty - even extras. To rehearse or not? And what do we mean by rehearsal. Be careful of too many takes. Do acting classes hurt an actor? Herzog claims yes, we argue only in the beginning.

Soldiers of Cinema

Episode 013 - Discussing Herzog’s Masterclass Lesson 14

Creating the Character

Episode 012 - Discussing Herzog’s Masterclass Lesson 13

We discuss Herzog’s Masterclass Lesson 13 - Working with Actors, Creating the Character. We discuss the importance of selecting the right actor, understanding chemistry, and knowing the hearts of others. We have a lively debate on Herzog's philosophy that all that matters is what ends up on screen. "Everybody has the same chance in front of the camera!"

Soldiers of Cinema

Episode 012 - Discussing Herzog’s Masterclass Lesson 13

Camera Techniques

Episode 011 - Discussing Herzog’s Masterclass Lesson 12

We discuss Herzog’s Masterclass Lesson 12 - Camera Techniques and spatial orientation. Your audience must be able to orient the action and characters We on screen! What's the 180 rule? Ever hear of the Kinski Spiral or the Nazarian Walk? When is it okay to disorient your audience? Iguanas!!!

Soldiers of Cinema

Episode 011 - Discussing Herzog’s Masterclass Lesson 12

Cinematography

Episode 010 - Discussing Herzog’s Masterclass Lesson 11

We discuss Herzog’s Masterclass Lesson 11 - Cinematography. It's not the gear - it's you! We discuss getting caught up in thinking you need the latest and greatest gear, using (or not using) zoom lenses, favoring momentum over style, and the idea that maybe you shouldn't worry too much conceptually about your aesthetic and trust that it's there inside you and will come out in full if you just let it.

Soldiers of Cinema

Episode 010 - Discussing Herzog’s Masterclass Lesson 11

Shooting Strategies

Episode 009 - Discussing Herzog’s Masterclass Lesson 10

We discuss Herzog’s Masterclass Lesson 10 - Shooting Strategies. Are storyboard the ”instruments of cowards?” How does Herzog keeps his cast and crew on edge (in a good way)? Coverage - how much to shoot? Is is smart insurance or a procrastination of artistic decision? Above all - we discuss Herzog’s strategies for collecting the remarkable, not garbage.

Soldiers of Cinema

Episode 009 - Discussing Herzog’s Masterclass Lesson 10

Set Rules

Episode 008 - Discussing Herzog’s Masterclass Lesson 9

We discuss Herzog’s Masterclass Lesson nine - Set Rules. Cullen and Clark discuss Herzog's on-set philosophies including set organization, one camera vs multi-camera shoots, using a video-village, crew size, cell phones on set, working with a sense of urgency, and being the buffer between your actors and the hustle and bustle of the crew.

Soldiers of Cinema

Episode 008 - Discussing Herzog’s Masterclass Lesson 9

Leading the Platoon

Episode 007 - Discussing Herzog’s Masterclass Lesson 8

We discuss Herzog’s Masterclass Lesson eight - Leading the Platoon. Cullen and Clark discuss Herzog's views on being an effective leader and director. We compare and contrast to our own experiences. We mull over the importance of developing a working knowledge of every area of filmmaking - including acting - and how to use catastrophes to your advantage, dealing with the unexpected, and how your character is always on the clock if you want to be the best director you can be.

Soldiers of Cinema

Episode 007 - Discussing Herzog’s Masterclass Lesson 8

Locations

Episode 006 - Discussing Herzog’s Masterclass Lesson 7

We discuss Herzog’s Masterclass Lesson seven - Locations. Don’t underestimate the importance of locations for a film. We discuss the impact of locations in Herzog’s films, shooting permits and stealing shots. Clark discusses his experience completing the 100 mile walk exercise from the class and Cullen shares some stories about his shoot in Iceland.

Soldiers of Cinema

Episode 006 - Discussing Herzog’s Masterclass Lesson 7

Financing First Films

Episode 004 - Discussing Herzog’s Masterclass Lesson 5

We discuss Herzog’s Masterclass Lesson 5 - Financing first films. Money is stupid and your story must be exceptional! We discuss our own experiences financing films, the need to become your own producer, the importance of understanding how to manage a production budget and more. Money lost, film gained!

Soldiers of Cinema

Episode 004 - Discussing Herzog’s Masterclass Lesson 5

Writing a Screenplay

Episode 003 - Discussing Herzog’s Masterclass Lesson 4

We discuss Herzog’s Masterclass Lesson 4 - writing a screenplay. Herzog argues against dogmatically using the three act structure, discusses how he psychs himself up to write, and explains the the importance of urgency. We discuss all of these things through the lens of our own experience and more!

Soldiers of Cinema

Episode 003 - Discussing Herzog’s Masterclass Lesson 4

The Importance of Reading

Episode 002 - Discussing Herzog’s Masterclass Lesson 3

We discuss Herzog’s Masterclass Lesson 3 - the importance of reading as a filmmaker and artist, what might make good literature to consume, learning from poetry the art of condensing your story, why we think the Peregrine is a vital lesson for filmmakers in a handful of different ways, the importance of empathy and how to workout your empathetic muscle, and the difference between thinking about your authentic voice and just letting go and using it.

Soldiers of Cinema

Episode 002 - Discussing Herzog’s Masterclass Lesson 3

Werner Herzog Introduction

Episode 001 - Discussing Herzog’s Masterclass Lessons 1-2

Two filmmakers, Clark Coffey and Cullen McFater, use legendary Filmmaker Werner Herzog’s Masterclass, films, writings and interviews as a jumping off point to discuss different philosophies of film. In this first episode, we discuss Herzog’s Masterclass (www.masterclass.com) lessons one and two.

Soldiers of Cinema

Episode 001 - Discussing Herzog’s Masterclass Lessons 1-2