Every director, even the seasoned ones, feels insecure sometimes. But on set, the job isn’t to be perfect. It’s to lead.
Confidence on set doesn’t mean arrogance or stubbornness. It means preparation, clarity, and the ability to communicate your needs and vision with authority.
Insecure directors often run into problems when crew members, especially experienced DOPs, begin filling the leadership vacuum. That can lead to confusion, undermining, and even losing control of your own film.
The best antidote to this? Preparation.
Know your script inside out. Have your shot lists and storyboards ready. Talk to your actors beforehand. Rehearse. Listen.
And most importantly, if something’s not working, speak up, even if you don’t yet know the solution.
Actors, especially insecure ones, need honest feedback. Always telling someone they’re doing “great” when they’re not robs them of the chance to improve.
But the delivery matters. Critique privately when needed, and always lead with a tone of support and collaboration.
Being a great director doesn’t mean having all the answers.
It means asking the right questions, being open to ideas, and knowing when to say, “Let me think about that.”
When your team sees you care about the work and are clear in your direction, they’ll follow you, even if you’re still learning as you go.
Hear more about being a director from David F. Sandberg, director of Shazam!