What A Film Director Does After They Say “CUT”

Patrick Tucker is one of Europe’s most experienced film directors with over 400 shows broadcast on television. At the end of a Take you shout “CUT!” – then what do you do?

1: Did you like the take?
On balance, were all the major elements in place? (framing; camera movement; lighting; design; properties; costumes; make-up; script; editing – will it cut to and from the surrounding shots; and DON’T FORGET TO THINK ABOUT THE ACTING.)

2: If you are not happy, go for a re-take.
Always give notes as to why you are going again (perhaps pretending it is for sound when you want a better performance from an actor).

3: If on balance you are happy, what about your crew?
Is you crew happy? Camera; sound; script – and, yes, the actors.

4: Weigh up the pros and cons of going again
Balance the wishes of the crew/actor requests on one side, and your knowledge of how much must be done today (and what is coming up) on the other. Is it better to correct something now, or wait to fix it in post-production?

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