Hello all. I have decided to sort of take a different direction with my posts. I am going to do a series of posts that lay out how a good film comes about, from a 5 minute Youtube video to a feature length motion picture. While they are all about very different things, all films have a formula that spans topics and genre. This series is not only intended for those who want to make a film and just don't know how to go about it, but also as discussion points for those who are familiar with the subjects. Hopefully, this will cause a dialog between the groups.
First thing I am going to cover is character design. Obviously this is not the first step in making a film necessarily, but it is such a crucial part of the storytelling process. Every film needs amazing characters. However, there is more to it then just coming up with a schnazzy name. Once you have a character in mind there are three things you must consider fully and completely; who is he/she/it in the physical, relational, and psychological sense.
First on the list, though usually not first to be done, is who the character is in the physical sense. In the world you have created, who is he? Is he a badass vampire count? A lowly office worker? Perhaps just a college student trying to make it big? Once you ground his role in the physical world, it should tie into the other whos effortlessly. That is the key to believable characters. Now that he have our character grounded, we need to dress him. This goes into another post I will make about setting. You have to determine how your character is going to look and how the way he looks in relation to the setting and the other characters. Does he mesh or stand out? Is his look practical, ornamental, just whatever is in the closet? All these things must be considered. An important thing to remember is that nothing is put on screen pointlessly. Even the character's threads say something.
Second is the relational. Who is your character socially? Brother? Boss? Homeless guy? Who does he work for? Who does he come home to? Another thing to consider is group dynamics. Usually, the character is not alone. He is part of a group of other characters. What does he bring to the table? Is he a help or a hindrance? Is there anyone in the party he gets along with? Anyone he doesn't? Character chemistry is important, and can help substantially with casting and writing. This can feed into the physical, helping to describe his physical state in his current stage of life. Also, it could go the other way, with his physical station dictating how people think of him and treat him.
Third is psychological. What does your character want? What does he believe? What does he love? Hate? How did he get there? What would he kill for? Die for? This is probably the most important for actors as it assists them in really getting into character. Everyone has motivation. Even the guy who just walks across the screen for a split second. How does what's going on in the story effect him mentally? What are his relationships or lack there of effecting him? How is he going to get what he wants?
I hope this has put some thoughts into your head and that it helps you in the future. I know it's a lot to process, but it is important to hit all three for each character in order to make them three dimensional and memorable. As a filmmaker and a storyteller you must control and create every aspect of your characters. Once you have the reigns on, you can take them wherever you want to go.
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