When people hear the word “director,” they often imagine someone yelling “Action!” and controlling every moment. But the truth is – directing is the opposite. It’s the ability to allow, not demand.

When I start a new project, it never begins with the camera or the equipment. It begins with one question:

“Who am I telling this story to?”

Because for me, directing is about people — and the relationships between them.

Script Analysis – the First Rehearsal

When I read a script, I don’t rush. I read it slowly, out loud, sometimes several times. Because when you read out loud, the text starts breathing — you hear its rhythm, its pauses, even the silence between the lines.

Then I search for what truly happens in the scene — not what is said, but what changes between the characters. If nothing changes, I have to question whether the scene belongs in the project at all.

In every scene, I look for two layers:

The external event — what the characters think is happening.
The emotional event — what genuinely shifts in the relationship.

When both layers align, the scene gains depth and authenticity.

Rehearsals – a Space Where Trying and Failing Is Allowed

Rehearsals, for me, are a creative safe zone. A place where actors can be imperfect, laugh, fail, try too much or too little. Once an actor feels they won’t be judged, they begin to take risks. And that’s when the best performances appear.

My role isn’t to command — it’s to ask questions. Not “Do it like this,” but “What impulse do you feel here?”

Questions spark creativity.

Filming – an Exchange of Energy

On a commercial set, people gather from different departments, each with their own expertise. A director’s job is to connect them and keep everyone engaged.

I always ask: “How can we make this work?”

When someone contributes an idea, they instantly become a co-creator of the moment.

Experienced directors know one thing well: there will always be problems on set. The difference is whether you’re prepared for them.

Directing Is Listening

One of the greatest compliments a director can receive is: “He knew what he wanted — and gave me complete freedom.”

That balance is what I aim for. My job is not to control but to build enough trust for others to open up.

Directing isn’t about authority. Directing is about listening.