Olivier Assayas and More French Directors Share Their Best Tips for Your First Day of Filming — Watch

Day one on set of your first movie can be extremely nerve-wracking, so why not take some notes about how to get through it from the pros? UniFrance has started a new video series titled “First Movie – Day One” in which the best French filmmakers working today share their personal tips on what’s most important for your first day on set of your first film.

The series includes five short episodes featuring the likes of Olivier Assayas (“Clouds of Sils Maria”), Emmanuelle Bercot (“Standing Tall”), Bruno Dumont (“Slack Bay”), Bertrand Tavernier (“The Princess of Montpensier”), and Anne Fontaine (“The Innocents”).

“I get the impression the trap is often that filmmaking is seen as solo act,” Assayas says, warning young directors not to get intimidated by those on set who may have more experience than you. “You feel intimidated because you lack experience and these guys have made 20-30 films already. You need to be open-minded.”

Fontaine urges new filmmakers not to be ashamed of doubt; in fact, it’s better to admit to yourself that you won’t know everything on your first day. “Doubt is the only way to push forward with your work in a truly profound way,” she says.

Watch all five videos in the “First Movie – Day One” series below.

Olivier Assayas, Don’t Do Things the Way You’re Told

Emmanuelle Bercot, Never Look to Please

Bruno Dumont, Don’t Go to Film School

Bertrand Tavernier, You Can’t Make it All Up During the Shoot

Anne Fontaine, Don’t Hide That You Don’t Know Things

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