10 Directing Tips Inspired by 'Renfield' Director Chris McKay

Keep the bite in directing.

One director who has made a name for himself with his unique and imaginative films is Chris McKay, known for his work on movies like The Lego Batman Movie and the recently released Renfield, a horror-comedy film.

While we may not have direct access to Chris McKay’s insights, we can draw from his body of work to glean some potential directing tips. From embracing genre blending to fostering collaboration, from experimenting with storytelling techniques to trusting your instincts and taking creative risks, these tips can provide aspiring directors with valuable insights to enhance their craft.

In this article, we will explore ten directing tips that could be inspired by Chris McKay’s style and approach to filmmaking.

Please note that these tips are speculative and inspired by Chris McKay’s awesome work, and may not necessarily reflect his specific directing style or advice. It’s always best to consult the specific director or filmmaking resources for more personalized and accurate insights.

In fact, our very own GG Hawkins had him on our podcast recently. Give it a listen!

10 Directing Tips Inspired by Renfield Director Chris McKay

Embrace genre blending: Renfield is a horror-comedy film, that showcases Chris McKay’s ability to blend different genres. Be open to experimenting with genre conventions and finding unique ways to combine different tones to create a fresh and distinctive cinematic experience.
Dive deep into character psychology: Chris McKay has previously directed character-driven comedy films such as Renfield. Take the time to understand the psychology and motivations of your characters, and guide your actors to bring out nuanced performances that elevate the storytelling.
Create visually striking visuals: Chris McKay is known for his visually imaginative style. Experiment with visual elements such as lighting, color, composition, and visual effects to create captivating and visually stunning scenes that enhance the story.
Foster a collaborative and inclusive environment: Chris McKay has worked with a diverse cast and crew in his previous films. Embrace diversity in your team and create an inclusive environment where everyone’s voices are heard and respected. Collaborate with your team to bring out their best work.
Pay attention to pacing and rhythm: Renfield is expected to have a unique tone with a blend of horror and comedy. Pay careful attention to the pacing and rhythm of your film, ensuring that the comedic and horror elements are balanced and timed effectively for maximum impact.
Experiment with different storytelling techniques: Chris McKay has shown a willingness to experiment with unconventional storytelling techniques in his films. Be open to taking risks and exploring different narrative structures, visual styles, and storytelling techniques to make your film stand out.
Have a clear communication style: Effective communication is crucial on set. Develop a clear and concise communication style that allows you to convey your vision, expectations, and feedback to your team in a way that is easily understood and implemented.
Collaborate with your cinematographer: Cinematography plays a vital role in creating the visual language of a film. Collaborate closely with your cinematographer to translate your creative vision into compelling visuals, including shot composition, camera movements, and lens choices.
Be adaptable and flexible: Filmmaking can be unpredictable, and challenges may arise during production. Be prepared to adapt and find creative solutions to unexpected situations. Stay flexible and keep a positive attitude, as this can greatly impact the overall production experience.
Trust your instincts and take creative risks: Chris McKay is known for his unique and bold creative choices. Trust your instincts as a director and be willing to take risks in pursuit of your creative vision. Don’t be afraid to push boundaries and explore new ideas to create a memorable and impactful film.