Service 04
Directing
Performance-led direction that keeps the story honest and gets the best from every actor on set.
- Approach
- Performance-led
- Typical stage
- Production
- Works for
- Drama & documentary
- Unit size
- Small and mobile
Overview
Our directing is performance-first. Composition, movement and lighting all matter, but they exist to serve what an actor or contributor is doing in front of the lens — not the other way round.
We rehearse where we can, block for the emotional beat rather than the pretty frame, and stay close to performers throughout so they know exactly what the scene needs.
Scripted
Blocking around the performance
We plan coverage carefully so there is always enough material to cut, but we protect the takes where something real happens. Actors are briefed properly, given room to try things, and directed with specific, playable notes rather than vague adjectives.
Where a first-time performer is carrying a scene we build in rehearsal time and shoot in an order that lets them grow into it.
Factual
Directing without steering
In documentary the job is to be present without distorting the room. We keep units small, interviews conversational and cameras patient, so contributors forget the kit is there and say what they actually think.
That approach is why our factual work feels warm rather than staged — the humour and the difficult moments are both genuine.
What is included
On the sheet
- Shot lists and storyboards
- Rehearsal and actor prep
- Blocking and coverage planning
- On-set performance direction
- Documentary and interview direction
- Second unit and pick-ups
- Edit supervision
- Creative direction across a series
“Protect the take where something real happens.”
Smoggie Bloom — Directing
Also from us
Start a project
Need directing?
Send us a couple of lines about the project and we will come back with an honest view of what it takes, what it costs and how quickly we can be on it.
info@smoggiebloom.co.uk · 07380 895 053