How One Detail Can Make Your Film 10x Better

The difference between a good film and a great one can often be reduced to a single choice or detail.

Most of our time spent writing, directing, or editing a film is focused on the basics…

Does the structure work? Is the lighting good? Does the edit flow?

Getting the fundamentals right is how you make a good, or at least a competent film. But what separates a good film from something truly great always comes down to the details.

And I would argue that in some cases, a single detail can be the defining factor between a film being forgettable or being talked about for years to come.

I remember watching the film The Invitation back in 2015, which is centered around a strange dinner party at a home in the Hollywood hills.

The film was entertaining enough to watch, and really good up until the very end. But it wasn’t until the very last shot of the film, when a new detail was revealed that re-contextualized the entire story, that it took on a whole new meaning.

I won’t spoil the ending for those of you that haven’t seen it. But trust me when I say that one final shot, a single detail, made the film 10x more satisfying.

This week I’ve been putting the finishing touches on one of my new short films (Crow), so this topic has been very top of mind for me.

I am always looking for ways to make my films better, up until the very last edit session. 

After watching the picture lock a few days ago, a lightbulb went off. I realized there was a simple visual trick I could do with one shot in the film that would add new meaning to everything that came before it.

In the past, I may have thought of the idea and said to myself: “Too bad I didn’t get it on the day, oh well. Maybe it’s an idea for the next film.”

But lately, especially after being more consciously aware of how a single shot can change an entire film, I decided to go the extra mile.

So I reached out to one of the main actresses in the film and scheduled a pickup day. We filmed what we needed in about 45 minutes, and the footage is now on its way to my VFX artist who will be working some magic on it.

The film could have worked without the shot, but there is no question that it will tell the story far more effectively, and leave a more lasting impression with the audience.

I share this as a reminder for those of you in the midst of writing, directing, or even editing something.

It’s always good practice to look for every possibility to strengthen your film. But sometimes the most effective thing isn’t a major fundamental shift in your concept, or re-casting the main actor, or changing the chronology in post.

Sometimes it’s as simple as a reaction shot. Or a cutaway. Or a single line of ADR. Something that on its own is seemingly trivial or insignificant, but when put into the context of your narrative can change everything.

Next time you’re working on your film ask yourself what is one idea that would make everything else stronger without changing the foundation.

If you can find an answer to that question – do everything in your power to see it through.

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