Pace ²

Pictured above: David K. Irving directing a scene for feature film, “Night of the Cyclone.”

Everything comes to him who hustles while he waits.

~ Thomas A. Edison

What Pace Means for Directors

Pace is integral to film directing. Here pace has dual meanings: the rhythms of the film as dictated by the screenplay, and the tempo of a day’s work as set by the director. Often these two are in sync and play off one another; other times they are at odds. What’s important is that directors recognize and respond to them accordingly.

Pace is important because the success or failure of a project in many ways is dependent on these two intangible qualities. When the credits roll or the lights come up in a theater, you, as an audience member experiencing a well-paced film, can’t believe it’s over. You are satisfied. You are thrilled. You want more. You got your money’s worth.