directing in Spanish tips please

[tom lombard]

I'll be shooting a short later this year that will be in Spanish (English subtitles). The cast will all be Spanish speaking as well as some of the crew. I, however, know only a few words of the language. There won't be a communication issue as everyone speaks English as well but I'm making an effort to learn a bit of Spanish for a variety of reasons (some related to this shoot, some not). I realize that I can look up Spanish words for "action", "cut", etc but those terms may not be the terms a Mexican director would use when directing a shoot in Mexico. What would be some useful & proper terms, phrases, etc that I should learn specifically from the directing perspective. Thanks, Tom

[Gregory Irwin]

When I worked in Mexico and Spain, all of the cinema terms were spoken in English. Best of luck to you!

 

G

[Christoph Helms]

When we had a shoot in Ecuador the most important word became "Otra vez" meaning "One more time"

[Miguel Angel]

Well, I'm Spanish and in Spain we use the same terms that English speakers use, in English 90% of the time.

 

From a directorial perspective you might find useful the following one:

- ¡Ahora que hemos terminado yo invito a las cervezas!

- Now that we have finished I'll pay for the beers!

 

Anyways, here are some Spanish cinema terms for you:

 

- Plano General

- Wide Shot

 

- Plano Corto

- Close Up

 

- Plano de los dos

- Two Shot

 

- Contraplano

- Reverse shot / reversal

 

If you have anything more specific in mind, please let me know and I'll give you the appropriate translation :)

 

Have a lovely day and good luck! :)