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...which brings up the question of what is the purpose of the directors view? Why is the 'director' opposite the camera, looking right at it? You'd think that the 'director' would like to see what the camera sees or am I missing something?

The director camera is an "extra" moveable camera that allows you to stage everything, including the scene camera. It's description is quite appropriate.

Also note that if you click one of the little arrows by the camera (or is it movement?) controls on the left side you have the options of "camera to director" and likewise "director to camera" that allows you to set scene camera and director camera positions to their counterparts. Comes in useful every now and then.

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