top of page

DIRECTING FUNDAMENTALS: INTRO TO DIRECTING

This FOUR SESSION online seminar will teach the fundamentals for directing narrative film.

ABOUT THE COURSE

The director works with every department head to create the film you see on screen. From the set to the shot choices to the costumes and the edit, the director is consistently making decisions to create a visionary cinematic journey for their audience. But what does it truly mean to be a director? Where do you start in your journey to become one and what do you need to know before you step on set?

 

With an experienced film director as your guide, this four-week course will provide you with a fundamental understanding of the craft. By looking at scenes from existing films, discussing different directing techniques, and studying the tools and techniques of directing, you will learn the art and craft of directing and develop\ visual language and the tools you for storytelling toolkit.

 

Whether you are preparing to direct your first film, transitioning from another industry position into directing, or generally have an interest in directing, this course will provide you with an entry point into the art of filmmaking. This course is open to all levels of artists, creatives and filmmakers.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

What you’ll get from the course:

  • An understanding of the director’s role in every phase of prep and production

  • A breakdown of the key crew positions and what to consider in your hiring process

  • Best practices for collaborating with your creative team

  • Dos and don'ts on set

  • An overview of composition and shot types

  • Blocking basics

  • Approaches on how to work with actors

  • Analyses of of different directing techniques

  • Setting the tone for the film

  • An understanding of the director’s role in the post-production process

 

This course will:

  • provide tools, software suggestions and techniques to apply to any project

  • provide a supportive classroom community where your questions are answered

  • recommend reading and viewing, but does not require outside class work

COURSE SCHEDULE & OUTLINE OF TOPICS

SUNDAY, FEB 16: 10A-12P PST
SESSION 1: THE ROLE OF THE DIRECTOR
This session will discuss:

  • The role of the director in indie, studio & TV projects

  • Set protocol 

  • Directing do’s and don’ts

  • Anatomy of a scene 

  • Tone and intent 

  • The importance of point of view

​

SUNDAY, FEB 23: 10A-12P PST
SESSION 2: VISUAL STORYTELLING

This session will discuss:

  • Casting 

  • Using rehearsal time effectively 

  • Communicating with actors 

  • Giving notes 

  • Acting techniques 

  • Directing approaches 

  • Creating a safe space for your performers

​​

SUNDAY, MARCH 2: 10A-12P PST

SESSION 3: CASTING & DIRECTING ACTORS
This session will discuss:

  • An understanding of the director’s role in every phase of prep and production

  • A breakdown of the key crew positions and what to consider in your hiring process

  • Best practices for collaborating with your creative team

  • Dos and don'ts on set

  • An overview of composition and shot types

  • Blocking basics
     

SUNDAY, MARCH 9: 10A-12P PST

SESSION 4: THE ART OF COLLABORATION

This session will discuss:​

  • The roles of the producing team

  • The responsibilities of the assistant director(s)

  • The importance of a script supervisor

  • Collaboration with all the department heads and crew

  • Making your set as sustainable as possible

  • Working with an editor 

  • Sound design, music, color and VFX

  • Finishing and delivering your film

REGISTRATION OPTIONS, TUITION & MATERIALS

Students may register for the whole course - 4 sessions + recordings. Tuition: $200

or

Students may register for a single course session + recording. Tuition $60/session

A google drive folder of materials will be provided to all participants.

Recordings of the class sessions will be emailed to participants within 24 hours of class ending.

IN THE CLASS NAME FORM, SPECIFY: INTRO TO DIRECTING
IN THE CLASS NAME FORM, SPECIFY: INTRO + SESSION #

For more information, please email thepeoplesfilmschool@gmail.com

bottom of page