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Student Testimonial

"The Directing Intensive is for anyone who is curious about directing as a career path. Having 10 years of production experience as a producer, the Directing Intensive allowed me to focus on finding my own process as a director, and it gave me hands-on experience working with professional actors. The instructors are working professionals who generously share their work experiences with students. One of the highlights of the workshop is watching the instructor direct a scene live with two to three actors and learning about their decision-making process. At the end of the workshops, instructors offer thoughtful feedback to each student in one-on-one mentor sessions, which are invaluable."

Moitri Ghosh, August 2021

THE COURSES:

The Director's Craft

SEP 20–24

In the first week of the intensive students are introduced to the primary responsibilities of the film director. Casting, rehearsal techniques, script, scene analysis, and collaboration are examined and experienced by each class member.

Directing Actors for the Camera

SEP 27–OCT 1

The second week is a practical laboratory that explores the process of directing both actors and the camera. Led by industry professionals with extensive experience in both directing and cinematography, students block, rehearse, and direct a team of professional actors in short dramatic scenes.

Story Structure and Character Development

Wayne Beach

OCT 4–8

In week three students examine the essentials of screenwriting: concept, character, story, plot, dialogue, and structure. Guided by a professional screenwriter, you will examine the importance of visual storytelling, the process of shaping story, creating compelling character arcs, constructing scenes and sequences, writing effective dialogue, and the fundamentals of suspense and tension.

Creative Producing for Film & TV

Eric Mofford

OCT 11–15

This workshop closely examines the role of the creative producer in overseeing the development and production of a project from conception to completion. The crucial dynamics of pitching a project and preparing a presentation to talent, financiers, studios, networks, and distributors will be explored. Through it all, you will be guided by a deeply experienced producer.

The Art of Editing

OCT 18–22

Guided by a professional editor, students will explore how pacing, shot selection, rhythm, and juxtaposition can be used to create emotional impact and advance a story. In addition to lectures and analysis of case studies, students will be given various types of footage to practice with throughout the week and will create edits to be critiqued in class.

The Camera & Visual Storytelling

Steven Fierberg, ASC

OCT 25–29

This week the intensive will merge with the concurrently-running Cinematography Intensive to afford students the opportunity to work with emerging camera operators and DPs. Led by a deeply accomplished Director of Photography, you’ll learn the “language and grammar" of shot design, point-of-view, composition, camera placement, and movement.

2-Week Directing Master Class

NOV 1–12

Spend two weeks with one of today’s most accomplished directors. In weeks seven and eight of the intensive, get an intimate view into the process of a master director. Combining scene analysis and discussion of case studies, the class examines the planning, casting, shooting, and editing of scenes and sequences from their acclaimed body of work. Then students will direct and shoot a scene with their guidance.