Directing Master Course for Television and Movies

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  • This course is open for Lifetime Access
  • 21 lesson series
  • Certificate of completion
  • 8 hours, 24 minutes of video

$399.00

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As a director, you are the master storyteller. It is your job to interpret the script into a visually entertaining story that can be produced within the time and budgetary restrictions of the production.
 
In the FilmSkills Directing Master Course for Television and Movies, you will learn from over a dozen internationally recognized TV and film directors who methodically guide you through every step of the directing process. From working with actors to managing the set, this insider's look at the process will help you be more confident on set.
 
  • Find and attract qualified, convincing actors
  • Conduct an effective audition
  • Warning signs to look out for in potential actors
  • How to work with a casting agency
  • Break down a script and analyze characters
  • What to do 30 seconds before calling "Action"
  • What to do right after calling "Cut"
  • Advanced techniques for blocking natural, convincing performances
  • Determine the proper coverage for each camera angle
  • Track continuity for seamless editing
  • Plot character arcs and motivations
  • Techniques to conduct effective rehearsals
  • Properly direct and communicate with actors
  • Balance performance with the cinematic look of the frame
  • How to direct extras
  • Develop a visual story and theme for your production
  • Properly block, light, rehearse, tweak, and shoot a scene no matter how large your crew
  • On-set tutorial for directing a scene
  • Create an effective, fool-proof shot list
  • Design and implement storyboards and pre-visualization techniques

 

 

 

 

 

Learn the language of acting and techniques for communicating with actors. Learn the step-by step process for conducting powerful rehearsals. Get techniques from network television director on how to analyze characters in the script. We’ll identify common directing mistakes and how to avoid them. Then learn how to work with actors on set from the moment before calling action to the moment after you call cut. Learn how to direct extras and even the military to craft a convincing and believable environment.

Learn the cinematic language and techniques for interpreting the story and crafting a visual experience that compliments the actors’ performances.  Learn how to begin a project, break down the script for story and character, plan the look of the visual story, properly shoot a scene, effectively block actors for both story and function, successfully utilize basic and advanced coverage techniques as well as how to storyboard and shot list your movie.

The lessons
  • Finding Actors

    Learn how to work with casting directors to approach recognizable actors, how to develop a script that appeals to certain talent, the art of packaging, casting actors on your own, and the pros and cons of working with unknowns.
  • Auditions

    Learn how to find the ideal audition space, attract qualified actors, conduct auditions, and learn what to look for so you can find the perfect cast for your movie.
  • The Art of Auditioning

    Renowned actor, instructor, and author, Michael Laskin reveals the challenges facing both actors and directors in the audition process and how to overcome them.
  • Callbacks

    Learn how to conduct the second and third auditions, what to do after the auditions, recognize danger signs in actors, and how to prepare the actors for the next step: the rehearsals.
  • Analyzing Character

    In this module, you will learn directing techniques to help actors determine the subtext, intent, and back story of their characters. Develop your directing skills and help your actors portray honest, memorable characters.
  • Rehearsing Actors

    Learn how to structure rehearsals, how to conduct a table read, and what the responsibilities are of the director and actors during the rehearsal process.
  • Rehearsal Exercises

    Learn valuable techniques from working Hollywood directors to get to the heart of the actors’ performance, learn rehearsal techniques from developing the character to overcoming mental blocks on the set.
  • The Language of Directing Actors

    Learn from Hollywood actors and directors on how to approach and work effectively with actors on set, how to deal with problematic actors, and how to communicate in the actor’s language.
  • Acting Techniques

    Learn the various types of acting techniques - from Stanislavsky to Chekov.
  • Directing Actors on Set

    Learn what to say to an actor at the beginning of every scene – 30 seconds before you call action and 30 seconds after you call cut, learn how to rehearse on set, establish strong blocking, and how to help actors balance their performance with the technicalities of film production.
  • Directing Extras

    Learn how to find extras, the right way to direct them, how to cheat them on set, liability concerns and how to avoid them, logistics on the shooting day, and the most common problems filmmakers encounter when working with extras
  • A Director's Prep - Beginning the Project

    Learn how to begin the directing process, read the script for the first time, best prepare long before you even set foot on set, and how to breakdown the script for character and story.
  • How to Shoot a Scene

    Learn the process of how to shoot a scene: blocking, light, rehearse, tweak, and shoot.
  • How to Direct a Scene

    Learn how to direct a scene from blocking the actors to choosing the camera angles.
  • Blocking Actors

    Learn how to block the actors, what story cues to look for, how to drive the blocking emotionally, and how to work with the actors to get the best physical performance possible.
  • Basic Coverage

    Learn the basic template for shooting the action in a scene - the master, coverage, inserts and cat-in-the-window shots, learn how to vary shot size to increase coverage, break the standard, plan for the edit, and ensure you get the coverage you need.
  • Advanced Coverage

    Learn how to craft a oner, create a psychological impact for each shot, create compelling establishing shots, manipulate the pacing and rhythm of a scene, determine the opening visual, and enhance transitions from one scene to the next.  
  • Storyboards and Pre-Visualization

    Learn how to work with a storyboard artist, use pre-visualization software, know how detailed storyboards should be, creative restrictions to be aware of, how to create storyboards even if you can't draw, and when to use animatics.
  • Creating a Shotlist

    Learn how to create a shot list, location requirements, how to decide your shots, the elements in a shotlist, how the shot lists are used to schedule and budget a film, and to prepare for days when you go over schedule or over budget.
  • Continuity and Script Notes

    Learn how the script supervisor tracks continuity and how to create a continuity notebook.
  • The Visual Story

    Learn how to use visual elements of shape, space, line, color, rhythm, movement and tone to frame the story.