About the course
The Advanced Film Directing certificate covers the three essential skills a director needs to obtain: directing actors, directing action, and director and the DoP.
Who should take this course?
This course is primarily for filmmakers seeking to develop their directing skills. It is also ideal for screenwriters seeking to understand the creative input a director will have on their scripts or producers looking to gain understanding of the important role a director plays in a movie.
What you’ll learn
Discover the way successful directors communicate their vision to a Director of Photography.
Topics covered:
- Picking a DoP
- How to choose a DpP that works with, not against, you
- How to spot talent and new emerging stars
- How to create a unique look to your film
- On set relationships between the DoP/Director
- Being visually prepared, shot lists and floor plans
- How to avoid conflict and drive your vision home with detailed planning
This course is available individually here.
Gain the confidence to talk to actors, elicit great performances and learn professional preparation techniques.
Session 1: Casting and Rehearsal
- Street casting: How to cast members of the public right off the street
- Working with a casting director
- Table reads and how to conduct them
- How to create a dynamic and creative first reading of your screenplay
- Rehearsals and how they work
Session 2: Performance on Set
- Working with actors on set
- How to communicate with your most important element in film making
- Quick tips for better performance
- Practical exercise – evaluating / preparing a scene for actors and performance
- Thorough guide to preparation of scenes and scripts
This course is available individually here.
Learn how to direct action and action sequences.
Session 1: Preparation for the Shoot
- How to stage an action scene
- Learn how to create dynamic action with modest resources
- How to maximise coverage
- Storyboarding and prepping your action
Session 2: Rehearsing and the Shoot
- Blocking action
- Creating a style or look for your action sequences
- Action editing and sound design
This course is available individually here.
About Simon Hunter
Simon Hunter is a highly accomplished director and show-runner known for his strong visual storytelling, particularly in the realms of outdoor and travel themes. His debut feature film, *LIGHTHOUSE*, a $2.5 million British thriller, garnered critical acclaim and won multiple awards at European film festivals. It was lauded by the *New York Post* for its intense suspense.
Following the success of *LIGHTHOUSE*, Simon joined the renowned London-based commercials company Infinity, where he directed high-profile commercials for major brands like British Airways, Coca Cola, and the British Heart Foundation. His ability to bring captivating visual stories to life was further demonstrated in his 2005 science fiction film *MUTANT CHRONICLES*, starring Thomas Jane, Ron Perlman, and John Malkovich.
In 2017, Simon pursued his passion project, *EDIE*, starring Sheila Hancock. The film became one of the most successful independent British films of the year, receiving numerous awards and theatrical releases worldwide.
Simon’s recent work includes the 2022 World War One love story *CAN YOU HEAR ME?*, featuring Peter Facinelli, Sir John Standing, and James Cosmo. The $5 million film is currently in post-production. In 2023, Simon expanded his expertise into television as the show-runner for *COLD MIND*, a TV series centred around a series of gruesome murders on the Portuguese Algarve. The series, currently in post-production, is set to be previewed at MIPCOM in October 2024.
Simon is represented by United Talent Agency in Los Angeles for his work in feature films and television.
Simon also teaches the Film Directors’ Foundation Certificate, and in person the Hands On Directing Masterclass Part 1 and the Hands On Directing Masterclass Part 2
Did you know?
- Raindance members save 30% on this course?
You can join online HERE and start saving immediately
- The Advanced Film Directing Certificate is FREE for our HND and Postgraduate/MA/ students
- You can book a free 1-1 consultation about our full-time degree courses HERE
- We don’t teach ‘filmmaking’ at Raindance.
At Raindance we make filmmakers.
Related
Question: “I’ve done a filmmaking course in London like this before. How is this course different?”
Answer: There are multiple filmmaking courses in London or online like this one. Mostly curriculums like this one encompass just one of these 3 key essentials: Repetition-based, immersion-based, or mastery-based. The curriculum on a Raindance course actually encompasses all three categories.At Raindance you get a well-rounded experience as you develop your filmmaking career.
Not to mention that tutors like Simon Hunter’s experience is very unique and rare. He has directed over 100 hours of broadcast film and television with years of knowledge gained from a wide variety of projects he has been totally involved with. He has a unique unique step-by-step implementation programme. In short, Raindance courses are different. They offer more high value information in a short period of time at an unbeatable price. In short. Raindance filmmaking courses really, really work.
Question: “Is this Raindance filmmaking course for me?”
Answer: Whether you’re an emerging filmmaker, a mid-career professional seeking a creative outlet or a veteran creative industry professional looking to re-invigorate or re-tool, or someone just curious about the film industry, I can tell you this. Raindance tutors are different from most other filmmaking courses. They have condensed decades of experience into hours with our courses. A Raindance course has content for every single level. We have had so many beginners take this course and absolutely love it.
We have also had amazing filmmakers learn valuable lessons from Raindance and are still using these techniques and tips today! There is no doubt that whatever career or job you currently have, or what level you are at, you will gain insight and knowledge which you will be able to apply.
To top it off, there is no other film school in the world that offers such a range and breadth of filmmaking course and which operates a top-tier international film festival like Raindance.
Question: “Am I in your online classes on my own?”
Answer: Not at all! It’s easy to think of our online courses as being delivered to you in solitary confinement.
Firstly, our on-line courses are delivered in person and in real time. They are fully interactive giving you the ability to interact with the presenter and your fellow classmates. You will also have access to a unique after-class followup email with additional resources. Some classes have weekly homework assignments. In addition, Raindance operates a private Facebook group that encourages creative collaboration and brainstorming. We also hold monthly networking sessions in our international hubs and in multiple time zones.
Some of our most successful alumni got started in groups like these just taking to like-minded people who shared the same goal: to make movies.
Question: “I’m terrible with tech, can I still do this?
Answer: Tech and equipment can be confusing. Our online courses are delivered on Zoom. We have written tutorials and videos that explain how the software works.
As for our in-person and hybrid classes, our tutors and presenters will walk you through the technical details in a way that’s designed to keep everything very simple and easy-to-follow. If you feel you need specialist help we have a fully trained assistant who can guide you through the tech until you gain the confidence to take control yourself.
Question:: “What if I don’t have the time?”
Answer: The future is starting now. You need to choose if you want to stay where you are now, or explore your creativity. If you don’t have the time to prepare for the future, to gain new skills to thrive in our rapidly changing world then you need this course more than anyone.
Let the staff at Raindance led by the founder Elliot Grove help you create a learning environment where time is an asset not a burden!
Question: “Am I ready for this?”
Answer: If you’re asking yourself this, I bet there’s been something in your life that you didn’t do because you didn’t feel like you were ready. Honestly, with anything new in life you’re never going to feel Our founder, Elliot Grove always says it’s time to get ready, aim and fire. Your action is going to feel uncomfortable at first. But on the other side you could well be at the very next level.
Plus if you jump in and it’s not for you, just let us know within 30 days and we will issue you a full refund.
The risk is on us and we are totally cool with that. We have the best people in the game giving you world class education. If you’re willing to put in the work and follow a plan we have laid out, you got this.
Question: I hate email help desks…
Answer: … We’ll stop you right there … so do we. If you have any questions, call us Monday to Friday 10am – 6pm. Or email Courses@raindance.co.uk with your contact details and availability so we call call, Skype or Zoom you back
- How much experience do I need for this class?
Past attendees have come from a wide spectrum from complete novices and emerging filmmakers to industry professionals. It is designed to be an introductory course. And inspirational too.
- Is there an age limit?
We recommend 16+ but we have have had 12 – 15 year olds when accompanied by a parent or guardian. The oldest participant was 74!
- What do you recommend as a followup?
Raindance offers a range of writing, directing and producing part time courses. Over 37% of our full-time students have opted for a HND, BA or MA Raindance course following the Saturday Film School.
- Ask a question about Raindance full time film degree courses:
Happy filmmaking.
Related
Pete Castellano (verified owner) –
So far i have done the first section on the relationship between the director and DoP – this course is really awesome due to the real life experience and teaching ability of the instructor Simon Hunter! i learned more in 2.5 hours than all the study I’ve done on my own since i became interested again in filmmaking and acting after a long arduous career in the ”slave factory”. Ever piece of information he gave was golden, there was noting superfluous. It all comes from his first hand experience and seriously, he gave so much real life experience info that i left feeling my understanding of this relationship is at the level of a ”well informed professional in the making” not in experience obviously , but in KNOWING in its essence, what that relationship is all about, along with the Director’s REAL purpose as the Master of ”the story.” Raindance really delivers on so many levels for people at all levels of experience, ability and access, and having instructors ”in the trenches’ like Simon, who talks like a real person mentoring you as a friend and not an academic who hasn’t been on a real set in years (or ever) is worth its weight in gold; Thank you Simon, Thank you Raindance!
Elliot Grove –
BLUSH – thanks for you kind words and best for each of your projects.
Helen Rudden –
This was the first night of this particular course and it definitely didn’t disappoint. Simon approaches his delivery in a very personable way, whilst being a successful and very experienced Director, he is humble and talks to everyone on a level that is engaging and thought provoking. He offers everyone a wealth of his knowledge and experiences that are so interesting to hear of which helps to further embed the learning. Looking forward to future sessions. Highly recommend!
Yuvraj Kalsi (verified owner) –
Really glad that I attending this course. As the youngest director in the group, I learned a lot and it motivated me to keep exploring the amazing world of filmmaking, get the right knowledge and keep making films to entertain the world. Would love to share my work with Raindance. Looking forward to future courses I can be a part of. Thank you so much for great insight and learning.
Esther Martin –
I attended Simon Hunters Directing Foundation course initially. I had Directed previously but not for a while and am a stickler for getting every bit of info. I can… this Advanced course was just the same style – very relaxed but still somehow consistently giving information, but definitely stepping up from the foundation level.
there’s a lot you’re learning, but you don’t even realise at the time because his sharing style is so unfussy. yet somehow, you come out the other end a lot more confident and gagging to get on with it.
Simon Hunter is a great director – just watch Edie!… but he’s also a really nice human and I’m glad I did this course. Well worth it!