About the Film Directors’ Foundation Certificate
A film director is ultimately responsible for every image and sound that appears on the screen.
This five-week film directing course provides a detailed overview of the skills, knowledge and professional requirements for those wishing to direct for the big screen.
Who should take this course?
This course is suitable for beginner directors, as well as those interested in finding out more about directing for the screen. It is also suitable for those seeking to refresh their existing knowledge.
What you’ll learn
The information covered in the Directors’ Foundation Certificate includes how a director works with and interprets the screenplay, working with actors in rehearsal and on-set, and the technical aspects of directing. It will also cover what a director does on the day of the shoot, and then working with the editor.
Week 1: Ideas
The script is the blueprint for a movie: starting with the right and practical idea the script is everything. It is the director’s job to interpret the screenplay and then bring it to life. Learn the industry standard approach to the latest story ideas.
- What is the film industry in the 21st century?
- How to come up with ideas?
- Writing the one location movie
- Log lines, hooks and why they matter in indie filming
- Adding layers to build scenes
- Introducing your character visually
- What is subplot and do you need them
- The most common mistakes in screenplays and how to avoid them
Week 2: Practicalities and Style
Directors use a wide variety of shots and lenses to compose their scenes and create a vocabulary of cinematic techniques. Here is how directors to learn the do’s and don’ts of the grammar of directing.
- Shooting with 2 cameras
- Picking the right camera
- Finding a cracking crew
- Camera movement and grip equipment
- Picking a location that works for you
- Frames that tell a story
- The director’s tools: storyboarding, shot lists and floor plans
- How to break down a scene
Week 3: Realisation
Discover how to cope with a host of technical bells and whistles at your disposal as a director.
- Camera lenses and how to use them to tell a story
- The director’s interpretation
- Adding layers to a scene
- How to cover and block a scene
- Crossing the line
- Screen direction
- The art of lighting for the big screen
Week 4: Performance
One of a director’s biggest challenges is to effectively communicate his / her vision with the cast. Learn Simon Hunter’s tips and tricks gleaned from over 20 years directing multiple features and countless shorts and commercials.
- Rehearsing the actors
- Getting great performances
- Common directing mistakes with actors and how to avoid them
- Translating the script for actors
- Performance choices and how to help actors make the right decisions
Week 5: Polishing and Sales
Just because you have shot your film, it doesn’t mean your film is finished. In fact, the real process of your film’s journey has just started. Discover the additional elements most first-timers neglect.
- Picking a great editor
- How to maximise the cut
- Visual effects and why every film needs them
- Working with composers to get a great soundtrack
- How to get the best results from a colour grade
- Selling your movie
- Navigating film festivals
- Getting an agent
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 Advanced Film Directing Certificate , and in person the Hands On Directing Masterclass Part 1 and the Hands On Directing Masterclass Part 2
Additional Resources
Did you know?
- Raindance members save 30% on this course? You can join online here and start saving immediately
- This course is FREE for our HND and postgraduate/MA/ film school students
- You can book a no-obligation FREE 1-1 Discovery Call to explore how Raindance can assist your career ambitions
- The Raindance Guarantee: If this course fails to meet your expectations, let us know at the break and we will make a full, 100% no-questions-asked refund
- We don’t teach filmmaking. Raindance Makes Filmmakers
Francesco –
I found the course inspiring to say the least! Not only did it cover all the key aspects of directing but also it made me realize I could have a go at directing a short film right away, I cannot recommend it highly enough.
Laura Gregory –
I really loved doing this course! I learnt so much about the different techniques and approaches to directing that I will refer back to whenever I make my films in the future
Peter Williams (verified owner) –
The course was absolutely fantastic, both informative and entertaining. Chris is a terrific tutor with an infectious passion for his subject. The modules on screen acting were worth the price of admission alone.
Elisa –
I thoroughly enjoyed Chris’s impeccably prepared course and learnt something new at every lecture. I also realised I need further study before I am more comfortable directing actors.
Edmund Ng –
It gave me the insight into the director’s role and skills required for collaboration with actors, also a guiding light for my further research in directing or acting, management and technical skills, etc.
But, Wondering why I still have not received the certificate for completing the course. Lost in the post?
Luba Balagova –
I had the privilege of being at the director’s course, run by Raindance professionals. The course has been brilliant in bridging the gap between the “fun” of biggest mistakes the directors make and the real tips to follow for not making your owns! I would say about the course – it’s fun and knowledgable. The passion that Elliot Grove puts into the whole educational part of Raindance comes across well with every professor he is inviting to these courses. At the end of the course you have the same confidence and passion for what he and his colleagues were teaching. All in all a fantastic course. I’d like to come back sometime because you always learn amazing stuff from Raindance.
Gavin Saville –
A thoroughly enjoyable course.Thought provoking and fun. The script mining stuff was excellent… encouraging directors to delve into the script a bit more, and then maybe again… dig out that performance and script gold.
All of it was good. Instruction wise it’s a 5 star, however, the remote login could be improved a bit. I had to remote in for one of the classes. It was OK but not as good in the quality of session you get from being there in person. That’s kind of a given but the remote could be improved. I wider frame set mid way back in the study room might be a good idea. (maybe a fixed bracket on the wall or something). That said, that’s logistics and stuff… nothing to do with the content .. Bravo on that.
Marion –
I honestly enjoyed the course. I found it very useful and interesting. The tutor provided excellent examples from films and from his own experiences including tricks and tips and what not to do. Every night the course was well organized and covered a very different area of directing. At the end I felt very knowledgeable about directing basics and it’s vocabulary and confident to go on to further studies.
Serena –
Chris is an excellent teacher, full of passion for the craft of Directing and really helps to guide you through the process. Highly recommended.
Nicolo’ Riboni –
An in-depth class about directing. Chris is a great teacher, very helpful and experienced. If you are starting your career asa director or just want to know a bit more about the craft I can recommend this course. Great lectures and examples.
Andrew G –
I would highly recommend this course to all aspiring filmmakers, whether you’re working on your first short film or have already have a solid body of work behind you. I wish I had done this years ago, every session was packed full of useful information and having only directed work that I have also written I found the first couple of sessions particularly insightful on working with other writers and ‘script mining’.
sophia.carrgomm –
I found this course incredibly useful and helpful. I was about to embark on directing my first short film and it gave me insights and the confidence I needed, even if it was confirming what I already knew instinctively. It was great meeting other filmmakers too. It felt like the classes were great for newbies and also for those coming back to the industry or wanting a refresh. I thought the way the section with directing actors was doe was particularly good, having trained and worked as an actor myself sometimes people who aren’t in that field specifically can get it very wrong. However Chris was brilliant with them and with explaining about exercises to help with the performances. Chris was a really lovely man who knew his stuff. I am so glad I took the course, I couldn’t recommend it more.
Jerome Rehioui –
I did attend the courses with Chris in early 2013: Great teacher and great methodology: I often use what I learnt from Chris in my everyday work (Producer/director). Chris doesn’t teach theory too much, he gives practical and efficient technics and advice to directors. Some of my fellow students even said they learnt more in this course than in 3 years studying films at uni! To sum up, this course is great, inclusive, affordable and with a good vibe!
Ana Ramos (verified owner) –
Excellent foundation course with a great lecturer who shared great materials and tricks of the trade. I was just expecting to have homeworks and pratical exercises. Maybe on a next Advance course?
Philip Marvin (verified owner) –
Simon did a very good job and a good beginners’ guide. Sometimes went off at a bit at a tangent for a bit too long but overall very useful. Thank you.
BEATRICE COLBRANT (verified owner) –
A very interesting course exploring all aspects of film directing taught by Simon Hunter, himself a passionate and talented film director having produced a variety of films, from commercials to shorts and feature films like “The Lighthouse”, a splendid black and white movie, and “Edie” the amazing story of an elderly lady, played by movie star Sheila Hancock, who decides to climb a mountain. Isn’t she an example for us all ? From the screen play to the film post production, sales and distribution I was able to explore the art of film directing in all its aspects, whether it is about bringing to life a character, deciding on a plot and sub plots, choosing the right location, finding a good cast, learning more about the tools and the techniques of film making including getting the best equipment to obtain nice shots, finding the right camera angles, making sure you have the proper lighting as well as the right music and a clear sound, before editing the film and hopefully get your film shown at a festival and even released to a large audience. Simon Hunter is a passionate and dedicated tutor, always happy to offer his professional experience as an incentive to make our first steps in film making according to the budget we have -even a very modest one- and the course is even more pleasant with excerpts of films shown as examples, plenty of tips and written notes which sum up the session as a guide to read again so that we are sure to remember the essential elements of the tuition. Making sure all questions are answered Hunter is easily approachable and always makes us feel at ease during the course. Directing implies a variety of tasks, as well as decision making, having to deal with a crew – for example with the director of photography-, and this practical course is the best incentive you can have to deal with your team and master the technique needed to film, edit and produce your first indie movie, whether black and white or colour, avoiding common mistakes in front of a variety of choices film making offers. To hear Hunter talk about his future projects whilst he encourages us to believe in our own projects and helps developing them is unbelievably exciting and helpful, just what we need really to improve our skills and turn into a proper filmmaker.
Marie McRae (verified owner) –
Just a wonderful course with a fantastic tutor. Simon Hunter gives so much of himself in this course, I would have no hesitation recommending this course to anyone interested in directing.
Gasan Seyidbeyli (verified owner) –
Fantastic course with a lot of useful information! Thanks a lot!
Doulla Panaretou (verified owner) –
A brilliant course, Simon Hunter gives so much essential information about directing, extremely useful for any interested in this field
Igor Ismail (verified owner) –
this course is amazing! Simon Hunter I extremely passionate leader in Raindance! I feel lucky to learn from him! thank you so much , Simon and Raindance! 🙂
Igor Ismail (verified owner) –
this course is amazing and Simon Hunter is as always a STAR ! thanks so much Simon and Raindance!!!
Ashwin Agrawal (verified owner) –
I’ve had the privilege of attending several short courses with Simon Hunter, and his teaching has had a significant impact on my filmmaking journey, particularly on my short film, The World Beyond Me. Currently, as I attend the Film Directors Advanced Certificate Course, I can confidently say that Simon’s mentorship has further honed my skills and deepened my understanding of the craft.
Simon is a remarkably knowledgeable teacher who pays close attention to each student. He creates a comfortable environment where questions are welcomed, ensuring every doubt is addressed. His encouragement and insightful feedback push you to improve and bring your vision to life.
Beyond his expertise, Simon’s kindness and support make him an exceptional mentor. I feel fortunate to learn under him and would gladly continue training with him to grow as a filmmaker. He is a truly inspiring guide for anyone serious about their craft.
Igor Ismail (verified owner) –
amazing course from Simon Hunter ! thank you Raindance and Simon!:)
Iryna Thomas (verified owner) –
Thank you very much Simon for sharing your passion for filming, generously, sincerely, honestly… thank you for doing your best in being helpful for someone who is far behind… for a friendly atmosphere… for your openness and genuineness. Thanks for Raindance.
Yum Man TSO –
Thank you very much for the Directors’ Foundation Course. It has provided a very thorough foundation for the understanding of film making. I enjoyed the course so much.
Kelley Costigan (verified owner) –
As an actor and theatre director wanting to move into making my own film projects, I found this course really informative. Simon Hunter is a great teacher with a wide range of knowledge. His enthusiasm for the subject and his encouragement to go and make films is contagious. I’m looking forward to continuing my filmmaking journey!