About the course
This course follows on from the Hands On Directing Masterclass Part 1 but completion of Part 1 is not a prerequisite for participation in Part 2.
The Hands On Directing Masterclass Part 2 focuses on mastering visual storytelling and actor direction.
On Day One, participants explore advanced directing concepts, including composition, framing, camera movement, and the use of colour and lighting to convey emotion. The afternoon dives into genre-specific techniques where participants direct short scenes in small groups and receive feedback.
Day Two emphasises working with actors, focusing on advanced rehearsal techniques, subtext, and complex emotions.
The course culminates in participants directing multi-character scenes, with an emphasis on blocking, staging, and critique of their work.
Who should take this course?
This course is for filmmakers looking to elevate their skills, whether you’re a beginner or someone eager to fast-track your filmmaking journey. It’s ideal for anyone aiming for a career in film, promos, commercials, or TV, and wanting to create stylish, memorable work that attracts commissioned projects.
In short, it’s for those who want to move beyond the ordinary and enter the world of cutting-edge filmmaking, where distinctive style and powerful performances will help you secure your dream future.
What you’ll learn
In two words: Style and Performance.
This course blends hands-on experience, lectures, and exercises, all crafted to elevate your filmmaking skills and propel you to the next level.
Performance
Focusing on performance, this course teaches you how to maximise the on-screen presence of your actors—something you can’t afford to overlook. You’ll explore working with actors through table reads, on-set collaboration, and creating visually compelling performances. These intricate moments are key to unlocking the full potential of your production.
Style
We’ll also dive into advanced shot construction, pushing beyond basic filmmaking techniques to enhance your creative vision. Through practical sessions, you’ll learn how to bring originality and innovation to your work, mastering complex blocking and staging. By honing your unique style, you’ll set yourself apart as a filmmaker with a distinctive creative voice.
Day 1: Mastering the Craft
Morning Session: 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Introduction and Course Overview (10:00 AM – 10:30 AM)
- Welcome and introductions
- Course objectives and expectations
- Overview of advanced directing concepts
Advanced Visual Story Telling Techniques (10:30 AM – 1:00PM)
- Composition and framing
- Mastering the close up
- Camera movement and it’s emotional impact
- Use of colour and lighting for storytelling
Lunch Break (1:00 PM – 2:00 PM)
Afternoon Session: (2:00 PM – 5:00 PM)
Directing with style: different techniques for different genres (2:00PM – 5:00 PM)
- Techniques for different genres: drama, comedy, thriller etc
- Establishing and maintaining tone
- Adapting style to story needs
- Participants break into small groups to direct a short scene
- Feedback and discussion
Day 2: Bringing Performance to Life
Directing actors: advanced techniques (10:00 AM – 1:00 PM)
- Table reads
- Rehearsal
- Deepening character development
- Advanced rehearsal techniques
- Directing for subtext and complex emotions
Lunch Break (1:00 PM – 2:00 PM)
Blocking and staging: complex scenes (2:00 PM – 5:00 PM)
- Choreographing movement and action
- Balancing dynamic and static elements
- Techniques for multi-character scenes
- Participants break into small groups to direct a short scene
- Emphasis on incorporating advanced techniques learned
- Presentation and critique of scenes
- Group exercise: directing a complex performance
- Feedback and discussion
What will you achieve?
This course is designed to elevate your filmmaking skills to the next level.
Performance
You’ll gain a deep understanding of how to work with actors and bring out their best performances, even under pressure. By the end of the course, you’ll have practical techniques and strategies that will help create memorable, authentic, and stylish performances in your films.
Style
You’ll discover how to develop your own distinct style. The course will introduce various ideas and techniques that will enable you to move beyond conventional filmmaking. You’ll learn how to craft innovative, visually striking, and memorable films that set you apart from the ordinary.
About Simon Hunter
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Igor Ismail (verified owner) –
This course is very useful and knowledgeable and the director of the course is so passionate and amazing 👏 thank you so much Raindance and Simon Hunter for sharing your experience! I am actor, but after this course i feel confident I can make my own movie in the future!:)