Stop Watching Films, Start Directing Them
Everyone thinks they can direct.
Until they’re on set.
Then suddenly:
- Actors are waiting
- Crew are looking at you
- Time is disappearing
- And you have no idea where to put the camera
That’s the moment most “directors” realise:
Watching films is not the same as making them.
This course, Hands-On Directing exists for that moment.
What This Is
This is not a lecture.
This is not theory.
This is not “film appreciation.”
This is hands-on directing.
You will:
- Step behind the camera
- Direct actors
- Shoot a scene
- Make decisions under pressure
Because directing is not knowledge.
It’s judgement.
Why This Course Matters
Most aspiring directors:
- Hide behind scripts
- Overthink shot lists
- Avoid real-world decisions
So when they finally get on set — they freeze.
This weekend removes that gap.
You will learn:
- Where to put the camera (and why)
- How to communicate with actors without sounding vague
- How to think in shots, not ideas
- How to shoot for the edit — not just the moment
Who This Is For
- First-time directors who want to start properly
- Filmmakers stuck between theory and execution
- Creatives ready to take control of the frame
Who This Is Not For
- People who just want to “learn about film”
- Directors who avoid practical work
- Anyone not ready to make decisions under pressure
What You’ll Do
Over two days, you’ll move from understanding directing… to actually doing it.
Day 1: The Grammar of Directing
This is where most people realise what they don’t know.
You’ll learn:
- Camera placement that tells a story
- The “line” — and how breaking it breaks your film
- How to analyse a script visually
- Storyboarding vs real-world shooting decisions
- Lenses, framing, and what the audience actually feels
- Blocking actors without killing performance
This is where you stop guessing.
Day 2: Directing the Real World
Now you direct. For real.
You’ll learn:
- How to work with actors (not just talk at them)
- How to move the camera with intention
- How to shoot coverage that actually edits
- How to run a set without losing control
- How to think like an editor while directing
This is where you become dangerous.
The Difference
Most directing courses talk about film.
This one forces you to make one.
Your Instructor
You’ll be working with Simon Hunter: a director who has:
- Made feature films (Lighthouse, Mutant Chronicles, Edie)
- Directed major commercial campaigns
- Worked with actors like Ron Perlman and John Malkovich
- Delivered films that actually got released
This is not theory.
This is experience you can borrow.
The Truth About Directing
Directing is not:
- Inspiration
- Taste
- “Vision”
Directing is:
- Decision-making under pressure
- Communicating clearly
- Knowing what matters — and what doesn’t
Everything else is decoration.
What You Leave With
- Real directing experience
- A practical understanding of how to shoot a scene
- Confidence behind the camera
- The ability to step onto a set and actually lead
Why You Should Do This Now
Because the longer you wait:
- The more theoretical you become
- The harder it is to start
- The more you convince yourself you’re “not ready”
You don’t become ready.
You become tested.
You can keep calling yourself a director.
Or you can step behind the camera and prove it.
This is where that happens.
The choice is yours.
Previous Student Work
Other Simon Hunter Courses
Simon teaches:
- Hands-On Directing Masterclass
- Film Directors’ Foundation Certificate
- Advanced Film Directing Certificate
His teaching is built around one principle:
Directing is not theory. It’s execution under pressure.
You are not learning from someone trying to become a director.
You are learning from someone who already is, and who still chooses the projects worth doing.
Ask a question
*The intellectual property rights of this course remain the owned by the tutor
Lucy Linger –
Hands on is right! Wow, what an incredible course, I shot 2 scenes, created 2 story boards, worked with camera, sound, actors, watched how the directors of the past get it right and wrong and left knowing better what I really truly need to do. Am I overwhelmed? A little. Am I inspired? Damn right! Highly recommend
FRANCESCO TOSCHI –
Patrick is a brilliant and he has clearly put a lot of experience into his workshop, which is impeccably structured, packed with amazing material and practical advice, yet entertaining. The shooting on both days, carefully reviewed, is a mind-opening experience. A truly inspiring course, I can’t wait to attend part II.
Simon Kureshi –
A great weekend which delves into the Art of directing for film. The tutor uses is vast experience to highlight key aspects in the film making process. Highly practical and very much recommend for those people wanting to direct in the future.
Ngozi –
Patrick Tucker is an amazing man who’s not only passionate about his craft but also passionate about teaching it. His enthusiasm means that his classes are engaging, informative, energetic and packed full of helpful practical hints that will send you on your way. Also, he provides you with a course outline which contains reading lists, websites to visit and notes that recap and give short examples of what was taught. All this and handouts at every turn.
Honestly, if you’re thinking of doing this course it will be the best £299.94 you’ll have spent.
doug fishbone –
I had an excellent experience. Patrick is very engaging and I would recommend the course for people looking, like I was, for a good overview of directing. I hope to take his follow-on course one of these days as well.
Nicoló Riboni (verified owner) –
Patrick has a great deal of experience to share. In a funny, provocative two day workshop he gives you a refreshing reminder of the fundamentals and he tailor the class to your level of experience. Definitely to attend the workshop if you want to get some insight from years and years of practice. Practical exercise will help you understand the theory beneath. 5/5
Tracy Lee Gardener –
I learned so much in 2 days, it was very informative and challenged you practacally with hands on experience. The class really got you thinking and learning it was also great to learn from an industry professional who has actually worked as a director, he had so much knowledge to teach you with it was amazing. I will be doing the follow on course part 2 i cant wait.
Victoria (verified owner) –
Excellent course. So much information and Patrick is an engaging and encouraging teacher. Looking forward to part two. Thank you Patrick for a brilliant weekend!
Herty –
Amazing weekend on this course. Patrick is both knowledgeable and witty, making the information go down well. Also the practical opportunities to actually make film, ‘hands on’, are worth it. Definitely recommend this if you want to know the tricks of the trade, the more practical stuff you don’t get from books :)!
Aline Jewell –
Hands-On-Directing excelled my expectations at every level. Patrick’s knowledge and experience combined with his charisma make the course really worthwhile. We have the bonus of practising ‘hands on’ in class the shooting/directing of a scene with valuable feedback at the end. Long live Patrick Tucker!
Aline Jewell –
Hands-On-Directing excelled my expectations at every level. Patrick’s knowledge and experience combined with his charisma make this course really worthwhile. We have the bonus of practising in class the shooting/directing of a scene with valuable feedback at the end. Long live Patrick Tucker!
Cian O’leary –
Excellent course with an excellent instructor. Patrick is incredibly engaging and packs a huge amount into the 2 days. Would highly recommend.
OA (verified owner) –
This, was a really really really good class. Highly engaging, interactive, entertaining and easy to relate with as Patrick used several examples from his career. I took the class as an industry beginner but there were a few novices and a few experienced people in the class. I can’t speak for others, but it felt like everyone quite enjoyed it. Barely a day later, I notice that I’ve started observing technique and appreciating the craft and skill in everything I’ve watched today. Recommended…
Lisa Fulthorpe –
Just what I needed – it was fun, engaging and was everything I’d hoped for, will be doing the next one!
Ola Hoglund (verified owner) –
If I wouldn’t have taken Patrick Tuckers course I would have made mistakes when directing that could make a big difference. Packed with great tips that you can’t read in any book on directing and also tips that questions and contradicts what you read in books. It doesn’t hurt that Patrick is such an entertaining character while delivering all these gems. I hope to bring him to Sweden. I really want to take part two as soon as I can.
vamsi tiguti (verified owner) –
Brilliant- get those nuggets that film schools don’t teach
Steve Watson –
I am ashamed to say that i spent 3 years studying Media Production and Video and run up a huge debt. How was i supposed to know that i could have saved myself a ton of money and been taught by an incredible Director. You guys need to make more of this. I’m sure that it should be made compulsory that every boy girl, woman and man and anyone else venturing into the world of films, attends this course. It was great to get first hand experience, working with a great director and being taught all the other business that is lacking from a University Degree. So affordable. Rock the Boat!!!
Igor Ismail (verified owner) –
the course was absolutely perfect! this is one of the best courses! thanks a lot, Simon Hunter and Raindance! 🙂
Justin Presser (verified owner) –
One word. Transformative.
If you want to learn how to write, shoot and rough edit a short film to kick start your film career – this is THE course to do and Simon Hunter is simply fantastic.
I am on the journey to making my first short film and had been building up so many castles in my mind with intricate details and planning and more than a little trepidation about actually doing it.
This course taught me the practical hands on of how to actually do it. Not only that, it helped me remove the mental impediments standing in the way. The most useful element for me was the pre-production and production part. ie once you have a script what do you do? I am now very much looking forward to get out there and make my first few short films. Finally – a great bunch of fellow students at different stages of the film journey were a delight to work with. Thank you Simon for your guidance, patience and insight. Thank you Raindance!
EE Martin –
Simon Hunter has directed for years and recently made the film Edie, which was an amazing little gem that I truely loved! This was my third Directing course with him because he is such a great tutor and so generous with his time. His approach is open, honest and to the point but he encourages questions, emphasising that there is no such thing as a silly question. The environment is engaging but relaxed and hecreally is an inspiring man who I would encourage you all to learn from if you’re able to get on any of his very popular courses at Raindance.
Angela Christine –
Excellent course! Simon is a phenomenal instructor. His passion and knowledge for directing is inspiring. I learned so much from this course. Most directing classes are all just theory but we got to put into practice exactly what we were taught with the hands on portion in creating our own short. It’s like the lightbulb immediately went off “ohh that’s what Simon means”…very practical, step by step instruction. Simon was also very encouraging, honest, direct and thorough. It was worth every penny and the fact I got all of this value and knowledge in just a weekend is top tier. I look forward to taking Part II.