About the course
A skilled Director of Photography (DoP) is a key asset to your film. The relationship between a film director and DoP is essential to the success of your film, and to your career. A good working relationship will enable you as a director to develop a unique look and style.
Who should take this course?
Any filmmaker seeking to better understand how this very unique and special relationship is formed and used to make their film leap out of the ordinary.
What you’ll learn
Learn the key words and buzz phrases industry professionals use to make sure that the film the director sees, is the one that gets committed to film.
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
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 Advanced 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 - Lo-To-No Budget Filmmaking is FREE for our HND, BA 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.





Cain Aldred (verified owner) –
Good solid course with a lot of tips and information. Would like a little more interactivity for those in the chat who do not have access to a microphone. Some technical difficulties for the presentation side of things but overall interesting and the best part is that Simon keeps it real. He doesn’t bs you about the film industry. He tells exactly how it is and the pitfalls you might come across.