This introductory course offers a comprehensive foundation in the art and craft of directing for film and digital media, with a strong emphasis on working with the camera as a primary storytelling tool. Designed for aspiring directors, this course focuses on the visual language of cinema and the essential skills needed to communicate narrative, emotion, and character through composition, movement, and shot design.
Students will explore the director’s role in shaping story and performance, while learning how to collaborate effectively with actors and key crew members, particularly the cinematographer. Through lectures, screenings, and hands-on exercises, students will gain practical experience in planning and executing scenes using industry-standard techniques such as storyboarding, shot listing, blocking, and camera coverage. Emphasis will be placed on the director's ability to make purposeful visual choices that enhance the story and align with the film’s tone and style.
Key topics include the fundamentals of camera angles, framing, lens choice, depth of field, and camera movement, as well as the impact these elements have on audience perception and emotional engagement. Students will study how directing strategies differ across genres, how to convey subtext visually, and how to craft dynamic scenes using continuity editing and cinematic rhythm.
Through collaborative projects and individual scene work, students will direct short exercises that allow them to apply concepts learned in class. These projects are designed to build confidence and competence in leading a production from pre-visualization through shooting and review. Constructive critiques and peer feedback sessions will help students refine their directorial voice and strengthen their decision-making on set.
By the end of the course, students will have developed a solid grounding in the visual and practical aspects of directing, with a portfolio of directed scenes that demonstrate their ability to tell compelling stories through the lens. This course is ideal for students interested in directing narrative content and serves as a foundation for more advanced directing and production coursework.
No prior directing experience is required, but a basic understanding of film grammar is recommended. A spirit of collaboration, curiosity, and commitment to learning are essential for success in this course.