In-depth 2-part directing class with award-winning Sundance and SXSW and director Clay Liford

Learn how to handle shot coverage, scheduling, and time management on set!

Perhaps the biggest challenge for any director, new or experienced, big budget or small, film or TV, is making your day, and ensuring you are efficiently getting the footage and performances you need so you don't go over schedule and over budget. This is difficult, but there’s a proven method to keep you on track, while still allowing for inspiration and experimentation on set. It also happens to be the industry standard, and applies to any level of filmmaking - from student short to studio feature. It comes down to identifying what to plan and what to improvise. The truth is the more you plan, the more you’re free to experiment while filming - provided you optimize your time and focus on the right elements.

Let's go deep into how exactly to plan your day so you can do your job on set, stay in control, stay creative, and leave with the best possible film you can make.

Clay Liford is an award winning independent filmmaker and director of photography whose projects have premiered at Sundance Film Festival, SXSW, Munich, AFI Film Fest and more. As a director of photography, Clay has shot over twenty-five features, including the SXSW award-winning films ST. NICK and GAYBY. His film credits also include WUSS, EARTHLING, SLASH, and MY MOM SMOKES WEED, a Sundance Film Festival favorite. As an indie filmmaker, editor, and writer, Clay has mastered the art of pre-production and production so that his projects move like clockwork.  Now he’s sharing what he knows with the Stage 32 community.

In this intensive on-demand 2-part class, Clay will show you how you can save time and money as a filmmaker by employing strategies and practices to make your day and keep your project moving. Focusing on both pre-production and production, Clay will walk you through how exactly to plan your days on set, address where to place emphasis in your pre-production process, and lay out a specific method for planning shots and scenes, which includes shot lists and top-down lighting plots. You will walk away, not only with the practical knowledge of how to plan and execute your shoot, but with helpful documents to help you on your way! 

PLUS! You will receive these exclusive handouts:

• Director Checklist
• 18 Page Director's Workbook to Map Out Your Shoot
• Components of a Shot Breakdown
• A List of Helpful Directing Books to Read

Praise for Clay's Previous Stage 32 Education:

"Excellent - granular and practical, not just theoretical." --Peter C.

"Clay was amazing. Would love to take more classes from him" --Jacqueline A.

"I was impressed with Clay. He has what feels like a natural gift for teaching from a comfortable and personal level" --Maeve T.

Session 1: Pre-Production

• How to shot list efficiently, using agreed upon industry language (so there's never any confusion as to what you want)
• Access to a master menu of shot options/components, infinitely combinable to create virtually any possible shot - no matter how outlandish or unique - easily and accurately 
• How to get the lighting you want using simplified lighting plots based on the simple concept of "value ratios," rather than the mystery of niche technical knowledge
• Learn to optimize and simplify technical communication with your key department heads
• Discover what director "homework" is actually productive. Don't spin your wheels!
• How to split your duties as a director, and how much of the job truly is just good team building
• Splitting your duties as a director
• Q&A with Clay

Session 2: Production

• Operating on Set
• The step-by-step process to follow in order to maximize your on-set time
• The method to re-focus you from “chasing the clock” and back onto creative decision making
• How to work efficiently, rather than quickly (i.e. rushed)
• How to ensure you still get everything you need when time inevitably runs low
• How to identify “happy accidents” and other inspirational opportunities that only arise when you’re actually filming.
• How to maximize the beautifully collaborative aspect of filmmaking
• Think Like an Editor
• Minimizing your need for future “pick ups” and additional shooting by getting what you need the first time
• What proper “coverage” truly means
• What every editor wishes directors and producers would deliver
• How to get the most out of your “shooting ratio”
• Q&A with Clay

WHAT TO EXPECT:

• This class is designed for beginner and intermediate students looking to learn the fundamentals of shooting and directing a project. This is an in-depth, practical, and detailed class with significantly more content than a standard 90-minute webinar.
• This class will consist of two sessions, each roughly two hours in duration.
• PLEASE NOTE: This exclusive Stage 32 class is now available to watch on-demand but we highly encourage you to do any assignments to get the most out of the educational experience.

All levels of producers (advanced, intermediate and beginner) looking to grasp the understanding of shooting a film as a director.

All levels of filmmakers (advanced, intermediate and beginner) looking to enhance their directing skills for their next project.

All levels of screenwriters (advanced, intermediate and beginner) looking to enhance their directing skills for their next project.

Actors looking to delve into directing.

Praise for Clay's Previous Stage 32 Education:

"Excellent - granular and practical, not just theoretical." --Peter C.

"Clay was amazing. Would love to take more classes from him" --Jacqueline A.

"I was impressed with Clay. He has what feels like a natural gift for teaching from a comfortable and personal level" --Maeve T.