Learn the essential fundamentals of film directing from a director who has made over 25 feature films that have screened at Sundance, South by Southwest, and more!

Every director has their own unique visual and narrative style. But there are universal fundamentals of directing related to the process of taking a script to screen, working with actors, finding synergy with a cinematographer and crew, and taking a film through production into the edit room to complete the journey that every director must know. 

You personal technique is built upon the foundational aspects of this process that clearly defines the various responsibilities of anyone sitting in the director’s chair.

This exclusive Stage 32 on-demand 4-part class will teach you the definitions, distinctions and steps that are universally applicable, no matter what your personal style or philosophy is, in regard to the elemental duties of a director.

Your Stage 32 educator for this class is award-winning director Clay Liford. Clay has made over 25 feature films that have garnered numerous accolades and screened at The Sundance Film Festival, South by Southwest, and more. Clay is a graduate of the prestigious University of Texas film program and now teaches all aspects of film production at his alma mater. Clay is excited to share his plethora of filmmaking knowledge and experience with the Stage 32 community. 

Clay will cover the fundamentals of directing which include:

• Script analysis & customization
• Team-building: both Cast & Crew (including audition & rehearsal techniques which may surprise you)
• Core Technical Competencies (lenses, art direction and lighting for directors)
• Using Pre-Production to prepare you for success (shot lists, top-downs, etc)
• Walking in two worlds: the director on set and in post-production

PLUS! Clay will provide you with exclusive handouts to help on your directing journey. Downloads include:

• Example camera and lighting diagrams
• Director “cheat sheets” with regards to acting and cinematography

Readings, exercises, screenings and other assignments are designed to sharpen your narrative and visual awareness as a director.

Clay will show you how, by understanding the essentials, you can harness your unique directorial vision and point of view in the most effective ways to build your masterpiece.

Praise for Clay's Stage 32 Teaching:

“As an up and coming director, I had some experience before taking the class but was able to really hone my craft with Clay's help. I highly recommend to anyone in the industry." -- Chris B.

"No matter your role in the filmmaking process, you should take this course. Clay teaches things that everyone on set should know, so we can all come together to make the best project." -- Lori M.

"As a writer, I took this course to get my feet wet with directing but actually learned so much more than just directing. This course has changed my writing for the better. I'm very grateful for Clay's time and energy with all his students!" -- Mark W.

Session 1: The Role of the Director

• How to make the script work for you
• Developing a complimentary visual style & POV
• How to be an effective collaborator regarding both sides of the camera
• How to work with the camera
• Key terminology for directors
• Q&A with Clay

Handout: Director Duties, Suggested Reading List 

Assignment: Watch the Youtube documentary (director’s diary) on the making of Paul Thomas Anderson’s MAGNOLIA. Link:
https://youtu.be/-sG40zsq3kI

Session 2: Pre-Production

• Text Analysis - how to bring what’s on the page to the screen
• Coverage: how to design your shot list and block a scene
• Team building & casting - the director’s role in this process
• Making the schedule work for you - the right prep = more freedom for improvisation
• Q&A with Clay

Handout: Shot List Components

Assignment: Read the provided pdf on Breaking Down Director’s Craft (Reading Assignment 1 - Script Breakdown)

Session 3: Production

• How to work with actors to get the scene you want and one that’s better than you could have imagined - it’s all about collaboration
• How to schedule your day to get all your shots…and what to do when you’re behind
• How to be a leader to your crew and cast
• How to choose your coverage to facilitate the film you want to make
• When do you know you got “the shot” and when to move on
• Being flexible throughout a shoot vs sticking to your guns
• Q&A with Clay

Assignment: Read the provided pdf on Breaking Down Director’s Craft (Reading Assignment 2 - Directing Actors)

Session 4: Post-Production

• How to work with your editor - collaboration is key
• How do you know what to be precious with in the edit?
• How to dissect notes from producers, studio executives, investors, and stakeholders
• The importance of sound design and how you can manipulate sound to get your desired effect
• Screening your film - how you can benefit from audience feedback
• Releasing your film into the world and getting ready for your next project
• Q&A with Clay

WHAT TO EXPECT:

PLEASE NOTE: The opportunity to learn from an expert in the field in this intensive way is an incredibly unique and valuable opportunity.

• This class is designed for beginner and intermediate students looking to learn the fundamentals of film directing. This is an in-depth, practical, and detailed class with significantly more content than a standard 90-minute webinar.
• This class consists of four 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 filmmakers (advanced, intermediate and beginner) looking to hone their skills in the art of directing a successful project.

All levels of writers (advanced, intermediate and beginner) looking to understand the fundamentals of directing a project to best present their work.

Producers who want to better understand the fundamentals of directing a project.

Actors who want to take control of their careers by learning the basics on directing.