4-PART IN-DEPTH CLASS (OVER 8 HOURS OF EDUCATION)

Learn from a director who's worked with Paramount+, Syfy, Vice, and more.

Includes Exclusive Handouts Only Available For Those In Clay's Class!

There are countless views on the “correct” way to direct, however there are universal fundamentals that all directors can use, whether it’s your first film or your 20th. Learn these fundamentals of directing in this class!

In this exclusive Stage 32 class, you’ll learn the fundamental pillars of directing and techniques you need to do the job at a professional level.

This includes how to analyze the script and bring in your unique vision, how to build your cast and crew, what technical elements from lensing to lighting you need to know, how to use pre-production for a successful production and, ultimately, your role in the editor’s room. You’ll cover how to collaborate with your cinematographer to define your style, how best work with your actors, and how to strengthen your visual awareness, all while participating in readings, exercises, screenings, and other assignments to sharpen your skills.

Guiding you is award-winning director Clay Liford. Clay has written and directed four feature films that have screened at major festivals like SXSW, AFI, and Sundance, and his short film, MY MOM SMOKES WEED, has played at over 40 festivals. He’s also worked with major entertainment studios, networks, and production companies, including Syfy, Paramount+, Vice, and Troma Film.

Clay is also sharing with you these exclusive handouts:

• Example diagrams
• Director “cheat sheets” for acting and lensing
• Phrasing for communicating with actors and crew
• And more

By the end of the four intensive sessions with Clay, you will have developed the ability and self-confidence to communicate your vision and translate it from the page to the screen as a director.

Don’t miss out on the chance to learn these universal techniques every director needs while shaping your own unique style and vision.

Session 1 - Directing Responsibilities & Pre-Production Part 1

Define and Identify the properties of the filmmaking process that allow the director to manipulate and control perceptual and emotional responses from audiences. In other words, that which separates a great director from a merely functional one.

• Learn aspects of the various Tentpoles of Directing
• Begin with the first major area - Script Analysis
• Tools for breaking down scripts into the “Director’s Draft”
• Begin the Lens lecture and dive deep into the most important visual tool you’ll ever use - The Z Axis

Session 2 - Pre Production Part 2 - Behind the Camera

• More on Lenses
• Shot Lists & the “Grammar” of the Shot
• The Lighting “Top Down” schematic in the simplified “director’s version”
• The DP & Director. An interaction.

Session 3 - Pre Production Part 3 - Casting, Rehearsal, & Tailoring the Project

• The Audition: where your performative directing actually begins
• The Rehearsal: the fine-tuning of your intent
• Incorporating the Director’s Draft of the production script
• Active vs Passive & Judgmental vs Action-based Directing

Session 4 - Production & Post - On-Set Duties, Operations, & Your Role in the Edit

• Setting Your Actors up to Succeed: How to give adjustments to actors
• Tools for communication on both sides of the camera
• Walking in Two Worlds: Your focus as a director on set
• Bringing it all together - the Visual meets the Performative (lenses, framing and actors in concert)

Handouts will include: example diagrams, small readings from existing sources gathered by the instructor, director “cheat sheets” with regards to acting and lensing, and phrasing for communicating with both actors and key crew.

WHAT TO EXPECT

PLEASE NOTE: This exclusive Stage 32 class will be booked on a first-come, first-served basis. The opportunity to work this closely and for this long with an expert in the field is an incredibly unique and valuable opportunity. If you are interested, please book quickly. Once the spots are gone, they’re gone for good.

• This class is designed for all-level directors - beginner, intermediate and advanced who are looking to learn the universal techniques used in directing.
• This is an intimate, in-depth, practical, and detailed class held on Zoom where you will be interacting with your instructor.
• Your instructor will be available on email during the 4 sessions to answer any questions you have about your project.
• You will be held accountable to take the lessons from each week and move your work forward.
• Plus, to stay motivated and inspired, you will have access to a dedicated Stage 32 Lounge post where you can meet, connect and communicate with your fellow classmates throughout the length of the class and beyond. Let Stage 32 help you find your tribe!

All levels of directors (advanced, intermediate and beginner) looking to learn the fundamental pillars of directing and techniques you need to do the job at a professional level.

All levels of writers (advanced, intermediate and beginner) looking to learn the fundamental pillars of directing and techniques you need to do the job at a professional level.

Producers looking to learn the fundamental pillars of directing and techniques you need to do the job at a professional level.

Actors looking to learn the fundamental pillars of directing and techniques you need to do the job at a professional level.