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Welcome to the Sundance Institute's year-round digital learning hub for emerging and established storytellers to learn, create, and connect within a global filmmaking community.

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Course Registrations Closing Soon
Register by 2/9
Self-Paced Course

The Industry: A Crash Course (Self-paced)

With: Tessa Blake and Christina K. Licud

The Industry: A Crash Course (Self-paced)

Beginner to Intermediate
With: Tessa Blake and Christina K. Licud
If you’ve ever felt lost, overwhelmed, or unsure of your next move breaking into TV, this four-week course is your roadmap to success. By the end of it, you’ll be well-equipped with the tools, strategies, and confidence to take charge of your career.
Register by 2/9
Self-Paced Course

Directing Actors

Instructor: Tessa Blake

Directing Actors

Beginner to Intermediate
Instructor: Tessa Blake
In just eight weeks, an accomplished director will give you the tools to transform a script into a roadmap that takes your vision from ideas to final cut. In this introductory level self-paced course, you'll explore and experiment with how to approach your collaboration with actors from auditions to working on set.
Register by 2/9
Self-Paced Course

Screenwriting: From Outline to First Draft of Your Screenplay

Instructor: Deborah Goodwin

Screenwriting: From Outline to First Draft of Your Screenplay

Intermediate
Instructor: Deborah Goodwin
You’ve got a great idea for a movie and fleshed out an outline for your screenplay. Now, it’s time to start writing that script that gets past gatekeepers and grabs your reader’s attention — whether it’s an assistant, an agent, an executive, a financier, or the talent you want on screen. In this course you will move from outline to completing a first draft of your screenplay (90-120 pages).
Register by 2/9
Self-Paced Course

TV Writing: Core Elements

Instructor: Angela LaManna

TV Writing: Core Elements

Beginner to Intermediate
Instructor: Angela LaManna
Create an outline for your episodic TV pilot idea in eight weeks with an accomplished TV writer as your guide. In this introductory level self-paced course, you will take this important first step for your original pilot script and learn a set of tools to help you ask the important questions of every scene and character that will get you past "stuck" when writing future episodes.
Register by 2/17
Self-Paced Course

Screenwriting: Core Elements

Instructor: Trey Ellis

Screenwriting: Core Elements

Beginner to Intermediate
Instructor: Trey Ellis
Learn the core elements of writing a screenplay for a feature film, with an accomplished screenwriter as your guide. In this self-paced course, you will develop a new script idea into an outline that can be used to write your first draft.
Register by 2/23
Self-Paced Course

TV Writing: From Outline to First Draft of Your Pilot

Instructor: Angela LaManna

TV Writing: From Outline to First Draft of Your Pilot

Intermediate
Instructor: Angela LaManna
You’ve got a great idea for a TV series and you have fleshed out an outline for your pilot. Now, it’s time to start writing that script that grabs your reader’s attention - whether it’s an agent, an executive, or a showrunner. In this course you will move from outline to completing a draft of your original pilot (under 60 pages).
Register by 3/2
Self-Paced Course

Crafting Your Short Film Screenplay

Instructor: Asher Jelinsky

Crafting Your Short Film Screenplay

Beginner to Intermediate
Instructor: Asher Jelinsky
Short films are a great way to showcase your voice, talent, and storytelling skill. In this eight-week self-paced online course, you will learn the fundamentals of screenwriting and develop your original story idea into a short screenplay with accomplished filmmakers as your guides. Designated homework assignments are reviewed by a Sundance Advisor and designed to move you closer to your completed short screenplay (5-15 pages).
Register by 3/9
Self-Paced Course

Creating the Horror in Your Screenplay

Instructor: Owen Egerton

Creating the Horror in Your Screenplay

Beginner to Intermediate
Instructor: Owen Egerton
Ready to write a horror screenplay that gets under your audience's skin? Learn to craft truly terrifying and unforgettable horror stories in this comprehensive, self-paced course taught by celebrated horror screenwriter Owen Egerton. In this course, you'll go beyond cheap jump scares to discover the core principles of cinematic horror. Through bite-sized video lessons you can watch at your own pace, Owen will guide you through writing exercises that build your story from the ground up, helping you develop compelling characters, build suspense, and create scares that are both original and deeply unsettling.
Register by 3/23
Self-Paced Course

Directing: Core Elements

Instructor: Marie Jamora

Directing: Core Elements

Beginner to Intermediate
Instructor: Marie Jamora
You have an interest in directing fiction films, but now you want an expert in the field to help guide you as you take the next step. In this eight-week self-paced course, you will learn about the directing craft, how to assemble and collaborate with your crew, work with actors, and translate work from script-to-screen. Throughout the course, you will have the opportunity to film an assigned scripted scene and get feedback on your work from a Sundance Collab Advisor.
Upcoming Events
Feb18
Spotlight
1:00PM - 2:00PM (PST)

Driving Box Office Success with Joseph Kosinski (F1: THE MOVIE)

With: Joseph Kosinski and Erica Elson

Driving Box Office Success with Joseph Kosinski (F1: THE MOVIE)

February 18, 2026
1:00PM - 2:00PM (PST)
With: Joseph Kosinski and Erica Elson
In this hour-long conversation for filmmakers of all levels, you’ll get a chance to ask questions about producing and directing some of Hollywood’s biggest films. Joseph Kosinski will discuss crafting memorable heroes, bringing his unique take to existing IP, and directing thrilling action sequences.
Feb19
Advisor Studio
10:00AM - 11:00AM (PST)

Unearthing Character through Casting with Richard Hicks

With: Richard Hicks and Katherine Street

Unearthing Character through Casting with Richard Hicks

February 19, 2026
10:00AM - 11:00AM (PST)
With: Richard Hicks and Katherine Street
In this Advisor Studio, veteran Casting Director Richard Hicks will guide you through the full casting process, from breaking down scripts and developing character briefs to crafting a strategy for outreach, auditions, and offers. You will gain insight into how Casting Directors interpret a filmmaker’s vision, present creative options, and balance artistic goals with understanding actor market value, budget, and scheduling realities.
Mar11
Advisor Studio
10:00AM - 11:15AM (PDT)

Location Scouting for Independent Film and Television

With: Gerry Kim and Soheil Rezayazdi

Location Scouting for Independent Film and Television

March 11, 2026
10:00AM - 11:15AM (PDT)
With: Gerry Kim and Soheil Rezayazdi
In this Advisor Studio session, veteran producer and location scout Gerry Kim will explore how to scout with both artistry and strategy.
Sundance Institute's Story Forum
New Program

Story Forum: Exploring Art and Innovation

Story Forum is a space to learn, collaborate, and join the conversation; inviting thoughtful dialogue about the artist-first tools and technologies supporting visual storytelling
Learn More
Jan26
Register Free
In Person Events
10:00AM - 10:00AM (PST)

Sundance Institute's Story Forum: In-Person Registration

Join Sundance Institute’s Story Forum: Exploring Art and Innovation, presented by Adobe, at the Sheraton Park City on Monday, January 26, for a free day of panels and conversations—ranging from the neuroscience of imagination to an interactive AI murder mystery.
Learn More
Register Free
Online Events

Sundance Institute's Story Forum: Online Event Registration

Join us from anywhere on January 29–30 for 15+ immersive online sessions. Explore the cutting edge of independent filmmaking through deep dives into virtual production, documentary ethics, and sustainable independent workflows.
Learn More
Course & Event Bundles
Register by 2/9
Course Bundle

Directing Essentials

Includes 2 courses: Directing Actors, Directing: Core Elements

Directing Essentials

Beginner to Intermediate

Includes 2 courses:

  • Directing Actors
  • Directing: Core Elements

It's time to jump into the director's chair! In this two course bundle, you will learn the essentials of directing; from how to develop and execute a vision your vision for a project to how to communicate and collaborate with actors.

Register by 2/17
Course Bundle

Screenwriting: From Idea to Screenplay

Includes 2 courses: Screenwriting: Core Elements, Screenwriting: From Outline to First Draft of Your Screenplay

Screenwriting: From Idea to Screenplay

Beginner to Intermediate

Includes 2 courses:

  • Screenwriting: Core Elements
  • Screenwriting: From Outline to First Draft of Your Screenplay

You’ve got a great idea for a movie. Now, it’s time to start writing that script. In this sequence of courses, you will learn a set of tools and go from idea to outline to completing a first draft of your original screenplay (<120 pages).

Register by 2/9
Course Bundle

TV Writing: From Idea to Pilot

Includes 2 courses: TV Writing: Core Elements, TV Writing: From Outline to First Draft of Your Pilot

TV Writing: From Idea to Pilot

Beginner to Intermediate

Includes 2 courses:

  • TV Writing: Core Elements
  • TV Writing: From Outline to First Draft of Your Pilot

You’ve got a great idea for a TV series. Now, it’s time to start writing. In this sequence of courses, you will learn a set of tools and go from idea to outline to completing a first draft of your original pilot (<60 pages).

Industry-Leading Courses And Events For Filmmakers

Our Partners

Sundance Collab is profoundly grateful to our partners whose support helps empower independent artists.

Join the Sundance Collab community today!

Learn

Select from hundreds of classes and events, including free events.

Connect

Get feedback and make meaningful connections. Over 100,000 creatives!

Create

Sundance Collab isn’t just about learning - it’s about making.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sundance Collab is our digital platform for creators around the globe to learn, share, and connect. It advances Sundance Institute’s mission to discover, support, and inspire independent artists, by creating a digital community that amplifies independent voices, wherever they are in the world, at whatever stage they are in their career.

No. At this time, being a part of the Sundance Collab community is separate from your Sundance Institute Membership. If you are looking for information on becoming a Sundance Institute Member, please visit Sundance.org/membership.

As a community for learning, sharing work, and connecting to a community, there are multiple ways Sundance Collab can help a creator starting their career. Our robust and growing video library and Filmmaker Toolkit are useful for learning the art, craft, and business of making films and creating in other forms. Online events and Master Classes featuring industry leaders can also help you develop your craft and work.

If you’re looking for more direct, hands-on experience and an opportunity to further your project, we offer live, self-paced, and on-demand courses with industry experts in screenwriting, directing, producing, documentary and career and business strategies. An application may be required for some courses and course fees apply. We offer a limited amount of need-based scholarships to our courses. Check the course description to see if that course currently has scholarships available.

By participating in some or all of these offerings, you have the opportunity to gain valuable insight and make meaningful connections with other creators.