Course Registrations Closing Soon
Directing Actors
Beginner to Intermediate
With: Tessa Blake, Kelly Pike and Omer Ben-Shachar
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.
Screenwriting: Core Elements
Beginner to Intermediate
With: Trey Ellis, Ani Simon-Kennedy, Caleb Aldrich, Raj Trivedi and Melanie Rish-Ho
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.
Directing Actors Workshop
Intermediate to Advanced
Instructor: Julian Higgins
In this interactive course, you will learn to break down scenes for narrative and psychological transitions, and have the option to learn-by-doing by stepping into the position of Actor and Director to master the language of “playable” direction.
Directing: Core Elements
Beginner to Intermediate
With: Marie Jamora, Tayo Amos and Monique Sorgen
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.
Writing Screenplay Adaptations
Beginner to Intermediate
With: Robin Swicord and C.C. Webster
Join Oscar-nominated screenwriter Robin Swicord as she guides you through the high-stakes world of adaptation, from finding your way into a story, to preserving the “soul” of the original work while building a cinematic structure that stands on its own.
Self-Paced Course
Screenwriting: From Outline to First Draft of Your Screenplay
With: Deborah Goodwin and 4 more
Screenwriting: From Outline to First Draft of Your Screenplay
Intermediate
With: Deborah Goodwin, Kimberly Barrante, Sonte'nish Myers, Omar S. Kamara and Lindsay Stidham
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).
Making Your Horror Short Film with Yoko Okumura
Beginner to Intermediate
Instructor: Yoko Okumura
In this 4-day intensive, acclaimed filmmaker Yoko Okumura will take you out of your comfort zone to dissect the process of creating a compelling horror short.
TV Writing: Core Elements
Beginner to Intermediate
With: Angela LaManna, Cheryl Puente and Sidney Butler
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.
Mapping Your Directing Career with Rob Spera
Beginner to Intermediate
Instructor: Rob Spera
In this weekend intensive, director, author, and educator Rob Spera will help you cut through the noise and create a career plan that works for you. You will gain a deeper understanding of how the industry works and how to best position yourself as a creative!
Upcoming Events
Jun23
Advisor Studio
10:00AM - 11:30AM (PDT)
Six Steps to Build Your Own Distribution Playbook
With: Emily Best and 2 more
Six Steps to Build Your Own Distribution Playbook
June 23, 2026
10:00AM - 11:30AM (PDT)
10:00AM - 11:30AM (PDT)
With: Emily Best, Christie Marchese and Soheil Rezayazdi
In this session, learn a succinct, six-step plan to develop a distribution strategy for your project, in addition to distribution tips, tactics, and, most importantly, the economics for every window – from theatrical through video-on-demand (VOD) and beyond.
Jun25
Spotlight
1:00PM - 2:00PM (PDT)
Behind the Screen: Inside the Making of the Hit TikTok Micro-Series SCREEN TIME
With: Elizabeth Dell and 2 more
Behind the Screen: Inside the Making of the Hit TikTok Micro-Series SCREEN TIME
June 25, 2026
1:00PM - 2:00PM (PDT)
1:00PM - 2:00PM (PDT)
With: Elizabeth Dell, Kristen Brancaccio and Erica Elson
In this live online event, you'll learn creative and business insights from the smash hit micro-series SCREEN TIME, the logistics of producing and directing high-stakes drama for vertical screens, and how to maintain artistic integrity and cinematic quality under micro-short constraints.
Jun30
Advisor Studio
10:00AM - 11:30AM (PDT)
The Writer’s Guide to Feedback with Pilar Alessandra
With: Pilar Alessandra and Katherine Street
The Writer’s Guide to Feedback with Pilar Alessandra
June 30, 2026
10:00AM - 11:30AM (PDT)
10:00AM - 11:30AM (PDT)
With: Pilar Alessandra and Katherine Street
Join Sundance Collab as renowned script consultant, professor, and author Pilar Alessandra teaches you how to look past the surface to find "the note behind the note." Learn how industry insiders evaluate your writing, which core story elements you must defend, and how to discern which feedback will actually elevate your script to its best version.
Jul7
Spotlight
4:00PM - 5:00PM (PDT)
Capturing the Visceral Horror of Coming of Age in LEVITICUS
With: Adrian Chiarella and Erica Elson
Capturing the Visceral Horror of Coming of Age in LEVITICUS
July 7, 2026
4:00PM - 5:00PM (PDT)
4:00PM - 5:00PM (PDT)
With: Adrian Chiarella and Erica Elson
In this live online event, Adrian Chiarella will discuss directing young performers in emotionally demanding roles, depicting the darker aspects of spirituality on screen, and utilizing the horror genre to authentically portray the nuances of the queer experience.
Jul9
Live Online Event
10:00AM - 11:00AM (PDT)
Bridging Divides Through Storytelling
With: Steven Olikara and 2 more
Bridging Divides Through Storytelling
July 9, 2026
10:00AM - 11:00AM (PDT)
10:00AM - 11:00AM (PDT)
With: Steven Olikara, Dave Caplan and Valerie Weiss
Join us for this free, online conversation on the role of film, television, and digital media in reducing polarization. This session will explore evidence-based strategies that help storytellers navigate sensitive themes without sacrificing creative integrity or audience engagement.
Jul10
Insider Session
10:00AM - 11:00AM (PDT)
Applying to the 2027 Sundance Institute Episodic Lab
With: Liba Vaynberg and 2 more
Applying to the 2027 Sundance Institute Episodic Lab
July 10, 2026
10:00AM - 11:00AM (PDT)
10:00AM - 11:00AM (PDT)
With: Liba Vaynberg, Jandiz Estrada Cardoso and Katherine Street
Join us for a direct Q&A with the program director, Jandiz Estrada Cardoso and a recent alum, Liba Vaynberg, who will give you all the pro tips when you're ready to apply to the Sundance Institute Episodic Lab!
Free Four-Week Course Presented in Collaboration with TikTok
Live Online Course
From Script to Screens: Writing Your Micro-Series
Apply for the opportunity to join a live online course, presented in collaboration with TikTok, where you’ll learn about the current landscape of the micro-series, and the writing craft designed to engage audiences at scale.
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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.
Check out these personalized resources based on your profile.
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.