Directing Courses and Events - Registration Closing Soon!
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.
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.
Feb10
Live Online Event
1:00PM - 2:00PM (PST)
The Sundance Institute Founder Series: Honoring Robert Redford with David Lowery
With: David Lowery and Soheil Rezayazdi
The Sundance Institute Founder Series: Honoring Robert Redford with David Lowery
February 10, 2026
1:00PM - 2:00PM (PST)
1:00PM - 2:00PM (PST)
With: David Lowery and Soheil Rezayazdi
In this very special online conversation, David Lowery will join Sundance Collab to discuss the formidable task of directing one of the great legends of American cinema: Robert Redford.
Feb12
Live Online Event
10:00AM - 11:30AM (PST)
Global Cinema Meetup: Hasan Hadi on Making THE PRESIDENT’S CAKE
With: Hasan Hadi and Erica Elson
Global Cinema Meetup: Hasan Hadi on Making THE PRESIDENT’S CAKE
February 12, 2026
10:00AM - 11:30AM (PST)
10:00AM - 11:30AM (PST)
With: Hasan Hadi and Erica Elson
Looking to form new connections and learn from independent filmmakers around the world? Join Sundance Collab for our Global Cinema Meetup, a new series in which we invite a filmmaker to discuss financing and making and films outside the U.S.
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)
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)
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.
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.
Recently Added Directing Courses and Events.
Feb10
Live Online Event
1:00PM - 2:00PM (PST)
The Sundance Institute Founder Series: Honoring Robert Redford with David Lowery
With: David Lowery and Soheil Rezayazdi
The Sundance Institute Founder Series: Honoring Robert Redford with David Lowery
February 10, 2026
1:00PM - 2:00PM (PST)
1:00PM - 2:00PM (PST)
With: David Lowery and Soheil Rezayazdi
In this very special online conversation, David Lowery will join Sundance Collab to discuss the formidable task of directing one of the great legends of American cinema: Robert Redford.
Feb12
Live Online Event
10:00AM - 11:30AM (PST)
Global Cinema Meetup: Hasan Hadi on Making THE PRESIDENT’S CAKE
With: Hasan Hadi and Erica Elson
Global Cinema Meetup: Hasan Hadi on Making THE PRESIDENT’S CAKE
February 12, 2026
10:00AM - 11:30AM (PST)
10:00AM - 11:30AM (PST)
With: Hasan Hadi and Erica Elson
Looking to form new connections and learn from independent filmmakers around the world? Join Sundance Collab for our Global Cinema Meetup, a new series in which we invite a filmmaker to discuss financing and making and films outside the U.S.
Spotlight
Spotlight: Laura Poitras on Documenting Seymour Hersh in COVER-UP
With: Laura Poitras and Soheil Rezayazdi
Spotlight: Laura Poitras on Documenting Seymour Hersh in COVER-UP
With: Laura Poitras and Soheil Rezayazdi
Advisor Studio
Mastering Film Festival Q&As and Audience Engagement
With: Leonard Cortana and Katherine Street
Mastering Film Festival Q&As and Audience Engagement
With: Leonard Cortana and Katherine Street
Spotlight
The Urgent Hybrid Cinema of Kaouther Ben Hania (THE VOICE OF HIND RAJAB)
With: Kaouther Ben Hania and Soheil Rezayazdi
The Urgent Hybrid Cinema of Kaouther Ben Hania (THE VOICE OF HIND RAJAB)
With: Kaouther Ben Hania and Soheil Rezayazdi
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)
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.
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.
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)
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.
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.