Defining Your Voice as a Director

How do you know the difference between a Tarantino and an Emerald Fennell film? What’s different about the styles of Wes Anderson and Chloé Zhao? You might call a filmmaker’s visual language and point of view their “cinematic voice” and it may take years to refine. 

In this intermediate live online course, you will expand your working knowledge of narrative and visual storytelling, analyze notable global directors, and look within to find what your true artistic voice is as a director. With an experienced independent filmmaker as your guide, you will gain the tools you need to start developing your voice and visual style as a filmmaker. 

What you bring to the course:

• a general understanding of filmmaking terminology.
• an interest in building a career as a director.

What you’ll get from the course:

• A breakdown of notable directors’ artistic voice
• A deeper understanding of how visual language can translate to an audience
• An understanding of the various shot sizes, styles and perspectives 
• How to approach designing a frame and placing the camera
• An approach to utilizing sound and music to refine your voice
• Tips on collaborating with your team that will support your voice
• A pathway to discover your own point of view as an artist

1-on-1 Session: During the course term, you will have the opportunity to purchase a 45-minute, 1-on-1 meeting with your instructor to receive additional personalized guidance.

A limited number of need-based scholarships are available and are considered on a rolling basis as they are received. Those who apply earlier will have a greater chance of getting support. To apply for a scholarship, please complete the course registration form.

Sundance Collab provides accommodations and support services to participants with disabilities. Accommodations and services are designed to meet the needs of each participant. Please email us at accessibility@sundance.org to arrange for services.

Sundance Collab offers a limited number of need-based, partial and full scholarships. Scholarship applications can be submitted until one week before the registration deadline and do not stack with discounts or promotions, including early registration. Due to the volume of applicants, we are not always able to provide a scholarship, but we may still offer a spot in the course.