Directing: From Short Film Prep to Festival Submission

Transform your creative vision into a festival-ready short film with expert guidance from an experienced director. This comprehensive 8-week live online course takes you through every stage of the filmmaking process, from initial concept development to festival strategy.

You'll master the art of pre-production planning while developing your unique directorial voice. Through hands-on case studies of successful short films and interactive exercises, you'll build the practical skills and creative confidence needed to lead a successful production.. 

By the end of the course, you will:

• understand the short film format, including different lengths and genres.
• define your creative vision and hone your style as a director. 
• develop visual references and a cinematic language for your film.
• learn how to break down your script as a director.
• understand shooting styles and formats.
• develop an approach to assemble your crew, manage a budget, and prepare for production.
• develop an approach to casting and working with actors.
• learn how to collaborate with an editor.
• develop an approach to post-production 
• learn about film festivals, programmers, and possibilities for distribution.

This course is ideal for:

• directors looking to make their first short fiction film.
• directors who have made a fiction short previously, but looking for more formal guidance for their next project.
• non-fiction directors looking to pivot into fiction.

For an additional fee of $150, you may elect to meet with your Instructor for a 60-minute 1-on-1 session at the end of the course. You would submit a draft of your short film screenplay (no more than 20 pages) in advance and then receive feedback during the 1-on-1 session from your Instructor.

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.