Crafting Your Short Film Screenplay
Creating the Horror in Your Screenplay
Rewriting Your TV Pilot and Crafting Your Pitch
Rewriting Your TV Pilot and Crafting Your Pitch
Directing: Core Elements
Principles of Documentary Editing
Screenwriting: Core Elements
Rewriting Your Screenplay and Crafting Your Pitch
Rewriting Your Screenplay and Crafting Your Pitch
TV Writing: Core Elements
Independent Documentary Distribution Now: Creative Approaches
Independent Documentary Distribution Now: Creative Approaches
Documentary Filmmaking: Core Elements
Directing Actors
Screenwriting: From Outline to First Draft of Your Screenplay
Screenwriting: From Outline to First Draft of Your Screenplay
Location Scouting for Independent Film and Television
Location Scouting for Independent Film and Television
10:00AM - 11:15AM (PDT)
The Sundance Institute Founder Series: Celebrating Robert Redford’s Vision for the Sundance Institute
The Sundance Institute Founder Series: Celebrating Robert Redford’s Vision for the Sundance Institute
10:00AM - 11:30AM (PDT)
Directing Essentials
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.
Screenwriting: From Idea to Screenplay
Screenwriting: From Idea to Screenplay
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).
TV Writing: From Idea to Pilot
TV Writing: From Idea to Pilot
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).
Sundance Film Festival 2025 Spotlights
Sundance Film Festival 2025 Spotlights
Includes 6 items:
- Festival Spotlight 2025: A Conversation on Art, Love, and Legacy with COME SEE ME IN THE GOOD LIGHT
- Festival Spotlight 2025: Advocacy Meets AI with FREE LEONARD PELTIER
- Festival Spotlight 2025: The Art of True Crime with ZODIAC KILLER PROJECT
- Festival Spotlight 2025: World Cinema Dramatic Competition
- Festival Spotlight 2025: Making Your First Feature
- Festival Spotlight 2025: NEXT
This video bundle features Festival Spotlight events from the 2025 Sundance Film Festival! Enjoy exclusive conversations with the creators behind work that screened at the Sundance Film Festival, designed to share advice and insights on the creative process.
Pitching & Pitch Decks
Pitching & Pitch Decks
Includes 5 items:
- Pitching Your Project, Funding Your Work with Nina Yang Bongiovi (FRUITVALE STATION). Jim Cummings (THUNDER ROAD), & more
- Master Class: How to Craft a Successful Film or TV Pitch with Jose Acevedo (EVERYTHING'S TRASH) and Giulia Caruso (COLUMBUS)
- Master Class: Own Your Voice - Pitch and Present with Confidence with Jackie Miller (President of Bespoken)
- Advisor Studio: Rafael Agustín (JANE THE VIRGIN) on Pitching a TV Series
- Master Class: Creating a Compelling Pitch Package with Producers Nina Yang Bongiovi (PASSING) & Larissa Rhodes (THE SOCIAL DILEMMA)
Attracting creative and business collaborators to your project requires having a clear vision that you can share with others in a compelling way. In this curated collection from our video library, you'll learn key tactics and tools for crafting a persuasive verbal pitch and designing a dynamic pitch deck.
Succeed as a Film Producer
Succeed as a Film Producer
Includes 14 items:
- Master Class: Success on Set - The Producer’s Role with Kara Durrett (HONK FOR JESUS, SAVE YOUR SOUL), David Hinojosa (STILL ALICE), Jess Wu Calder (ONE NIGHT IN MIAMI) and Alexandra Byer (COLEWELL)
- Master Class: Post-Production - The Producer's Role with Simon TaufiQue (THE INTERPRETERS), Anja Marquart (THE GIRLFRIEND EXPERIENCE) and Mark Steele (HOWL)
- Master Class: Funding Your Fiction Film with Caroline Von Kuhn, Giancarlo Nasi, Jessica Lacy, Jennifer Dana, Ryan Zacarias and Sophia Yen
- Master Class: Finding and Negotiating Distribution for Your Film with Elsa Ramo
- Master Class: Producing Your Short Film with Andrew Carlberg (SKIN)
- Advisor Studio: Building and Sustaining Your Career as a Producer with Daniela Taplin Lundberg
- Master Class: Crafting Impactful Pitch Decks for Film & TV with Alexandra Barreto, Taylor Feltner, and DMA Anderson | presented by IMDbPro
- Master Class: Navigating International Production
- Advisor Studio: Creative Producing - From Pitch to Picture with Carol Baum
- The Heart of Development with Misha Green (LOVECRAFT COUNTRY)
- Advisor Studio: Allison Carter (EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE) on the Essential Skills of a Successful Producer
- Spotlight: Jason Blum on Entrepreneurial Producing in the Horror Genre
- Producer Sev Ohanian (SEARCHING) on Developing & Building Relationships
- Master Class: Film Producing - An Entrepreneurial Approach with Jason Berman (AIR)
Learn the ins and outs of what it takes to succeed as a producer through this curated video bundle! Industry-leading producers break down practical guidance and behind-the-scenes strategies for producing across formats, budgets, and borders. These Master Classes and Spotlights from our Video Library offer expert insight on everything from navigating pre-production, creating pitch decks, funding and distribution, and more!
Writing for Animation
Writing for Animation
Includes 3 items:
- Master Class: Writing for Animation with Julia Cho (Turning Red)
- Spotlight: Pushing Boundaries in Episodic Animation: A Conversation with ARCANE Creators Christian Linke & Alex Yee
- Spotlight: Creating Your Artistic Process with Morgan Neville (PIECE BY PIECE)
Much more than a visual style, animation is a powerful and dynamic language for storytelling. In this video bundle, award-winning creators share how to bring animated worlds to life through writing, collaboration, and personal voice. From crafting emotionally resonant scripts with Julia Cho (Turning Red) to exploring creative processes with Morgan Neville and expanding the limits of animated TV, these Spotlights and Master Class offer inspiration and tools for storytellers working in animation and beyond.
Meet the Masters: Documentary Filmmakers on Documentaries
Meet the Masters: Documentary Filmmakers on Documentaries
Includes 6 items:
- Spotlight: Crafting Authentic Narratives in Documentary with Matthew Heineman
- Spotlight: Creating Your Artistic Process with Morgan Neville (PIECE BY PIECE)
- Spotlight: Documenting Digital Lives with Lauren Greenfield (SOCIAL STUDIES)
- Spotlight: Rory Kennedy (DOWNFALL: THE CASE AGAINST BOEING) on Crafting Documentary Films that Explore the Urgent Social Issues of Our Time
- Advisor Studio: Nanfu Wang (ONE CHILD NATION) on Documentary Filmmaking
- Spotlight: Creating Social Impact Through Storytelling with Jeff Orlowski and Larissa Rhodes (THE SOCIAL DILEMMA)
Experience the craft through the voices behind it! This video bundle offers firsthand insights from today's documentary filmmakers who are shaping nonfiction cinema. From learning how to work with vulnerable participants to empowering change through documentary, these filmmakers will guide you in transforming real-life experience into powerful narratives.
Learn to Craft Your Documentary
Learn to Craft Your Documentary
Includes 12 items:
- Master Class: Writing Your Documentary Script with Mark Monroe (ICARUS, THE COVE)
- Master Class: Doc Filmmaking: Finding and Shaping Your Story with Roger Ross Williams (GOD LOVES UGANDA)
- Master Class: Documentary Filmmaking with Jennifer Fox (THE TALE)
- Advisor Studio: Director Jamila Wignot & Producer Lauren DeFilippo (AILEY) on Prepping Your Documentary
- Advisor Studio: Documentary Grant Writing with Tracie Holder
- The Art of Nonfiction with Chai Vasarhelyi (FREE SOLO), Steve James (AMERICA TO ME), and Steve Maing (CRIME + PUNISHMENT)
- Master Class: Documentary Filmmaking: Navigating Truth and Ethics with Dawn Porter (JOHN LEWIS: GOOD TROUBLE)
- Making Documentaries Using Archival Footage with Penny Lane (OUR NIXON)
- Advisor Studio: Geeta Gandbhir (APART) on Documentary Interview Techniques
- Advisor Studio: Navigating Generative AI with the Archival Producers Alliance Tool Kit
- Master Class: Documentary Editing Fundamentals with Jacob Bricca, ACE (MISSING IN BROOKS COUNTY)
- The Elements of a Great Documentary Scene with Jonathan Oppenheim (PARIS IS BURNING)
Ready to step into the world of nonfiction storytelling? This comprehensive video bundle is designed to equip emerging documentary filmmakers with the tools to craft and shape impactful stories. Learn how to develop your script, conduct your interviews, refine your story, and navigate the creative process from celebrated directors and producers in this collection of videos.
Forge Your Career as a Director
Forge Your Career as a Director
Includes 5 items:
- Master Class: Building and Sustaining Your Career as a Writer and Director with Kasi Lemmons
- Master Class: Lessons from a Life Behind the Camera with Ken Kwapis (THE OFFICE)
- Master Class: How to Craft a Successful Film or TV Pitch with Jose Acevedo (EVERYTHING'S TRASH) and Giulia Caruso (COLUMBUS)
- Master Class: Transforming Your Short Film to Your First Feature with Adamma and Adanne Ebo (HONK FOR JESUS, SAVE YOUR SOUL)
- Spotlight: Chloé Zhao (NOMADLAND, ETERNALS) on Finding Your Way as a Filmmaker
Charting a path as a director requires a blend of creative vision, leadership, and expertise in navigating the industry. In this curated video bundle, experienced directors & screenwriters share insights on building a directing career, from developing your voice and making your first feature to navigating the business, pitching, and sustaining long-term momentum!
Meet the Masters: Directors on Directing
Meet the Masters: Directors on Directing
Includes 15 items:
- Spotlight: Sofia Coppola on PRISCILLA
- Spotlight: The Craft of Visual Storytelling with Rachel Morrison (THE FIRE INSIDE)
- Spotlight: A Cinematic Dialogue with Richard Linklater
- Spotlight: Emerald Fennell on SALTBURN
- Spotlight: Judd Apatow on Writing and Directing Comedy
- Spotlight: From Script to Screen with Filmmaker David Lowery (THE GREEN KNIGHT) | Presented by Frame.io
- Spotlight: Patty Jenkins: From MONSTER to WONDER WOMAN
- Spotlight: Gina Prince-Bythewood (LOVE & BASKETBALL, THE OLD GUARD) on Writing, Directing, and Representation
- Spotlight: Chloé Zhao (NOMADLAND, ETERNALS) on Finding Your Way as a Filmmaker
- MOONLIGHT: A Case Study with Barry Jenkins
- Taika Waititi (BOY) on Going From Indies to Hollywood
- Spotlight: Conversation with Ava DuVernay: Art is Activism
- Boots Riley on the Creative Process Behind SORRY TO BOTHER YOU
- Spotlight: Jeff Nichols on THE BIKERIDERS
- Spotlight: Creating Magic in Cinema with Mira Nair
Experience the craft through the voices behind it! This video bundle offers a rare window into the minds of today’s most influential filmmakers. From Sofia Coppola to Ava DuVernay, Barry Jenkins to Robert Eggers, these intimate conversations and behind-the-scenes insights explore the craft, challenges, and personal journeys that illuminate what it means to be a director.
Business & Legal Literacy
Business & Legal Literacy
Includes 3 items:
- Master Class: Filmmaker's Legal Toolkit: From Protecting IP Through Negotiating Distribution with Janis Nelson, Cory Field, Victoria Cook, Michael Donaldson, Chris Perez, and Raymond Tambe
- Master Class: Finding and Negotiating Distribution for Your Film with Elsa Ramo
- Master Class: Launching and Managing Your Creative Business with Financial Expert Amy Smith
It is critical to understand the business and legal considerations that will protect and advance your project, but it can be difficult to know where to look or what to prioritize. In this curated collection from our video library, you'll learn how to launch your own business, how to protect your intellectual property, and how to navigate the distribution landscape.
Finding & Shaping Your Screenplay's Story
Finding & Shaping Your Screenplay's Story
Includes 4 items:
- Master Class: Finding Your Screenplay's Story with David Schwab, Mira Nair, Tamara Jenkins and Destin Daniel Cretton
- Advisor Studio: Sheldon Candis (LUV) on Finding Your Voice and Visual Style
- Advisor Studio: Trey Ellis (THE TUSKEGEE AIRMEN) on Building Your Storytelling Toolbox
- Conversations from the Sundance Labs | Building Characters, Emotion and Story with J.R. Cole (BLACK PANTHER) & more
In this curated collection from our video library, you'll hear from multiple writers, including Mira Nair (Salaam Bombay!), Tamara Jenkins (The Savages) and Destin Daniel Cretton (Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings). Among others, these writers offer their perspectives and strategies for finding their stories, developing their characters and honing their artistic voices.
Conversations from the Sundance Labs - Directing
Conversations from the Sundance Labs - Directing
Includes 10 items:
- Conversations from the Sundance Labs | Lesli Linka Glatter (MAD MEN) and Keith Gordon (FARGO) on Scene Breakdown and Shooting Preparation
- Conversations from the Sundance Labs | Karyn Kusama (DESTROYER) on Directing and Prepping Your Film
- Conversations from the Sundance Labs | Kasi Lemmons (EVE'S BAYOU) on Directing
- Conversations from the Sundance Film Festival | Pathways to Your First Feature Film with Carey Williams (EMERGENCY) & Chase Joynt (FRAMING AGNES)
- Conversations from the Sundance Labs | Roundtable on Mentally Preparing to Direct with Ira Sachs (FRANKIE), Karyn Kusama (DESTROYER) & more
- Conversations from the Sundance Labs | Rick Famuyiwa on Directing THE WOOD and DOPE
- Conversations from the Sundance Labs | Miguel Arteta (BEATRIZ AT DINNER) and Randa Haines (CHILDREN OF A LESSER GOD) on Directing
- Conversations from the Sundance Labs | Roundtable on Scene Breakdown and Preparing to Shoot with Walter Salles (THE MOTORCYCLE DIARIES) & more
- Conversations from the Sundance Labs | Roundtable on Building the World of Your Film with Miguel Arteta (BEATRIZ AT DINNER) & more
- Conversations from the Sundance Labs | Benh Zeitlin (WENDY) on Creating the World of Your Film
Go behind the scenes to learn from Sundance Advisors in our Conversations from the Labs series. This collection of videos will deepen your understanding of a major creative discipline, the art of Directing!
Climate Storytelling & Sustainable Production
Climate Storytelling & Sustainable Production
Includes 4 items:
- Master Class: Changing the Narrative - Climate Representation in Film & TV with Jessie Keyt
- Advisor Studio: Climate Storytelling: How to Promote Sustainability From Script to Screen
- Advisor Studio: A Guide to Sustainable Movie Production with Kent Hayward
- Creator Meetup: How to Run a Sustainable Film Production with Heidi Kindberg (HBO/HBO Max)
This curated video bundle features Collab Master Classes, Advisor Studios, and a range of insightful resources dedicated to climate storytelling and sustainability in film production. Whether you're a filmmaker, producer, or writer, these tools offer practical guidance and innovative strategies to tell your story and reduce your environmental impact on set!
Building Your TV Writing Career
Building Your TV Writing Career
Includes 5 items:
- Advisor Studio: Josh Goldenberg on Breaking into the Business and Building Your Career
- Master Class: Breaking into the Industry as a TV Writer with Rae Benjamin (THE WITCHER), Diane Ademu-John (EMPIRE), Janet Lin (BRIDGERTON) and Jelani Johnson (EVP of Macro) | Presented by In the Cut
- Master Class: Jumpstart Your TV Writing Career with Kelly Edwards (OUR KIND OF PEOPLE)
- Master Class: Succeeding in the Writers' Room with Niceole Levy (THE BANKER)
- Conversations from the Sundance Labs | The Business of Buying and Selling TV with Carrie Gillogly & more
There is no direct, linear path to becoming an artist, which can be at times liberating, daunting, or sometimes both simultaneously. Where to start? In this curated collection from our video library, we asked TV writers, executives, and a partner at a management company to offer their perspectives and strategies for breaking into the industry.
Artist Support, Funding & Festivals
Artist Support, Funding & Festivals
Includes 4 items:
- Master Class: Funding Your Fiction Film with Caroline Von Kuhn, Giancarlo Nasi, Jessica Lacy, Jennifer Dana, Ryan Zacarias and Sophia Yen
- Film Crowdfunding Strategies with Kickstarter
- Advisor Studio: Simone Ling (MOSQUITA Y MARI) on Navigating Labs, Grants and Resources in the Independent Film Space
- Insider Session: Film Festival Strategies with Senior Programmer John Nein
Navigating film financing, labs and festivals can be daunting. In this curated collection from our video library, you will learn about various avenues for funding your film, creative and strategic support as an artist, as well as film festival strategies.
Develop Your Craft as a Director
Develop Your Craft as a Director
Includes 13 items:
- Master Class: Designing and Blocking a Scene with Lesli Linka Glatter (HOMELAND)
- Master Class: Directing TV with Rachel Raimist (QUEEN SUGAR)
- Master Class: Directing Actors with Judith Weston (ENDLESS LOVE)
- Advisor Studio: Building a Culture of Humanity on Set
- Advisor Studio: Directing Principles to Change Your Filmmaking with Rob Spera
- Advisor Studio: Creating Safe and Authentic Performances with Intimacy Coordinator Marci Liroff
- Advisor Studio: A Director’s Guide Through Pre-Production with Robert Mandel
- Working with Your Editor: Collaboration & Workflow with Bridey Elliott & Patrick Lawrence | Presented by Adobe
- Master Class: The Sound & Music of the Daniels’ EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE | Presented by the Dolby Institute
- How to Shoot a Fight Scene with Director Catherine Hardwicke (TWILIGHT)
- Directing Actors: Casting & Rehearsing with Karyn Kusama (YELLOWJACKETS)
- The Fundamentals of Cinematography with Rodrigo Prieto (THE IRISHMAN)
- Advisor Studio: Natalie Metzger (THUNDER ROAD) on Finding and Building a Successful Production Crew
Directing is both an art and a skill that evolves with experience, experimentation, and curiosity. In this comprehensive video bundle, accomplished directors & creative collaborators offer practical insights into the many dimensions of the craft. Learn to shape performance with actors, design and block compelling visuals, navigate pre-production, and build trust across your crew.
Finding Representation & Building Your Brand
Finding Representation & Building Your Brand
Includes 3 items:
- Master Class: How to Find Representation for Writers and Directors with Rebecca Sun (The Hollywood Reporter), Melissa Breaux, Adam Marshall, Christina Chou, and Elsa Ramo
- Master Class: Building Your Online Presence for Filmmakers with Digital Strategist Ryan Davis
- Advisor Studio: Kelly Bush Novak on Developing Your Personal Brand
Whether you’re building your core team (agent, manager, and/or attorney), pursuing new creative collaborators and financial supporters, or seeking a direct connection with your audience, this curated collection from our video library will help you tell your own story in an effective way.
Amplify Your Film with Music and Sound
Amplify Your Film with Music and Sound
Includes 12 items:
- Master Class: The Sound & Music of the Daniels’ EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE | Presented by the Dolby Institute
- Designing Sound & Score with Nia DaCosta, Laura Karpman, and Katy Wood on THE MARVELS | Presented by The Dolby Institute
- Master Class: Building your Story Soundscape with Music and Sound with Peter Golub (THE GREAT DEBATERS), Hildur Gu∂nadóttir (JOKER) and More | Presented by the Dolby Institute
- Conversations from the Sundance Film Festival | Creating Cinematic Story through Music & Ambiance with Saul Williams (NEPTUNE FROST) & more
- Conversations from the Sundance Labs | Ryan Coogler, Ludwig Göransson, and Stephen Boeddeker on Creating the Soundscape for BLACK PANTHER
- Telling Your Story with Sound: A Conversation with Alma Har’el and Benh Zeitlin | Presented by the Dolby Institute
- Master Class: Film Music - Creating the Soundscape for Your Film with Peter Golub (THE GREAT DEBATERS), Adam Smalley (THE LION KING) and Carter Burwell (THE BANSHEES OF INISHERIN)
- The Role of a Music Supervisor with John Houlihan (BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY)
- Composing for Film and TV with Mark Isham (CRASH)
- The Basics of Being a Music Editor with Adam Smalley (THE MORNING SHOW)
- Using Sound to Craft Meaning with Yance Ford (STRONG ISLAND)
- Amplifying Story Through Music with Jodie Foster (HOUSE OF CARDS), Mark Isham (CRASH), and Tom Carlson (LITTLE MAN TATE)
Music and sound have the power to transform a film to deepen emotion, shape the story, and leave a lasting impact. In this curated video bundle, film composers, sound designers, music supervisors, and filmmakers share their creative approaches to building dynamic soundscapes. Elevate your film's sonic identity by harnessing the full expressive potential of sound and music through these Master Classes and Spotlights!