FOR DIRECTORS

The Director's Chair is Waiting.

Transform your vision into films that move the world.

Directing Courses and Events - Registration Closing Soon!
Register by September 7
Self-Paced Course

Directing: Core Elements

With: Marie Jamora and 2 more

Directing: Core Elements

Beginner to Intermediate
With: Marie Jamora, Tayo Amos and Joey Ally
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.
Sep25
Live Online Event
12:00PM - 1:15PM (PDT)

Film Club: THE DOOM GENERATION

Host: Kiva Reardon

Film Club: THE DOOM GENERATION

September 25, 2026
12:00PM - 1:15PM (PDT)
Host: Kiva Reardon
Join Kiva Reardon for a conversation on Gregg Araki's The Doom Generation. The session will include clips, discussion, and end with an audience Q&A!
Register by September 29
Live Online Course

How to Effectively Collaborate with Your Cinematographer

Instructor: Tal Lazar

How to Effectively Collaborate with Your Cinematographer

Intermediate
Instructor: Tal Lazar
In this intermediate four-week online course, you will build on your understanding of the language of visual storytelling and how to effectively communicate your ideas with your collaborators.
Register by October 5
Self-Paced Course

Directing Actors

With: Tessa Blake and 2 more

Directing Actors

Beginner to Intermediate
With: Tessa Blake, Jorge G Camarena and Kelly Pike
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.
Register by October 12

Visual Storytelling: The Shot, The Image, and The Camera

Intermediate
With: Peter Markham
Mastering visual storytelling is like learning a new language—the language of the screen—and it is a critical component of a director’s work. Over four weeks, gain expertise on the practical aesthetics of the moving image—explored from the perspectives of both shot and camera.
Register by October 21
Weekend Intensive

Solo Documentary Filmmaking with Bing Liu and Luke Lorentzen

Instructor: Bing Liu and Luke Lorentzen

Solo Documentary Filmmaking with Bing Liu and Luke Lorentzen

With: Bing Liu and Luke Lorentzen
In this online weekend intensive, Oscar nominee Bing Liu and Sundance Directing Award winner Luke Lorentzen will share how they capture extraordinary, deeply personal footage as solo operators. Leave this weekend inspired and renewed by what a lone wolf documentary filmmaker can create!
Curated Directing Bundles
Register by September 7
Course Bundle

Short Film: Script to Screen

Asher Jelinsky

Includes 3 courses:

  • Crafting Your Short Film Screenplay
  • Directing: Core Elements
  • Film Producing: Core Elements

Make your next short film with a solid foundation. For multi-hyphenate creatives, this three-course bundle will give you a deeper understanding of the key roles to make your next production a success.

$995
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Register by September 7
Course Bundle

Core Filmmaking Foundations

Marie Jamora

Includes 3 courses:

  • Directing: Core Elements
  • Film Producing: Core Elements
  • Screenwriting: Core Elements

Get started with your filmmaking journey by gaining the skills essential to making a movie from start to finish. In this three-course bundle, you will learn more about creating a compelling story, actualizing your vision on screen, and tools to navigate the logistics of making a feature film.

$995
Learn More
Register by September 7
Course Bundle

Directing Essentials

Tessa Blake

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.

$650
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Event Bundle

Conversations from the Sundance Institute Labs - Directing

Includes 10 items:

  • Conversations from the Sundance Institute Labs | Lesli Linka Glatter (MAD MEN) and Keith Gordon (FARGO) on Scene Breakdown and Shooting Preparation
  • Conversations from the Sundance Institute Labs | Karyn Kusama (DESTROYER) on Directing and Prepping Your Film
  • Conversations from the Sundance Institute 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 Institute Labs | Roundtable on Mentally Preparing to Direct with Ira Sachs (FRANKIE), Karyn Kusama (DESTROYER) & more
  • Conversations from the Sundance Institute Labs | Rick Famuyiwa on Directing THE WOOD and DOPE
  • Conversations from the Sundance Institute Labs | Miguel Arteta (BEATRIZ AT DINNER) and Randa Haines (CHILDREN OF A LESSER GOD) on Directing
  • Conversations from the Sundance Institute Labs | Roundtable on Scene Breakdown and Preparing to Shoot with Walter Salles (THE MOTORCYCLE DIARIES) & more
  • Conversations from the Sundance Institute Labs | Roundtable on Building the World of Your Film with Miguel Arteta (BEATRIZ AT DINNER) & more
  • Conversations from the Sundance Institute 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!

$80
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Event Bundle

Develop Your Craft as a Director

Includes 13 items:

  • Master Class: Designing and Blocking a Scene with Lesli Linka Glatter (HOMELAND)
  • Directing TV with Rachel Raimist (QUEEN SUGAR)
  • Master Class: Directing Actors with Judith Weston (ENDLESS LOVE)
  • Building a Culture of Humanity on Set
  • Advisor Studio: Directing Principles to Change Your Filmmaking with Rob Spera
  • 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.

$168
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Event Bundle

Forge Your Career as a Director

Includes 5 items:

  • 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!

$104
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Event Bundle

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.

$120
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