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.
Jan30
Story Forum Online
7:00AM - 8:00AM (PST)
Tackling the Ethics of AI Through the Making of GHOST IN THE MACHINE: Part 2
With: Krystal Kauffman and 4 more
Tackling the Ethics of AI Through the Making of GHOST IN THE MACHINE: Part 2
January 30, 2026
7:00AM - 8:00AM (PST)
7:00AM - 8:00AM (PST)
With: Krystal Kauffman, Richard Mathenge, Milagros Miceli, Mophat Okinyi and Valerie Veatch
In the second of two Story Forum sessions, filmmaker Valerie Veatch will present a deep-dive into the making of her documentary as well as the technology’s implications with regards to labor issues.
Jan29
Story Forum Online
3:30PM - 5:30PM (PST)
Tackling the Ethics of AI Through the Making of GHOST IN THE MACHINE: Part 1
With: Alix Dunn and 5 more
Tackling the Ethics of AI Through the Making of GHOST IN THE MACHINE: Part 1
January 29, 2026
3:30PM - 5:30PM (PST)
3:30PM - 5:30PM (PST)
With: Alix Dunn, Alli Finn, Johnathan Flowers, Thema Monroe-White, Tiera Tanksley and Valerie Veatch
In the first of two Story Forum sessions, filmmaker Valerie Veatch will present a deep-dive into the making of her documentary as well as the technology’s implications with regards to racial discrimination and climate impact.
Jan30
Story Forum Online
3:00PM - 4:00PM (PST)
The Long Game: Rian Johnson and Noah Segan on Storytelling and Collaboration
With: Rian Johnson and 2 more
The Long Game: Rian Johnson and Noah Segan on Storytelling and Collaboration
January 30, 2026
3:00PM - 4:00PM (PST)
3:00PM - 4:00PM (PST)
With: Rian Johnson, Noah Segan and Katherine Street
Join us for a deep dive into the actor/director relationship with Rian Johnson and Noah Segan, the lessons learned from decades on set, and their take on the future of independent cinema.
Jan30
Story Forum Online
7:30PM - 8:30PM (PST)
Reclaiming Storytelling in the Age of Infinite Content
With: Jim Festante and 3 more
Reclaiming Storytelling in the Age of Infinite Content
January 30, 2026
7:30PM - 8:30PM (PST)
7:30PM - 8:30PM (PST)
With: Jim Festante, Denver Humphrey, Shira Lazar and Justin Trevor Winters
This panel provides insights into how to bridge the gap between content creation and storytelling in the social media landscape.
Jan30
Story Forum Online
6:00PM - 7:00PM (PST)
The Generative Lens: Gary Hustwit on Storytelling Beyond the Timeline
With: Gary Hustwit and KD Daza
The Generative Lens: Gary Hustwit on Storytelling Beyond the Timeline
January 30, 2026
6:00PM - 7:00PM (PST)
6:00PM - 7:00PM (PST)
With: Gary Hustwit and KD Daza
In this moderated conversation, Hustwit will discuss how he conceptualized and created the film, the challenges of incorporating bespoke tech into his filmmaking practice, and his predictions on the future intersections of film and technology.
Jan30
Story Forum Online
1:30PM - 2:30PM (PST)
The AI Landscape: Critical Debates and Creative Pathways for Independent Filmmakers
With: Alex Rivera and Soheil Rezayazdi
The AI Landscape: Critical Debates and Creative Pathways for Independent Filmmakers
January 30, 2026
1:30PM - 2:30PM (PST)
1:30PM - 2:30PM (PST)
With: Alex Rivera and Soheil Rezayazdi
In this session, Alex Rivera will deliver a presentation on how thoughtful, socially-engaged filmmakers can approach this moment in which AI has become ubiquitous in modern life.
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
Jan29
Story Forum Online
6:00PM - 7:00PM (PST)
The Poetry of the Prompt: AI Storytelling and the Making of ANCESTRA
With: Eliza McNitt and 2 more
The Poetry of the Prompt: AI Storytelling and the Making of ANCESTRA
January 29, 2026
6:00PM - 7:00PM (PST)
6:00PM - 7:00PM (PST)
With: Eliza McNitt, Ben Wiley and Soheil Rezayazdi
Emmy-nominated filmmaker Eliza McNitt and Ben Wiley (Creative Director, Google Creative Lab) unpack the creation of ANCESTRA, discussing how the pair blended live action performances with generative AI visuals to tell a deeply personal story.
Jan29
Story Forum Online
10:30AM - 11:30AM (PST)
Behind the Short: GenAI Filmmaking and Collaborating With Your Team | Presented by Adobe
With: Taryn O’Neill and 4 more
Behind the Short: GenAI Filmmaking and Collaborating With Your Team | Presented by Adobe
January 29, 2026
10:30AM - 11:30AM (PST)
10:30AM - 11:30AM (PST)
With: Taryn O’Neill, Joanna Popper, Drigan Lee, Maddie Hong and Gina Garcia
Join us for a behind-the-scenes look at how generative tools can support independent artists in making their films, as the team behind the short film "MythOS" breaks down how they leveraged generative technologies, organized their workflows, and tackled key challenges.
Jan30
Story Forum Online
4:30PM - 5:30PM (PST)
Designing Interactive Worlds Through Immersive Storytelling
With: Alton Glass and Erica Elson
Designing Interactive Worlds Through Immersive Storytelling
January 30, 2026
4:30PM - 5:30PM (PST)
4:30PM - 5:30PM (PST)
With: Alton Glass and Erica Elson
In this session, you’ll learn how to translate your unique voice across new tools and platforms and gain a greater understanding of how creators can successfully use virtual reality, augmented reality, and mixed reality with intention to empower others.
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.