Directing Courses and Events - Registration Closing Soon!
Directing Actors Workshop
Intermediate to Advanced
Instructor: Julian Higgins
In this interactive course, you will learn to break down scenes for narrative and psychological transitions, and have the option to learn-by-doing by stepping into the position of Actor and Director to master the language of “playable” direction.
Directing: Core Elements
Beginner to Intermediate
With: Marie Jamora, Tayo Amos and Monique Sorgen
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.
Jul7
Spotlight
4:00PM - 5:00PM (PDT)
Capturing the Visceral Horror of Coming of Age in LEVITICUS
With: Adrian Chiarella and Erica Elson
Capturing the Visceral Horror of Coming of Age in LEVITICUS
July 7, 2026
4:00PM - 5:00PM (PDT)
4:00PM - 5:00PM (PDT)
With: Adrian Chiarella and Erica Elson
In this live online event, Adrian Chiarella will discuss directing young performers in emotionally demanding roles, depicting the darker aspects of spirituality on screen, and utilizing the horror genre to authentically portray the nuances of the queer experience.
Making Your Horror Short Film with Yoko Okumura
Beginner to Intermediate
Instructor: Yoko Okumura
In this 4-day intensive, acclaimed filmmaker Yoko Okumura will take you out of your comfort zone to dissect the process of creating a compelling horror short.
Mapping Your Directing Career with Rob Spera
Beginner to Intermediate
Instructor: Rob Spera
In this weekend intensive, director, author, and educator Rob Spera will help you cut through the noise and create a career plan that works for you. You will gain a deeper understanding of how the industry works and how to best position yourself as a creative!
Introduction to Directing
Beginner
Instructor: Rachel Raimist
What does it truly mean to be a director? Where do you start in your journey to become one; what do you need to know before you step on set? With an experienced film director as your guide, this four-week course will provide you with a fundamental understanding of the craft.
Curated Directing Bundles
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
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
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
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