Premier Graphics
& Animation
Work with us
Menu
Studio
OverviewServicesCapabilitiesThe Collection
Institute
OverviewProgrammesCourse libraryHow we teachCareersGuidesFor universities
Journal About Contact Work with us
Film & TV · MS elective · 3 credit hours · 16 sessions

Director’s Craft

This course explores the director’s role as the creative visionary and team leader. It moves beyond technical camera knowledge to focus on the human element: analyzing the script, working with actors to elicit authentic performances, and communicating a cohesive vision to Heads of Department. Students will learn the language of blocking, staging, and subtext.

§ 01 By the end you can
  1. Deconstruct screenplays to identify beats, subtext, and character motivations
  2. Master the casting process and the art of the table read
  3. Direct actors using actionable verbs and psychological insight (Stanislavski/Meisner)
  4. Execute "Blocking and Staging" to enhance visual storytelling through actor movement
  5. Collaborate effectively with Cinematographers, Designers, and Editors
§ 02 Sixteen sessions

The whole semester.

  1. 01The Director's Role: Vision & Leadership
  2. 02Script Analysis: Beats & Turning Points
  3. 03Character Analysis & Backstory
  4. 04The Casting Process & Auditions
  5. 05Rehearsal Techniques: Building Trust
  6. 06Directing Actors: Result vs. Action Direction
  7. 07Blocking a Scene: Choreography & Motivation
  8. 08 · MidtermMidterm Examination
  9. 09Directing the Camera vs. The Actor
  10. 10Staging: Triangle System & Line of Action
  11. 11Working with the Cinematographer (DP)
  12. 12Working with the Production Designer
  13. 13On-Set Protocol & Time Management
  14. 14Directing Post-Production: The Edit
  15. 15Sound Design & Music Direction
  16. 16Final Project: Directing a Dramatic Scene

Midterm around session 8. Final project briefed at session 8 or 9 and developed in stages until the juries.

§ 03 Final project

Final Project: Directing a Dramatic Scene

How it’s judged

Recommended reading
  1. Directing Actors by Judith Weston
  2. On Directing Film by David Mamet
  3. Making Movies by Sidney Lumet
  4. The Film Director's Intuition by Judith Weston
  5. Total Directing by Tom Berkmann
More in Film & TV
Acting for Film & Film AnalysisThis hybrid course combines practical performance training with critical film theory. Students will learn the specific techniques of screen acting—minimalism, eye lines, and continuity—while simultaneously analyzing legendary performances from cinema history.
Acting for the CameraThe camera lens acts as a microscope for human behavior. This practical course helps actors transition from the projection required for stage to the intimacy required for screen.
Advanced Camera TechniquesThis technical course is designed for aspiring cinematographers who wish to master the visual language of cinema.
Advanced Film Editing (MS elective)This course moves beyond the basics of cutting to explore editing as an art of storytelling and emotional manipulation.
Advanced Film EditingThis course covers advanced techniques and concepts in film editing, focusing on narrative structure, pacing, continuity, and the creative use of editing software.
AI-Driven CinematographyThis futuristic course explores the convergence of Artificial Intelligence and the Director of Photography (DoP).