Directing and the DP | Directing Actors | Directing Action

Directing a film is one of the most challenging and interesting jobs in the film industry. The Advanced Directors Certificate will help you prepare to work in three of the most essential areas a film director must have,

Divided into three sections, you will learn how to direct actors, direct action and how to communicate your vision to the Director of Photography (DoP).

Directing and the DP

Session 1

A skilled Director of Photography (DP) is a key asset to your film. The relationship between a director and DP is essential to the success of your film, and to your career. A good working relationship will enable you as a director to develop a unique look and style.

What you will learn about Directing the DoP

Learn to develop and direct better by creating a fluid, creative and collaborative relationship with your DP.

Preparation is key: learn how to prepare your shooting day so you can avoid conflict and come to set totally ready to shoot.

Discover how to unravel the blitz of different styles and looks to select the one that will suit your movie, and how to achieve them by honing the skills of directing and the DP.

• Picking a DP
• How to choose a DP that works with not against you
• Judging showreels
• How to spot talent and new emerging stars
• Picking a photographic ‘look’ for your movie
• How to create a unique look to your film
• On set relationships between the DP/Director and making them work
• Being visually prepared, shot lists and floor plans.
• How to avoid conflict and drive your vision home with detailed planning.

You can book Session 5 on it's own: Book Directing the DP HERE

Directing Actors

Directing actors is one of the essentials in a film director’s toolkit.

In a two evening quick-fire sessions you will learn tired and tested ways to illicit great performances quickly and effectively.

What you will learn about Directing Actors

To equip you with the skills and techniques to elicit great performances. To teach you professional preparation techniques for great performances. To give you confidence to talk to your actors with knowledge and insight.

Session 2: Directing Actors – Unlock the potential of casting

Discover the techniques professional directors use to unlock the potential of casting and finding actors using a variety of casting techniques

• Street casting: How to cast members of the public right off the street.
• Working with a casting director
• Employing someone who can unlocks the doors of talent
• Table reads and how to conduct them
• How to create a dynamic and creative first reading of your screenplay
• Rehearsals and how they work

Session 3: Directing Actors – Draw out performance

Learn how to gain the confidence of your actors on the set and draw out performances they didn’t even know they were able to deliver.

• How to work the performances and take the script to the next level.
• Working with actors on set
• How to talk and communicate with your most important element in film making
• Quick tips for better performance
• A bunch of quick and easy methods for pushing your creative talent to yet greater heights.
• Practical exercise – evaluating / preparing a scene for actors and performance.
• Thorough guide to preparation of scenes and scripts – so you are armed with ideas and thoughts that will elevate all your performances.

You can take sessions 1 and 2 on their own: Book Directing Actors HERE

Directing Action

One of the surest ways to distinguish yourself as a film director is by directing action. Learn how to make your action scenes visually In a two evening quick-fire sessions you will learn tired and tested ways to illicit great performances quickly and effectively.

What you will learn about Directing Action

To equip you with a good understanding of creating action To take the worry of a small budget away – it’s about technique! To help you create an individual style and look for your action scenes.

Session 4: Directing Action – Preparation is everything

Preparation is everything in filmmaking. And vitally important in directing action. Action directing involves so many moving parts that need to be choreographed and rehearsed. Preparation is key and you do it on paper! Lots of secrets divulged in this session.

• How to stage an action scene
• Staging action need not be expensive and time consuming.
• Learn how to create dynamic action with modest resources.
• How to maximise coverage
• Shooting an action film without Hollywood budgets is a skill
• Storyboarding and prepping your action

Session 5: Directing Action – Rehearsing and the shoot

Once your action plan is on paper, this session will show you how to activate your plan, making the most of the visualisation and leaving plenty of options for your editor.

• Blocking action
• Where does everyone stand ?
• How do I shoot this thing? We’ll show you.
• Creating a style or look for your action sequences
• Finding an original look and feel to your action scenes.
• Action editing and sound design
• How to bring your action scene to life in the editing process.

You can book sessions 3 and 4 on their own: Book Directing Action HERE

About the tutor of the Advanced Film Directors Certificate

Simon Hunter has directed over fifty tv commercials and three feature films. His directing debut was the horror movie LIGHTHOUSE in the year 2000 and he went on to direct the visual effects-laden sci-fi movie THE MUTANT CHRONICLES in 2008.

Simon’s first feature, Lighthouse, was released theatrically in 2002. Simon subsequently became a much sort after commercials director before returning to features with Edward R Pressman’s Mutant Chronicles in the Summer of 2006.

Simon flew to Qatar in 2014 to direct 20 episodes of a Scifi adventure series set in the desert. The filming takes place in Qatar, Jordan and India.

In 2017 Simon directed his passion project, EDIE which tells the tale of an older lady who climbs a mountain in Scotland at the age of eighty-three. The film has had an enthusiastic and successful theatrical release in the UK and has sold to multiple territories.

Simon lives in the German capital, Berlin. Since 1999 he has regularly lectured for Raindance and other leading film organisations.

Read Breaking in as a Film Director by Simon Hunter

FAQ’s about Advanced Film Directors Certificate

Do I need to take the Directors Foundation Certificate first?

No, although this is reccommended.

Will I get personal attention?

Simon Hunter allows plenty of time for your questions.

What film directing courses does Raindance offer following this class?

Raindance offers a range of Open Classes that are of interest to directors. Directors wanting to know more about writing and production will find a range of courses at Raindance. For more in-depth training, Raindance offers a 2 year full-time HND course in filmmaking and performance. We also offer a top-up BA (one year) and a Postgraduate Film Degree (2 years part-time). More details on our Degree Courses