Want to know how to confidently direct a stand out movie?
Directing a movie can be incredibly intimidating.
Where do you even start?
How do you hire the right people? How do you work with actors? What’s the secret to working with a cinematographer? An editor? A composer? Don’t you need to know lots of technical things about cameras and equipment?
And how the heck do you inspire everyone and have their respect….when you’ve never done it before?!
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed just thinking about it – and to pass the reins to someone else.
BUT –
If you have the vision for the film and know how to communicate it – you can direct the movie.
In this 5 part masterclass, I share with you EVERYTHING you need to know to do this job well.
If you want to direct for the first time or you’ve directed before but want to deepen your skills, this masterclass is for YOU.
How does it work?
When you sign up, you’ll get an invite to join our exclusive Facebook group.
That’s where you’ll find all the sessions, under the heading GUIDES.
Expect detailed tips and techniques for every part of this journey – you’re going to walk away from this feeling inspired, motivated and totally confident about directing a feature and doing an amazing job at it.
If I can direct a Sundance award winning movie – so can you, and this masterclass will set you on the path to making it happen.
Who is this for?
If you have never directed anything in your life, this is for you.
If you’ve directed before but still feel there’s more to learn, this is for you.
You are going to learn what this job is and how to do it in a way that lights up your soul, inspires your cast and crew and creates epic, next level results.
What we cover...
I share with you everything you need to know in order to do this job well.
We’ll start at the beginning of the process – from how to choose a project that is the right fit for you to shine and how to build it for success from the start.
You’ll learn practical, actionable techniques that will guide through the journey of making a movie, all the way to navigating festivals and the release of your film.
Even if you know nothing about making a film – after this, you’re going to feel confident and excited about being a director.
Some of the things that we cover:
- Understanding what your job really is so that you're focused on it (and not trying to do the jobs of others)
- Building a compelling and unified vision for your movie
- How to feel confident that you are casting the right actors
- Breaking down a scene and preparing for it
- Rehearsal strategies that actors love
- The secrets of pulling together an award winning crew
- Working with your Director of Photography and Production Designer to create the perfect look for your film
- How to shot list effectively (even if you know nothing about cameras)
- Understanding the budget and schedule from a director's perspective
- Working with actors to get phenomenal performances
- How to get the best out of all your crew
- What to expect on a day on set
- How to stay in the zone when things aren't going to plan
- How to command respect and inspire your cast and crew - even when it's your first time directing
- Dealing with imposter syndrome
- Working with your producer to make the best film together
- Working with your Line Producer and First AD to ensure that you will make your days
- Next level communication techniques for inspiring your cast and crew and getting what you want
- Navigating post production
- Working with composers and music supervisors
- Why your relationship with your editor is crucial - and how to make sure you get the person you need
- Mastering the language of cinema
- What to expect from festivals and the release of your film
- LIFE TIME ACCESS to all the lessons + any future upgrades to them
YOU CAN BE A DIRECTOR
I know this because I became one.
I didn’t go to film school.
Before I directed my first feature, I had directed NOTHING. No short films, no music videos, no commercials, no documentaries. Nothing.
But I had a vision for the film I had written – and I went for it.
The result?
The first film I directed, Obselidia, premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and won two awards. It went on to play at dozens of highly esteemed festivals around the world and was nominated for two Independent Spirit Awards.
I’ve gone on to direct two more films, including Bleeding Heart starring Jessica Biel, Zosia Mamet and Harry Hamlin.
For years before all this – I didn’t dare to believe that *I* could direct.
Write a screenplay? Maybe….but DIRECT a movie?!
I didn’t know anything about cameras, lenses, lights or effects (spoiler alert: I STILL DON’T. As a director: you don’t need to).
What you do need to know is EVERYTHING that I’m going to share with you in this masterclass.
After this class, you will be empowered with the tools and knowledge you need not just to confidently do this job – but to really take it to the next level and make a movie that stands out.
I’m so excited to share with you what I’ve learned –
and so excited to see your movies!
xo Diane
