5-Part Directing Lab: Preparing your Film’s Shot List

4 spots remain!

Learn from an award-winning documentary director whose films have streamed on Prime Video, Tubi, and screened worldwide!

Payment plans available - email edu@stage32.com for more details!

In today’s filmmaking world, a well-prepared shot list can be the difference between a good shoot and a great one. Whether you’re creating a feature, documentary, commercial, or digital content, the right shot list allows you to capture your vision with confidence while keeping production efficient, on schedule, and within budget. More than just an organizational tool, a strong shot list helps you unlock creativity on set and ensures your story shines in post-production!

This exclusive Stage 32 lab will show you how to design shot lists that are clear, cinematic, and practical—helping you communicate with your crew, anticipate challenges, and keep every department aligned. You’ll learn professional strategies for maximizing time and resources while creating space for inspiration and collaboration. By the end, you’ll have the skills to lead your set with confidence and deliver compelling results.

Your Stage 32 educator, James Kicklighter, is a multi-award-winning writer and director whose work has been featured in The Hollywood Reporter, The Times of India, and more. His debut feature Desires of the Heart screened at Cannes and won Best Foreign Film at the Los Angeles Femme Film Festival. He also directed the documentary Digital Edition and is currently developing new projects with the producers of Se7en and Short Term 12. A Georgia Southern University alum, James was named to their “40 Under 40” for his leadership and impact in media.

Through group sessions and one-on-one consultations, James will guide you step by step through script analysis, scene breakdowns, coverage planning, shot organization, and formatting your lists in a way crews can easily follow. Whether you’re refining an existing project or starting from scratch, you’ll gain proven techniques that James has used across festival premieres, theatrical releases, and award-winning productions.

This interactive Stage 32 lab, hosted on Zoom, goes deeper than a webinar. Once you sign up, you’ll be connected directly with your educator via email and receive a personalized questionnaire to get started. You’ll have access to James throughout the class to ask questions about your craft or career—it’s like having a mentor on demand. If you can’t attend live, no problem—recordings will be available within 48 hours in your Stage 32 Library. Plus, you’ll join a private lounge where you can collaborate, share ideas, and network with fellow creatives.

PRAISE FROM JAMES'S TEACHINGS:

“His experience and expertise as a writer and producer of film were greatly enhanced by his enthusiasm and energy as a speaker. He presented a series of workshops in the production of film, and also was the keynote speaker at our Young Writer's Conference. In both cases, he was able to inspire and connect to many different age groups including several professors in attendance.” - Gareth Jones, Brewton-Parker College

“I think James is a rare breed of artist that combines his business and marketing skills with a cohesive artistic vision. ” - Jason Winn, Film Director

“James is sharp as a razor, quick to grasp an idea, and like mercury when it comes to social media.” - Lilly Lee, Co-Founder, UNICEF Chinese Children’s Initiative

“James exceeds your expectations and helps turn your ideas into reality.” - Susan Woolf, Director of Operations, National Student Leadership Conference

“James is an extraordinary individual. He represents to me, the best of what this business holds in the next few decades.” – Gemma Puglisi, Assistant Professor, American University