As a director, your ability to communicate with actors and collaborate with your cinematographer is one of the most important skills you can develop. The stronger these relationships are, the more effectively you can translate your vision from the page to the screen. Whether you’re directing television, film, or new media, knowing how to guide performances, shape tone, and work closely with your cinematographer will elevate the quality of your work and help create a more efficient, collaborative set. If you’re looking to learn or refresh your skills as a director working with talent and your cinematographer, strengthening this foundation can dramatically improve the way you lead a production!
Yet many directors struggle with this part of the process. You may find it challenging to communicate your vision to actors in a way that inspires strong choices, or you may not feel confident speaking the technical language needed to collaborate effectively with your cinematographer. Directors often wonder how to run effective table work, guide actors through rehearsal and production, manage performances across multiple takes, or translate a script’s emotional beats into visual storytelling. Without the right strategies, it can feel difficult to balance performance, camera choices, pacing, rhythm, and the many creative decisions required on set.
In this exclusive Stage 32 lab, you’ll learn directly from accomplished television director Heath Cullens. Heath has spent nearly a decade directing modern television comedies including MYTHIC QUEST, IT’S ALWAYS SUNNY IN PHILADELPHIA, YOU’RE THE WORST, A.P. BIO, and GREAT MINDS WITH DAN HARMON. His episodes of IT’S ALWAYS SUNNY IN PHILADELPHIA are known for being some of the show’s most creative and ambitious. In addition to his television work, Heath produced the Lionsgate feature ARMED RESPONSE starring Cary Elwes, Ethan Embry, and Alan Arkin. With a background directing in the New York theater scene and experience across television and film, Heath brings a deep understanding of working with actors and camera teams, and he will now share his practical insights with you.
Across four in-depth sessions, Heath will guide you through how to build productive relationships with both your cast and your cinematographer. You’ll explore working with actors during pre-production rehearsal and principal photography, including table work, text analysis, scene breakdown, staging, and managing performances on set. You’ll also dive into collaborating with your cinematographer, from hiring and visual interpretation to building a shared visual language, collaborative shot listing, and staying focused on visual goals during production. By the end of this course, you’ll walk away with the tools, communication techniques, and practical strategies you need to confidently guide performances, collaborate effectively with your cinematographer, and bring your creative vision to life.
This interactive Stage 32 lab is held on Zoom and goes substantially more in depth than a Stage 32 webinar. Best of all? As soon as you sign up you will be linked on email with your Stage 32 Educator and given a questionnaire to fill out and send back to them. You will have access to your Educator for the duration of your class by email to ask them any questions you have about your craft or career - it’s like having a mentor on demand! And, if you can't make a live session, don't worry! All class recordings will be available 48 hours after each session and you will be able to view them in your Library on your Stage 32 profile. Finally, you can expand your network with like-minded creatives - you'll have a dedicated lounge for interactive support and discussions with your fellow classmates!
- The collaborative relationship between actor and director.
- An overview of the main acting techniques employed by most actors.
- Rehearsal and staging techniques
- Color Theory
- Compositional Techniques
- Lighting style and techniques
- Camera movement
