Stage 32 4-Part Class: Directing 101

Learn the essential fundamentals of film directing from a director who has made over 25 feature films that have screened at Sundance, South by Southwest, and more!

PLEASE NOTE: Although this exclusive Stage 32 class is no longer live and the teacher is not available on email, we highly encourage you to do any assignments to get the most out of the educational experience.

Every director has their own unique visual and narrative style. But there are universal fundamentals of directing related to the process of taking a script to screen, working with actors, finding synergy with a cinematographer and crew, and taking a film through production into the edit room to complete the journey that every director must know. 

You personal technique is built upon the foundational aspects of this process that clearly defines the various responsibilities of anyone sitting in the director’s chair.

This exclusive Stage 32 on-demand 4-part class will teach you the definitions, distinctions and steps that are universally applicable, no matter what your personal style or philosophy is, in regard to the elemental duties of a director.

Your Stage 32 educator for this class is award-winning director Clay Liford. Clay has made over 25 feature films that have garnered numerous accolades and screened at The Sundance Film Festival, South by Southwest, and more. Clay is a graduate of the prestigious University of Texas film program and now teaches all aspects of film production at his alma mater. Clay is excited to share his plethora of filmmaking knowledge and experience with the Stage 32 community. 

Clay will cover the fundamentals of directing which include:

• Script analysis & customization
• Team-building: both Cast & Crew (including audition & rehearsal techniques which may surprise you)
• Core Technical Competencies (lenses, art direction and lighting for directors)
• Using Pre-Production to prepare you for success (shot lists, top-downs, etc)
• Walking in two worlds: the director on set and in post-production

PLUS! Clay will provide you with exclusive handouts to help on your directing journey. Downloads include:

• Example camera and lighting diagrams
• Director “cheat sheets” with regards to acting and cinematography

Readings, exercises, screenings and other assignments are designed to sharpen your narrative and visual awareness as a director.

Clay will show you how, by understanding the essentials, you can harness your unique directorial vision and point of view in the most effective ways to build your masterpiece.

Praise for Clay's Stage 32 Teaching:

“As an up and coming director, I had some experience before taking the class but was able to really hone my craft with Clay's help. I highly recommend to anyone in the industry." -- Chris B.

"No matter your role in the filmmaking process, you should take this course. Clay teaches things that everyone on set should know, so we can all come together to make the best project." -- Lori M.

"As a writer, I took this course to get my feet wet with directing but actually learned so much more than just directing. This course has changed my writing for the better. I'm very grateful for Clay's time and energy with all his students!" -- Mark W.