AFS Summer Education Series: Directing

Continuing Education  Summer Education Series

Join us for one week of Continuing Education classes on directing. This series focuses on both narrative  and documentary directing, with topics including a breakdown of the director’s craft, working with actors, applying techniques through hands-on exercises, and more. In addition, you’ll hear from working directors about their experiences and get the opportunity to ask them questions, all to enhance your professional development.

This series is offered as a single class pass, which includes all workshops associated with the Directing Series (see list below). All workshops are held at Austin Public in Studio 1. Purchasing the class pass today guarantees your spot for the series. More details about the workshops will be sent to registrants closer to the event.

For information on scholarships, please email austinpublic@austinfilm.org. Note that scholarships are limited.

WEEKLY SCHEDULE

The Director’s Craft
July 6, 6–9:30 PM

Directing Actors for the Camera Pt. 1
July 7, 6–9 :30PM

Directing Actors for the Camera Pt. 2
July 8, 6–9:30 PM

Documentary Directing
July 9, 5:45–9:45 PM

Directing “Ask Me Anything” + Mixer
July 10, 5:30–7:30 PM

CLASS DESCRIPTIONS

The Director’s Craft (July 6)
Instructor: Stephen Ohl

The Director’s Craft is an immersive introduction to film directing for aspiring and intermediate filmmakers who want to learn more about the creative process from concept to screen. You will explore essential directing tools, including story development, writing, pre-production, working with actors, cinematography, blocking, production design, and editing, and gain practical insight into how directors shape compelling visual storytelling. You will have the chance to apply these techniques in a collaborative environment through two hands-on exercises.

Directing Actors for the Camera – Pt. 1 & 2 (July 7 & 8)
Instructor: Stephen Ohl

Directing Actors for the Camera is a two-part course that teaches you how to work with performers in film and television. You will start by learning about the history of acting and the foundations of modern performance techniques. The course helps you understand the actor’s process and how to communicate effectively with them on set. Through acting exercises, collaborative scene work, and insights from experienced directors, you will develop the skills to guide authentic, emotionally grounded performances for the camera.

Directing for Documentary (July 9)
Instructor: Andrew Richey

This workshop will introduce you to the possibilities of non-fiction filmmaking and the director’s role in researching, developing, designing, and leading a documentary project from inception to final cut. We will examine various types of documentaries and the ways a director can approach non-fiction subjects and topics. By understanding story, themes, and structure, you will explore creative approaches to non-fiction films and the evolutionary process of documentary filmmaking.

Directing “Ask Me Anything” + Mixer (July 10)
Panelists: Kat Candler and others Guests

Join our “Ask Me Anything” session to take your directing skills to the next level! Designed for beginner and intermediate-level filmmakers, this in-person session will give you the chance to learn from industry professionals and get answers to your burning questions. While the focus is on narrative film projects, these sessions are also great for those working on TV shows and documentaries.