AFS Summer Education Series: Directing

Summer Education Series

Join us for one week of Continuing Education classes on directing. This series includes hands-on training in cinematography, field lighting, and both documentary and narrative directing. Through practical training taught by industry professionals, you’ll learn how to tell a compelling visual story, direct actors, and turn your concept into a reality. 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 unless otherwise noted. 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.

WEEKLY SCHEDULE

Principles of Directing
July 7, 5–8 PM — Part 1 (Creating a Vision)
July 8,  5–8 PM — Part 2 (Working with Actors)

Principles of Cinematography: Seeing Through the Lens
July 9, 5–9 PM

Directing for Documentary
July 10, 3–8 PM

Ask Me Anything About Directing
July 11, 4–6 PM

CLASS DESCRIPTIONS

Principles of Directing
Instructor: Arturo R. Jiménez

In this two-part workshop, you’ll explore the different ways a director’s involvement in decision making and creative collaboration can shape a film project. By understanding the different tasks a director must manage before the camera starts rolling, you will get a better sense of a project’s scope from the director’s chair while learning how to manage a series of departments, direct actors, and the best practices for directors on set. During the workshop, you’ll create a pitch deck and present it for discussion. 

Principles of Cinematography: Seeing Through the Lens
Instructors: Carlos Estrada + Joe Olivas

One of the most vital relationships for a director is with their cinematographer. Learning how to communicate and craft your visual world involves an understanding of how a cinematographer sees, plans, and executes a particular style or mood. In this two-part workshop, participants will learn the ins and outs of how a cinematographer thinks through a director’s vision and will have the opportunity to engage, or observe, in hands-on exercises to sharpen a director’s visual toolkit. 

Directing for Documentary
Instructor: Arturo Jimenez

This workshop will introduce participants to the possibilities of non-fiction filmmaking and the role a director has in researching, developing, designing, and leading a documentary project from its inception to the final cut. The workshop will explore and analyze various types of documentaries as well as the ways a director can approach non-fiction subjects and topics. By understanding story, themes, and structure, you will explore different creative approaches to non-fiction films and the evolutionary process of documentary filmmaking. There will be a hands-on segment of the workshop during which you will have the opportunity to plan and conduct an interview with a guest for a simulated documentary shoot. 

Ask Me Anything About Directing
Instructors: Arturo Jimenez, Sharon Arteaga, Kelly Daniela Norris, Bryan Poyser

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, including other positions who interact closely with the director, and get answers to your burning questions. While the focus is on cinematic projects, these sessions are also great for those working on TV shows and documentaries.