The Fundamentals of Directing: Pre-Production, Production, & Post-Production
Other education that may be of interest to you:
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! 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 interactive Stage 32 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.
How To Write A Short Film That Gets You Noticed
You may be surprised by JUST how many successful filmmakers today began their career by writing short films. Everyone from Christopher Nolan to Ryan Coogler to Chloe Zhao to Justin Lin have short film writing credits to their name and used those projects to springboard their career. This is how new and untested creatives can prove their mettle, get their name out there and actually get their foot in the door. And you can do this as well. Whether you’re building up your filmmaking career, itching to write the next festival darling or award-worthy short film, or just love the short form format, you too, can master the art of short film writing. There are many reasons and inspirations for writing a short, but shorter doesn’t mean easier to write. One of the great challenges is that many people go into writing a short with the mindset of creating a proof of concept for a feature. While there’s nothing inherently wrong with this, this mindset tends to encourage a few logical fallacies, and in a strange way actually devalues the work. Short films require a fine balance of elegance and story economy. They require an innovative storytelling technique that usually takes years of practice and feedback to master. With the right guidance though, you’ll be able to master this in no time. Clay Liford is an award-winning independent filmmaker and director of photography whose many shorts include the Sundance hit MY MOM SMOKES WEED. His projects have premiered at Sundance Film Festival, SXSW, Munich, AFI Film fest and more. As a director of photography, Clay has shot over twenty-five features, including the SXSW award-winning films ST. NICK and GAYBY. His film credits also include WUSS, EARTHLING, SLASH, and MY MOM SMOKES WEED, a Sundance Film Festival favorite. As an indie filmmaker, editor, and writer, Clay has mastered the art of writing and making both feature length and short films. He is also a film production instructor at the University of Texas, who has become proficient at teaching his methods for efficiency and artistic self-sufficiency. Now he’s sharing what he knows with the Stage 32 community. Clay will take you through his proven and effective approach to writing and effective short films that get you noticed and advance your career. He’ll go over the REAL differences between shorts and features, what every short film needs to succeed, how to think like a director (even if you’re not one), and how to maximize your festival strategy. Most importantly, he’s going to introduce you to the concept of Iconography. You’ll have the opportunity to ask him questions, and by the end of this webinar, you’ll fall in love with this format and walk away with a new perspective and appreciation for the short film format. Clay's guidance will give you confidence to develop your short film and help you succeed in the short film market. PLUS! Clay provides you with the following handouts: Overview of How to Write a Short Film - Things to Consider & What to Watch Out For Story Structure Diagram Breakdown of Film Roles on a Set Elements of a Lookbook Duties of a Director Suggested Reading List Testimonials for Clay's Webinar: "Clay had great energy and pace. He was able to explain things in different ways and with excellent examples." -Magi A. "Clay didn't sugar coat anything - keeping the short within a tight budget and length is smart strategy & practical. I appreciated his honesty." - Shaan D.
Stage 32 4-Part Class: The Filmmaker's Process To A Successful Indie Film
Learn how to make an independent feature film that stands out - from developing the right project for you to premiering your film in the most effective way - from award-winning filmmaker Clay Liford PLUS! You'll receive 3 exclusive handouts from Clay to help you on your own independent filmmaking journey! ***Flexible Learning: if you cannot attend any of the sessions live don't worry - you will be sent the links to the recordings of each session within 48 hours of the live session and you will have direct access to Sean on email to ask him any questions so you can keep up at your own pace and schedule.*** Payment plans available - contact edu@stage32.com for details Most of us pursue filmmaking as a career due to our lifelong love of watching movies. It’s often said that before filmmakers develop their own personal styles, many subconsciously “borrow” tropes from the very filmmakers who shaped their early lives. The visionaries who put the fire in their bellies to begin with. This is totally natural and not a problem, except for when it comes down to a question of practical resources. Particularly when you’re producing your first feature film. The vast majority of us are influenced by studio films. Productions with incredibly deep pockets and A-list stars. There’s a strange tendency to assume the best tactic when tackling your own movies amounts to “beat them at their own game.” But there’s the problem. First time filmmakers rarely have studio-level resources at their disposal so their specific choices and approach to the process is what can make or break their film. Essentially, you can’t make “Die Hard in your backyard”. You’re not playing on the same field. But, if you have the right approach, you can turn your limited resources in a powerful feature film that can not only get the attention of studios, but ironically beat them at their own game. In this exclusive and interactive Stage 32 4-part class, you will learn how to hone your craft and the process of independent filmmaking from start to finish so your independent feature film can rise above the rest. You will learn the types of creative choices to make when approaching an independent film to increase your odds of success, how to develop your own visual style and directorial point of view, and garner an understanding of your overall role as the director. You will cover everything from how to maximize your pre-production, how to communicate with your cast and crew, how to determine when you've got the footage you need, how to properly work with your editor and even how to best receive and manage notes from producers and investors. Teaching you everything you need to know to succeed as an independent filmmaker is award-winning filmmaker Clay Liford, who has written and directed four feature films to date, including WUSS (SXSW, AFI Audience Award Winner), EARTHLING (SXSW), and SLASH (SXSW, Edinburgh, Munich). All are currently available to stream. As a director of photography, Clay has shot over twenty features, including the award-winning films ST. NICK (SXSW) and GAYBY (SxSW). He's worked with SyFy, Vice, and Troma Films. He was also a creator on the Paramount+ series STRANGE ANGEL. His latest feature, THE TEXAS HIGH SCHOOL REGIONAL THEATER FESTIVAL MURDERS is currently in pre-production. There’s a strong balance between artistic and realistic, and thankfully they aren’t mutually exclusive. You just need to learn how to walk in both worlds at the same time. This class will help you put your best foot forward in choosing and developing your project and in executing it in a manner most likely to produce the greatest impact on your audience, your distributors and your career. PLUS! You’ll receive exclusive handouts to help you on your independent filmmaking journey. Downloads include: Combined Indie Film Design Charts & Efficient Shot List/Coverage Tables Story Structure for Smaller Films Charts & Data Indie Film Steps & Overview - Rudimentary Technical Knowhow 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.
Advanced Directing Class: How to Plan and Execute Your Shoot
Advanced and in-depth 2-part directing class with award-winning Sundance and SXSW and director Clay Liford Learn how to handle shot coverage, scheduling, and time management on set! Perhaps the biggest challenge for any director, new or experienced, big budget or small, film or TV, is making your day, and ensuring you are efficiently getting the footage and performances you need so you don't go over schedule and over budget. This is difficult, but there’s a proven method to keep you on track, while still allowing for inspiration and experimentation on set. It also happens to be the industry standard, and applies to any level of filmmaking - from student short to studio feature. It comes down to identifying what to plan and what to improvise. The truth is the more you plan, the more you’re free to experiment while filming - provided you optimize your time and focus on the right elements. Let's go deep into how exactly to plan your day so you can do your job on set, stay in control, stay creative, and leave with the best possible film you can make. Clay Liford is an award winning independent filmmaker and director of photography whose projects have premiered at Sundance Film Festival, SXSW, Munich, AFI Film Fest and more. As a director of photography, Clay has shot over twenty-five features, including the SXSW award-winning films ST. NICK and GAYBY. His film credits also include WUSS, EARTHLING, SLASH, and MY MOM SMOKES WEED, a Sundance Film Festival favorite. As an indie filmmaker, editor, and writer, Clay has mastered the art of pre-production and production so that his projects move like clockwork. And as a film production instructor at the University of Texas, Clay has become proficient at teaching his methods for efficiency and artistic self-sufficiency. Now he’s sharing what he knows with the Stage 32 community. In this intensive on-demand 2-part class, Clay will show you how you can save time and money as a filmmaker by employing strategies and practices to make your day and keep your project moving. Focusing on both pre-production and production, Clay will walk you through how exactly to plan your days on set, address where to place emphasis in your pre-production process, and lay out a specific method for planning shots and scenes, which includes shot lists and top-down lighting plots. Along the way, Clay will provide invaluable handouts and case studies. Praise for Clay's Previous Stage 32 Education: "Excellent - granular and practical, not just theoretical." --Peter C. "Clay was amazing. Would love to take more classes from him" --Jacqueline A. "I was impressed with Clay. He has what feels like a natural gift for teaching from a comfortable and personal level" --Maeve T.
How To Complete Your Movie On Time And On Budget While Achieving Your Creative Goals
Learn how to "make your day" on time and on budget while achieving your creative vision from a director who has made over 25 feature films and has screened at Sundance, South by Southwest, and more! PLUS! You will receive exclusive handouts including Director Duties, Shot List Components, and a Director's Reading List to help you on your next project! The number one expense facing all filmmakers (indie or otherwise) will always be... time. Falling behind just one day quickly leads to another, and another…and a domino effect! You suddenly have a runaway production. It doesn’t matter how creative or inspired you are, if you can’t get it “in the can” on time and on budget, you’re going to have a difficult career. This is especially true in the indie space, where your budget limitations are often quite rigid and not at all conducive to any directorial hesitancy or indecision. Thankfully there’s a proven method to keep you on track, while still allowing for spontaneous inspiration and experimentation on set. It also happens to be the industry standard, and applies to any level of filmmaking - from student short to studio feature. You don’t have to toss the creative baby out with the budgetary bathwater, contrary to popular belief. In this exclusive Stage 32 webinar, you will learn where to put the emphasis in your pre-production process and a specific method for planning shots and scenes (shot lists, top down lighting plots) optimized for making your day without turning you into a budgetary bean-counter. This course also serves as a strong “trouble-shooting” guide applicable to the vast majority of scheduling issues that seem to always arise on set. You will gain a confidence in the time management necessary to focus on what really matters - performance and “the visuals.” Here to guide you through all the considerations you should take to best make your day while maintaining your creative process is Clay Liford, a graduate of the University of Texas film program who now teaches all aspects of film production at his alma mater. Clay has made over 25 feature films that have garnered numerous accolades and screened at Sundance Film Festival, South by Southwest, and more. Clay is excited to share his plethora of knowledge and experience with the Stage 32 community so your next project will be a success! PLUS! Clay will provide you with exclusive handouts to help you on your next project. Downloads include: Director's Duties Shot List Components Director's Reading List You no longer have to choose between being “fast” or “good.” In fact, you’ll quickly learn that those two elements are actually intrinsically tied together, rather than mutually exclusive! Praise For Clay's Webinar: "Clay had great energy and pace. He was able to explain things in different ways and with excellent examples." --Magi A. "Clay didn't sugar coat anything - keeping the short within a tight budget and length is smart strategy & practical. I appreciated his honesty." --Shaan D.
Stage 32 Directing Lab: Introduction to Shooting & Editing
***All lab spots filled - Check our Next Level Class and Lab page for new opportunities as we continue to announce** If you’re a writer, producer or other aspiring creative with hopes of one day actually getting behind the camera and directing your own project, taking the first step can be daunting. Where do you even start? And how can you be sure you know what you need to in order to take that plunge? Now you can under the guidance of Oscar-nominated director/producer Rick Rosenthal. Over the course of 7 weeks, Rick will guide you through actually prepping, shooting and editing your first project as a director in a supportive and encouraging environment - best of all? You can do all of this in the comfort of your own home. Even better? You don’t need any special equipment to participate. All you need is a cell phone that records video, a computer, and editing software that you will download for free. You will leave this lab with real world, valuable practice in putting a project together, and the knowledge and skills to direct the next project on your own. Rick Rosenthal is an Oscar and Emmy nominated director/producer and the CEO of Whitewater Films, which is known for many feature film hits that have premiered at Sundance, Cannes, SXSW, and more. Through his film directing background, Rick has directed the likes of Joaquin Phoenix, Sean Penn, John Lithgow, and Jamie Lee Curtis. Along with his credits directing films, Rick has also worked as a producer on Amazon’s Emmy-winning series TRANSPARENT for the first three seasons, along with directing and producing credits on countless other shows. When Rick launched Whitewater Films as a production company, he committed to helping up-and-coming filmmakers and offering them the advice and assistance he never had. Furthering his drive to give back and educate burgeoning filmmakers, Rick also served as the chair of the Directing Program at the American Film Institute. Through his decades-long career Rick has become well versed in diverse genres of filmmaking and has specialized in educating and empowering new voices, which he is bringing directly to the Stage 32 community. Through this lab, you will have the opportunity to prep, shoot, and edit two scenes from a script that Rick will provide you. You will learn camera placement, camera movement, blocking a scene, all from different points of view--single character, multiple character, and omniscient. Rick will bring in a special guest editor to teach you the basics of editing a scene through the free software DaVinci Resolve, which is quickly becoming an industry standard. Through Rick's mentorship, you will walk away confident to take these skills and apply them to your own directing project, whether that's a short film, feature film, or web series. PLEASE NOTE: This exclusive Stage 32 lab is limited to 10 students and will be booked on a first come, first served basis. The opportunity to work this closely and for this long with a practiced director and expert in the field is an incredibly unique and valuable opportunity. If you are interested, please book quickly. Once the spots are gone, they’re gone for good. Payment plans are available - please contact Amanda at edu@stage32.com for more information WHAT TO EXPECT This lab is designed for writers, producers, or other aspiring creatives interested in becoming a director and looking for actionable skills, practice, and guidance to make this transition. This is an in-depth, practical, and detailed lab with one-on-one time with the instructor and significantly more content than a standard 90-minute webinar. ***Only 10 Spots Available*** This class will consist of six weekly sessions. There will be an additional week where you will sign up for an extensive one-on-one mentoring session with Rick. In addition to the lessons where Rick teaches the class, you will have the opportunity to ask him questions during each session as well as multiple chances to speak with him directly about your specific project. Plus, to stay motivated and inspired, you will have access to a private, dedicated Stage 32 Lounge where you can communicate with your fellow classmates throughout the TV project development process. To see the full directing lab schedule, see below under "What You Will Learn".
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