Academy › Certificate Courses › Directing for Film & Television
Directing for Film & Television
Course Overview
Course Objective
To equip students with a foundation in directing, enabling them to effectively collaborate with various departments and bring their creative vision to life.
What You'll Learn
Develop a Directorial Vision — create a clear and compelling creative vision for any project
Understand Script Development — analyse and develop scripts to create a cohesive narrative and visual approach
Collaborate with Departments — understand the roles of Cinematography, Sound, Production Design, and Editing
Work with Crew Members — effectively communicate and collaborate with producers, cinematographers, editors, and other crew
Troubleshoot Issues — identify and resolve creative and logistical challenges during production
How You're Assessed
Assessment
Ongoing Assessment
40%Written assignments & case studies
20%Quizzes & exams
20%Final Assessment
60%Group projects & presentations
60%Contact Hours: 2–3 hours of lectures and discussions per week, plus 2–3 hours of practical exercises and group work — totalling 4–6 contact hours per week. Optional tutorials and mentorship available for an additional 1 hour.
Attendance: Given the intensive nature of this course, unapproved absences may negatively impact your academic performance and final grade. Please notify your instructor in advance if you need to miss a class.
20 Weeks · 1 Semester
Course Curriculum
Six months moving from directing fundamentals and script analysis through camera technique, working with actors, and a full cross-department production project.
1. What is Directing?
- ›Fundamentals of directing: role, responsibilities, and creative vision
- ›The art of directing: its history, evolution, and notable directors
2. Visual Storytelling Essentials
- ›Camera types and formats: understanding the tools of the trade
- ›Camera angles, lighting, and movement: creating visual interest and mood
3. Understanding Your Audience
- ›Types of film genres: characteristics and audience expectations
4. The Directing Process
- ›Understanding pre-production, production, and post-production stages: bringing your vision to life
1. Introduction to Script Analysis
- ›Understanding the importance of script analysis in directing
2. Script Fundamentals
- ›The synopsis: summarising the story
- ›The screenplay: format, structure, and content
- ›Types of genres: understanding different storytelling styles
3. Story Structure & Narrative Techniques
- ›Understanding story structure: three-act structure, plot points, and character arcs
- ›Narrative techniques: pacing, tone, and conflict
4. Elements of Good Storytelling
- ›Mood and context: setting the tone for the story
- ›Visual economy in storytelling: using visuals to convey meaning
5. Interpreting the Script
- ›Interpreting visuals: bringing the script to life
- ›Analysing character development: motivations, goals, and conflicts
1. Basic Camera Operating Skills
- ›Fundamentals of camera operation: handling, setup, and safety
2. Camera Angles & Movement
- ›Understanding different camera angles and their impact on the scene
- ›Camera movement techniques: dolly, pan, tilt, and more
3. Framing & Composition
- ›The aesthetics of framing: creating visually appealing shots
- ›Composition techniques: rule of thirds, leading lines, and more
Art Direction
- ›Understanding set design, props, and art direction
- ›Collaborating with production designers
- ›Creating a visual style
Sound Design
- ›Understanding sound recording, mixing, and design
- ›Collaborating with sound designers and composers
- ›Using music to enhance narrative and mood
1. Shots & Shot Sizes
- ›Understanding different shot sizes and their applications
- ›Using shots to convey meaning and emotion
2. Camera Storytelling
- ›How to tell a story with the camera: visual narrative techniques
- ›How camera lenses and composition create emotion and influence the audience's feelings
3. Pre-Visualising the Story
- ›Storyboarding the script: translating words to visuals
- ›Floorplans: planning camera placement and movement
- ›Planning and creating a shot list: organising the shoot and maximising efficiency
1. Auditions & Selection
- ›Understanding the audition process
- ›Preparing for auditions and selecting the best actor for the role
- ›Best practices for auditioning actors
2. Communication & Motivation
- ›Effective communication with actors: giving feedback and direction
- ›Motivating actors: creating a positive and supportive working environment
- ›Building trust and rapport with actors
3. Rehearsals & Blocking
- ›Structuring effective rehearsals and maximising rehearsal time
- ›Blocking and staging scenes: techniques and best practices
- ›Working with actors to bring the scene to life
Group Practical
- ›Students work in groups to practise directing techniques
- ›Exercise: 5-minute script with a narrative structure provided to students
Cross-Department Collaboration
Meet the team assigned to the project. Break down the script and discuss all creative issues — art direction, lighting, visual style, pace, and shot list — in preparation for the shoot.
Pre-Production — 5 Min Project
Pre-production on the 5-minute project with the assigned cross-department team — finalising the shot list, blocking plan, and all creative decisions ahead of production.
On-Set Production
Production of the 5-minute project in association with all departments. Directing students lead the creative vision, working alongside peers from Cinematography, Acting, Art Direction, Sound, Editing, and Producing.
Post-Production Processes
Understanding post-production processes — how the director's vision is realised through editing, sound mix, colour grading, and final delivery.
Debrief & Reflection
View all final projects and discuss the successes and challenges of the video shoot across teams.
- ›What went well — smooth coordination, effective communication, creative ideas that worked
- ›What didn't go as planned — technical issues, scheduling conflicts, creative differences
- ›Team feedback across Directing & Camera, Sound, and Production teams
- ›Lessons learned — identify areas for improvement and share best practices
Ready to Start?
Enrol in Certificate in Directing
Take the first step toward bringing your creative vision to the screen. Contact our admissions team to learn more about intake dates and enrolment requirements.