As a director, you are the master storyteller, tasked with interpreting the script into a visually entertaining story that can be produced within the time and budgetary restrictions of the production.

From working with the actors to achieve the desired performance to planning the shots and flow of each scene, the director’s artistic vision touches every aspect of the filmmaking process. The thousands of decisions the director makes can each influence the quality of the final product, and understanding how the production process works is key to making the right choices.

In the Film Directing Certification Course, you will learn from over a dozen internationally recognized TV and film directors who methodically guide you through every step of the directing process. From working with actors to managing the set, this insider's look at the process will help you optimize the pre-production process, analyze the characters, improving your communication on set, and interact with the crew in a way that guarantees your vision makes it from your mind to the screen.

This self-guided online course connects you to successful television and feature film directors, each of whom share the knowledge, experiences, and techniques with you. 

• Break down a script and analyze characters
• How to develop a visual story and theme for your production
• Design and implement storyboards and pre-visualization techniques
• Find and attract qualified, convincing actors
• Conduct an effective audition to find the right actor for each role
• Warning signs to look out for in potential actors
• How to work with a casting agency
• Techniques for breaking down the script
• How to interface with each department and effectively convey your vision
• What to do 30 seconds before calling "Action"
• What to do right after calling "Cut"
• Properly block, light, rehearse, tweak, and shoot a scene no matter how large your crew
• On-set tutorial for directing a scene
• Create an effective, fool-proof shot list
• Advanced techniques for blocking natural, convincing performances
• Determine the proper coverage for each camera angle
• Track continuity for seamless editing
• Plot character arcs and motivations
• Techniques to conduct effective rehearsals
• Properly direct and communicate with actors
• Balance performance with the cinematic look of the frame
• How to direct extras to create convincing background action appropriate the world of your story

In this self-guided online course, top television and feature film directors reveal the techniques, experiences, and advice they’ve learned after decades open set.  Your instructors include:

ROB BOWMAN
Director, Executive Producer
Rob directed "The X-Files" movie, numerous episodes of "Star Trek: The Next Generation," and was the Executive Producer of ABC's hit drama, “Castle."

BETHANY ROONEY
Director
Director of over 150 episodes of prime-time network shows, including "Grey’s Anatomy," "Desperate Housewives," "Brothers and Sisters," and "Private Practice." For cable television, she has directed In "Plain Sight," "Weeds," and "Drop Dead Diva."

MARY LOU BELLI
Emmy-Winning Director
Two-time Emmy winning director, Mary Lou has helmed episodes for dozens of prime time shows, including "NCIS: New Orleans," "The Quad," "Hart of Dixie," "The Game," "Monk," and "The Hughleys.”

ANDREW DAVIS
Director
Andy is best known for directing Harrison Ford in the Oscar nominated, "The Fugitive." He has also directed numerous feature FilmSkills, including "Under Siege," "Above the Law" (both starring Steven Segal), "Code of Silence," "Holes," "The Package" and "The Guardian."

RANDAL KLEISER
Director
Randal Kleiser's first feature "Grease" is the most successful movie musical ever made. Other credits include "The Blue Lagoon," "The Boy in the Plastic Bubble," "Summer Lovers," "Flight of the Navigator," "White Fang," "North Shore," "Getting It Right," "Lovewrecked" and "It's My Party."

ANTHONY RAY PARKER
Actor, "The Matrix"
Anthony is an American actor best know for his role as Dozer in "The Matrix." His other credits include, "Spartacus," "The Marine," "The Frighteners," and "The Resolve."

STEVE ZUCKERMAN
Director
Steve has directed hundreds of hours of prime time television shows, including, "Friends," "Empty Nest," "Men at Work," "Melissa & Joey," "According to Jim," "Love, Inc." and "What I Like About You"