Level 02 — going deeper
Intermediate.
A programme for directors who have already held a camera. Complex dialogue scenes, chases, pitching, and the financial side of the short film.
What's inside
Modules.
- 01
Dialogue — “Eight” Coverage, Conflict, Resolution
Directing 1 lesson Homework VideoMastering the technique of shooting dialogue scenes: camera positioning, working with the actor on camera, and exploring unconventional approaches to dialogue.
Concepts: “Eight” coverage · conflict · resolution
- 02
Chase — Dynamics, Action Editing
Directing 1 lesson Homework VideoAn analysis of iconic chase scenes through the lens of rhythm, action editing, the role of music and obstacles — understanding the chase as a self-contained mini-story.
Concepts: Chase · obstacles · pursuer and pursued · speed factors
- 03
Short Film — Pitching
Directing 2 lessons HomeworkPitching practice for a short film: the ability to present an idea, defend it under questions, and constructively receive criticism.
Concepts: Pitching · synopsis · idea · Q&A
- 04
Working with the Actor — Casting, Read-Through, Shoot
Directing 2 lessons HomeworkFrom casting to set. Types of actors and what to expect from them, how to conduct auditions, why read-throughs matter, and how to give direction that actually works.
Concepts: Types of actors (professionals / students / non-professionals) · portfolio · casting
- 05
Working on Yourself — Director’s Skills, Department Interaction
Directing 1 lesson HomeworkA director’s psychology before and during a shoot. How to build authority, speak the right “language” with crew and actors, manage conflicts, and avoid burnout.
Concepts: Director as manager · communication with departments · conflict management
- 06
Directing as a Non-Creative Profession — Pre/Prod/Post
Directing 1 lesson HomeworkThe director as a manager. Realistic pre-production timing, what really happens on set, and why most first films fall apart specifically in post-production.
Concepts: Pre-production · production · post-production
- 07
Shooting Script — What It Is and Whom to Coordinate With
Directing 1 lesson HomeworkWhat a shooting script is and why it is not the same as a screenplay.
Concepts: Shooting script · shot type · camera movement · editing transition · technical notes for departments
- 08
World-Building — Lore, Environment, Atmosphere
Scriptwriting 1 lesson HomeworkCreating a convincing story world through lore and atmosphere using environment and visual surroundings.
Concepts: Location · lighting · weather · color palette · ambient sounds
- 09
Final Script — Structure and Final Version
Scriptwriting 1 lesson HomeworkFinal polishing and approval of the script with a check of its structure and production readiness.
Concepts: Drafts (first to final) · finalization · revisions
- 10
10 Principles of Editing
Editing 3 lessons Homework VideoA study of ten key principles of video editing based on Alexey Sokolov’s system.
Concepts: Editing by shot size · spatial orientation · direction of movement · phase of moving objects · tempo · composition · light · color · axis shift
- 11
Final Editing Exercise
Editing 1 lesson HomeworkA practical consolidation of the ten editing principles.
Concepts: Editing by shot size · spatial orientation · direction of movement · phase of moving objects · tempo · composition · light · color · axis shift
- 12
How to Budget a Film
Producing 1 lesson HomeworkWhen to start counting money, how to research the market, which expenses beginners always forget, why a 15% reserve matters, and how to pay people without losing their trust.
Concepts: Maximum estimate · market research · hidden expenses · reserve
- 13
Locations, Props, Payments
Producing 1 lesson HomeworkThe practical side of production. How to find and secure locations, work with props and costumes, and why financial disorder destroys a shoot faster than anything else.
Concepts: Locations · shooting permits · props · costumes
Intermediate.
An advanced programme for directors who have the basics. 13 modules including actor direction, pitching, production scheduling, editing, and short-film budgeting.
Apply to Intermediate