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You’ve got your Director’s vision but how do you get that on screen amidst budget constraints and schedule challenges? How can you best communicate with your Heads of Department, be flexible and respond quickly to inevitable last minute changes?
Much of this is down to preparation. Often - especially in television - your time will be limited and organised according to the series’ pre-existing schedule; you may have HoDs you haven’t worked with and /or haven’t chosen; you will be expected to provide certain materials without Producers having to ask. Different series will have differing interpretations of what is required.
This course covers all aspects of a Director’s prep in film and television and is suitable for Directors moving from short film into TV / feature film, moving from commercials / documentaries into drama or those who want to maximise time and budget to create impactful shorts.
The course includes weekly in-class exercises to hone your creative, practical and communication skills and develop your ability to provide quick, actionable solutions to inevitable production challenges.
You are welcome to bring questions about your current projects.
This course is delivered by film and television director Laura Jai Smith. She’s directed over thirty episodes of television drama for the BBC and CHANNEL 4. She is developing feature films with the BFI among others. Her short films- funded by the BFI and CHANNEL 4 and supported by the SOUTH AUSTRALIAN FILM CORPORATION- have screened worldwide at festivals, cinemas and on television. She is a graduate of the NFTS.
The course begins with analysing different creative visions - looking at the budget / schedule implications behind creating what’s on screen.
It follows the order of Directors prep - starting with casting, ending with the pre-shoot recces and production meetings - in order to unpack the Directors role as storyteller, leader, communicator and problem solver.
It looks at how to respond creatively to inevitable production challenges, including some of the specific challenges around directing stunts.
It looks at what Producers and other departments want from you - things they will often expect you to provide without being asked.
There will be weekly in-class exercises (including floor planning and shot lists) to develop your creative vision, professional communication skills and ability to deal quickly and practically with last minute changes.
The course will be interactive and supportive.
You are welcome to bring questions about your own projects.
Suitable for Directors moving from short film into TV / feature film, moving from commercials / documentaries into drama or those who want to maximise time and budget to create impactful shorts.
Please fill in the application form, attaching your CV.
If you need any assistance please contact us at shortcourses@nfts.co.uk or call us on 01494 677 903