Workshops
Go deep into the art of directing in this four-week intensive, guided by directors whose credits include HOMELAND, FARGO, FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS, THE AFFAIR, SHAMELESS and more.
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SAVE over $1,000: This intensive includes a 10% discount on all bundled workshops. Enroll today to take advantage of this promotional offer.
To realize their vision, a director must intimately understand not only the key creative and practical dynamics of their job – but also the roles of their closest collaborators. This extraordinary intensive offers a package of classes to equip the complete director. Each workshop is led by an accomplished working professional who will provide a uniquely qualified real-world perspective on the realities of the craft, the art and business of filmmaking, and the dynamics of working in collaboration.
Please note: Each of these workshops can also be taken individually if you are looking to take a specific class. Please contact Registration for information on room & board fees for intensives at registrar@mainemedia.edu.
Why Take Filmmaking Workshops At Maine Media
For five decades, Maine Media has trained artists to be on the cutting edge of their mediums. When you access our uniquely intensive and immersive programs, you’ll have the opportunity to take a deep dive into cinematography, directing, documentary, screenwriting, performing, audio, editing, and post-production under the intimate direction of accomplished professionals.
Maine Media students have gone on to win Oscars and Emmys for directing game-changing films and shows like Birdman, The Revenant, Game of Thrones, Breaking Bad, The Walking Dead, Westworld, American Horror Story, and Better Call Saul. Their cinematography credits include Avatar: The Way of Water, Titanic, Wolf of Wall Street, House of Cards, The Irishman, and music videos for artists like Taylor Swift, Michael Jackson, Beyoncé, and Billie Eilish. At just one recent Academy Awards, our alumni won Oscars for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Screenplay, and Best Documentary Feature. In fact, Alejandro G. Iñárritu joined the annals of Oscar history by winning Best Director two years in a row!
Our list of Distinguished Alumni attests to how Maine Media has equipped filmmakers to realize their dreams.
Please note: An hour-long training session on Set Etiquette and Safety will be required of anyone registered for a workshop that involves production. Students only need to participate in this session once during their time on campus.
4-Week Directing Intensive (Jun 22-July 17, 2026)
Week 1: The Director's Craft | Karen Moncrieff
In the first week of the intensive, students are introduced to the primary responsibilities of the film director. With the guidance of an accomplished director, students explore and develop effective ways to lead, inspire, manage and direct the cast and crew’s creative energies in order to realize the directorial vision. You will explore and practice casting, and rehearsal techniques, as well as script and scene analysis. Discover how to constructively communicate with your collaborators and break through the obstacles that keep you from being the most effective director and visual storyteller that you can be.
Week 2: Directing Actors for the Camera | Karen Moncrieff
In week two, learn the language that leads to effective performances. Guided by accomplished director Karen Moncrieff (13 REASONS WHY, SIX FEET UNDER), this workshop will focus on scene analysis, exercises, and techniques to take directors deeply into the dynamics of directing actors. What does an actor need from a director in order to deliver the best performance? How do directors and actors embrace the freedom to risk that can lead to breakthroughs? Preparation sets the stage for compelling and inspired work. Throughout the week, students explore and rehearse scenes with a team of professional actors.
Week 3 & 4: 2-Week Directing Master Class (Sponsored by Zeiss) | Jeffrey Reiner
Spend two weeks with one of today’s most accomplished directors. In weeks three and four of the intensive, get an intimate view into the process of master director Jeffrey Reiner (HOMELAND, FARGO, FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS, DIRTY JOHN, THE AFFAIR), get an intimate view of his process, and transform the way you look at directing. The class will examine the planning, casting, shooting, and editing of scenes and sequences from the instructor’s acclaimed body of work, learning how to think outside of the box and identify the elements that can amplify a scene’s power in bold and unexpected ways. Then you will observe as this director prepares to shoot a scene, collaborates with his cinematographer, and rehearses with professional actors. In the second week, students will have the opportunity to direct their own scenes with the instructor’s guidance. A professional cinematographer and a team of professional actors will support the class. Students will explore the dynamics and nuances of scene coverage and point-of-view, the motivation behind camera moves, and be guided by Allen on how to communicate with cast and crew to get the most out of each. These two weeks will transform your understanding of the director’s art and craft.
