Workshops
Spend a week with master director Allen Coulter (THE SOPRANOS, BOARDWALK EMPIRE) and get an intimate view of his process.
There are no available registration dates at this time.
Note: This class will be held in a live, online format using the Zoom Platform.
Class meets Mon, Wed & Fri 1-5pm ET.
This is an extraordinary opportunity to study with one of today’s most accomplished directors. Allen Coulter has directed groundbreaking shows like THE SOPRANOS, BOARDWALK EMPIRE, SEX AND THE CITY, NURSE JACKIE, DAMAGES, and SONS OF ANARCHY.
For directors and filmmakers who want to enter into a master director’s process as he comes together with key collaborators to achieve the overall vision for a production.
The week will combine lectures, scene analysis, assigned screenings, and Allen Coulter in conversation with visiting collaborators as the class examines the planning, casting, shooting, and editing of scenes and sequences from his acclaimed body of work. Students will explore how to make the choices that bring a unique point-of-view to the direction and filming of a scene. You’ll learn how to think outside of the box and identify the elements that can amplify a scene’s power in bold and unexpected ways.
The first session will explore this director’s approach to preparing a project and analyzing scenes from his work. A master cinematographer will join the class midweek, allowing students to get an intimate view of how this director and director of photography collaborate in preparing and shooting a scene. On the final day, students will observe how the director approaches the dynamics of editing and post-production when a visiting editor joins the class and discuss their collaborative process in sharpening a scene’s focus and emotional impact.
Throughout the week there will be plenty of time for questions and discussion. You’ll explore the dynamics and nuances of scene coverage and point-of-view, the motivation behind camera moves, and how the director communicates with the cast and crew to get the most out of each. Case studies and screening of scenes and sequences from the director’s body of work will shed light on how unconventional choices can amplify dramatic impact.
The class will also examine a director’s career path and the practical realities of the industry.
The week will transform your understanding of the director’s art and craft.
REGISTRATION NOTE: As this workshop is intended for advanced or master-level students, during registration kindly submit a resume or a statement about your experience as a professional or as an advanced student. Documents may be attached to your registration or emailed to [email protected].
In addition to scenes analyzed in class, students may incur modest streaming fees to watch assigned episodes and films outside of class.
Image Credits: Tor Rolf Johansen, David Martinez
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Instructor: Allen Coulter
Allen Coulter is an American television and film director, winner of a Golden Globe and nominated for 7 Primetime Emmys and 5 DGA Awards. He is celebrated for his work on several series central to the “Golden Age of Television,” including THE SOPRANOS, SEX AND THE CITY, BOARDWALK EMPIRE, DAMAGES, NURSE JACKIE, SONS OF ANARCHY, RAY DONOVAN, HOUSE OF CARDS, and VINYL. Other credits include GET SHORTY, LAW AND ORDER, SIX FEET UNDER, THE X-FILES, RUBICON, EXTANT, and FOR ALL MANKIND. Recently he directed the pilots for SUPER PUMPED and TULSA KING. In his television work, he has collaborated with filmmakers such as David Fincher, Martin Scorsese, Steven Spielberg, and Michael Mann.
His feature films include HOLLYWOODLAND starring Adrien Brody and Ben Affleck and REMEMBER ME starring Robert Pattinson.
Coulter was raised in College Station, Texas, and after studying theatre direction at the University of Texas at Austin, moved to New York City to pursue his career in film.
