| 2-Week Directing Master Class

Spend two weeks with master director Allen Coulter (THE SOPRANOS, BOARDWALK EMPIRE) and get an intimate view of his process.

This workshop can be taken individually or as part of the 2023 4-Week Directing Intensive:

Week 1: The Director's Craft (Jul 24 - 28, 2023)

Week 2: Directing Actors for the Camera (Jul 31 - Aug 4, 2023)

Week 3 & 4: Directing Master Class (Aug 7 - 11 & Aug 14 - 18)

View the Intensive

An extraordinary opportunity to spend two weeks studying 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 they examine how to shape performances and achieve the overall vision for a production.  In the second week, students will have the opportunity to direct their own scenes with the instructor’s guidance.  Students not wishing to direct scenes are also welcome to participate and lend support in their production.  A professional cinematographer and a team of professional actors will also help to support the class.

Week one begins with case studies, screenings, lectures, scene analysis, and discussion as the class examines the planning, casting, shooting, and editing of scenes and sequences from the instructor’s 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.  Then you will observe as this director prepares to shoot a scene, collaborates with his cinematographer, and rehearses with actors.  You’ll watch production of the scene and then his approach to editing it.

In week two, working with your choice of assigned material and guided by the director, you’ll arrive at an approach for a scene that you’ll cast, prep, and rehearse, then direct on video.  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.  During the editing process, you’ll examine choices that can enhance the scene’s impact. Throughout the class, there will be plenty of time for questions and discussion.

The class will also discuss a director’s career path and the practical realities of the industry.  

These two weeks will transform your understanding of the director’s art and craft.

Important registration note:

This class is limited to 15 students. In week two, up to ten master class students will direct a scene under the instructor’s guidance. An additional five students not looking to direct scenes in the second week will also be admitted. These additional students are welcome to observe, support, and participate in the dynamics of shooting these scenes in a capacity other than the director (e.g. operate the camera, assist with lighting or sound). When registering for this class, please indicate whether you are applying with a desire to direct a scene during the second week or to support the production of these scenes in a non-directing capacity.

As this workshop is intended for advanced students OR for students who have taken the first two weeks of the 4-Week Directing Intensive during registration, kindly submit a resume or a statement about your experience as a professional or as an advanced student. If you are registered in the first two weeks of the Directing Intensive, that will suffice as a prerequisite for taking this workshop.  For all others, the registration form has a field where you can attach a resume or enter a statement into the ‘comments’ field. You may also email [email protected].