Develop effective ways to lead, inspire, and direct the cast and crew's energies to realize a creative vision.

There are no available registration dates at this time.

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)

Geary McLeod, ASC DGA directing an episode of Grey's Anatomy
Geary McLeod, ASC DGA directing an episode of Grey’s Anatomy

The guiding force of any narrative film is the director. This workshop is for emerging film directors interested in the craft, process, and techniques of directing. Casting, rehearsal techniques, script, storyboarding and scene analysis, camera placement, and collaboration are examined and experienced by each class member. Students explore and develop effective ways to lead, inspire, manage and direct the cast and crew’s creative energies in order to realize the director’s vision. Following lectures, exercises, and discussion of the process, participants will cast, block, rehearse, and shoot at least one short scene in this workshop. This course is specifically designed to provide an understanding of storytelling techniques and story development through actors and the camera. It addresses the major practical issues associated with narrative filmmaking.

Maine Media students learning the art of directing

Testimonials:

“Friendly atmosphere with a great educational experience.  The best!” Colby Clark, Clarks Summit, PA

“Highly recommended for any serious filmmaker” – Wei Zhou (Jason), Mountain View, CA

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.

Share This

Instructor: Geary McLeod, ASC, DGA

Geary McLeod’s directing credits include Empire, Grey’s Anatomy, NCIS: New Orleans, The Mentalist, Pretty Little Liars: The Perfectionists, Light as a Feather, The Bold Type, Dynasty, and Famous in Love. Previously a cinematographer, he brings a unique perspective to the dynamics of directing actors for the camera. His cinematography credits include Barbershop, The Mentalist, Carmen: A Hip Hopera, Dirt, City of Angels, and Mad Men. Earlier in his career he was a camera operator on films like The Deep End of the Ocean, Malcolm X, He Got Game, Money Train, Clockers, and Holes. He is a member of both the Director’s Guild of America (DGA) as well as the American Society of Cinematographers (ASC).