DIR 5131, 5142 and 5143: Story and Storytelling for the Director – An Exploration Through
Cycle Film Analysis
FALL AND SPRING TERMS
3 CREDIT HOURS TOTAL
REQUIRED
Through critical analysis of in-progress Director’s cuts of cycle films, Directing Fellows examine all elements of directing craft and visual language as they relate to storytelling. The Director’s incorporation of the following is explored: narrative design and structure, performance, visual storytelling, mise-en-scene, narrative point of view, editing and collaboration, with a view to developing a working sense of the Director’s skill set.
DIR 516: Director’s Craft II: Voice Through Genre
FALL TERM
1 CREDIT HOUR
REQUIRED
This course centers on the cinematic storytelling techniques of genre and comedy film and television. Through lectures that analyze compelling scene work, discussion of craft, guest presentations and a directing filmed homework assignment, directors learn to advance the what, how and the thematic why of genre and comedy directing.
Each director will leave this course with a much firmer understanding and grasp of genre conventions, cinematic techniques and a comfort with directing outside of the genres and styles that they most often work in.
DIR 535 and 534: Directing Actors I & II
FALL AND SPRING TERMS
3 CREDIT HOURS TOTAL
REQUIRED
A hands-on course in which Directors learn different acting techniques and how to prep and workshop scenes as actors. Using their own instruments (body and voice) as actors, Directors learn to differentiate between the preparation of an actor and a director, gain knowledge of how an actor rehearses and works on set, and become intimate with how an actor approaches material, inhabits characters and shares in the communication of theme. As the course progresses, Directors advance their craft by moving back into a directorial role – applying the class exercises and their experience of acting fundamentals to create and put up dynamic and character-rich scenes.
DIR537: Director’s Craft I: Visual Storytelling and Blocking
FALL TERM
1 CREDIT HOUR
REQUIRED
This course is focused on the craft of cinematic storytelling. Through a series of lectures – and by completing three directing exercises – directors will learn how to translate the text (and, more importantly, the subtext) of a screenplay into an emotionally engaging cinematic experience. With each exercise, we will investigate the rationale for each of the shots, movements and edits you have chosen. No decision should be arbitrary. Ultimately, each director will leave this course with a much firmer grasp on their strengths – and weaknesses – as a cinematic storyteller.
DIR 5571, 5582, and 5583: Director’s Prep
FALL AND SPRING TERMS
3 CREDIT HOURS TOTAL
REQUIRED
This course offers one-on-one mentorship designed to give each Fellow an opportunity to receive project specific mentorship and feedback on their cycle films. There are two mentor meetings per cycle film. The first mentorship meeting will focus on script analysis and story as it is the foundation for the rest of the choices that the director will make. The second meeting considers the full range of the director’s creative choice-making, culminating an in-depth critique of their Director’s Book.
First-Year Fellow Comprehensive Review
In Directing portfolio review, Directing Fellows present their cycle projects, cycle project workbooks and a self-analysis statement. The portfolio review is conducted by the Directing Faculty through a formal interview with each Directing Fellow, which concludes with an assessment of the Fellow’s progress in the program.
