DIR 611 and 612: Advanced Directing Workshop — Techniques in Directing for Film and TV
FIRST AND SECOND TERMS
4 CREDIT HOURS TOTAL

Through analysis of, and exercises utilizing two unproduced feature screenplays of contrasting genre the Fellows explore all elements of directing craft. The following are examined as they relate to successful script to screen execution: script breakdown, story and structure, visual and aural storytelling, character breakdown, casting, locations, sets, props, costume and wardrobe, cinematography, staging, stunts and F/X, scheduling, music and post.

DIR 615: The Rehearsal Process Lab
FIRST TERM
1 CREDIT HOUR
ELECTIVE

In this hands-on lab with talent, Directors learn to conceptualize and execute carbonated, effective rehearsals with their specific performance objectives in mind. The Rehearsal Process Lab is tailored and integral to Thesis class work and filmmaking, and to future feature films & television projects. Focusing on movement, actors’ intentions, transitions within scenes, and abstracting character’s relationships into exercises, Directors hone rehearsals to meet the requirements of their clarity of vision, and artistic growth. Advancing technically and craft-wise throughout the course, Fellows run rehearsals that realize material to its highest, most specific potential.

DIR 621 and 622: Advanced Art and Craft of Directing —Soundstage
FIRST AND SECOND TERM
4 CREDIT HOURS TOTAL

This seminar presents a variety of topics relating to specialized aspects of directing, directorial process, directing collaborators, directorial conventions, visual storytelling preparation and other advanced techniques and tools of the art and craft of directing.

DIR 623/ 624: Improvisation as a Tool of Directing Craft
FIRST OR SECOND TERM
2 CREDIT HOURS

Improvisation is not just for comedy! In DIR 623/ 624: Improvisation as a Tool of Directing Craft, Fellows will learn and apply the basics of improvisation, which they can then apply to their directing and writing.  The techniques explored will help bring scenes alive, and improve communication skills when dealing with actors, crew, and collaborators.  Fellows will also participate in exercises focusing on improving existing scripts as well as writing new material.

DIR 631: Advanced Casting Workshop
FIRST TERM
1 CREDIT HOUR
ELECTIVE

An examination of the process of choosing a casting director, analyzing roles to create a breakdown, searching for the talent, auditioning, and attracting actors to a project.

DIR 661/662: Scene by Scene: The Math Behind a Good Story, Well Told
FIRST OR SECOND TERM
1 CREDIT HOUR
ELECTIVE

An examination of classical, minimalist, and anti-structure script models, exploring the connective tissue of dramatic narrative in film by studying examples of the contrasting approaches seen in a curated range of critically and commercially successful movies.

DIR 670: Internship Practicum
ANY TERM
1–3 CREDIT HOUR(S)
ELECTIVE

The objective of this course is to provide working experience in the film/TV industry as it pertains specifically to the Fellow’s degree/certificate requirements. Specific duties and requirements will be outlined and supervised by the faculty mentor. This internship qualifies an international Fellow for Curriculum Practical Training; approval must be obtained by the international advisor, as well as the faculty mentor prior to enrolling in the course.

DIR 690: Thesis Portfolio — Directing
8 CREDIT HOURS TOTAL

Through the pre-production presentation of thesis projects by the individual Director together with their team, and through the subsequent screening of the Director’s cut, the Fellows examine the criteria for understanding the nature of the screenplay and every aspect of the Director’s craft. Topics covered include genre, tone, premise, theme, and the Director’s creative and personal connections to the material, as well as the dynamics of narrative and drama both within each scene or sequence and across the canvas of the story. These topics are related to the crafts of production design, cinematography and editing as they pertain to a successful realization of the specific project.

CON 621 and 622: World Approaches to Film
FIRST AND SECOND TERMS
2 CREDIT HOURS TOTAL

A non-American narrative, live-action screening series of classic and contemporary feature and short films, highlighting the work of each discipline in order to explore the aesthetic, cultural, historical and social phenomenon of the motion picture arts.

CON 631 and 632: HLMS (Harold Lloyd Master Seminar)/ Seminar Series
FIRST AND SECOND TERMS
2 CREDIT HOURS TOTAL

This second-year seminar features a series of screenings and interviews with leading figures from all aspects of the motion picture, television and digital media arts. The seminars provide Fellows with a broad and varied perspective on contemporary stories being told, directly from the artists creating them