This 4 week class will explore the craft and process of directing for scripted drama television. Learn the creative and practical aspects of directing a television episode, from getting the gig, to analyzing the script you’re slated to shoot, guiding you through prep, the shoot, and pot-production. Hand-outs include a script, shooting schedule, concept art, prep memo, one-liner, call sheet, and director cut continuity. 

Sunday Jan. 12th - Feb. 9th 2025

10:30am-12:30pm

SYLLABUS

WEEK ONE - THE JOB 

The responsibilities of a tv director 

• Analyzing the script

• Prepping the episode

• Shooting the show

• Staying on budget and on time

• Editing your director’s cut

Getting the gig

• Prior film or short film

• Agent or manager

• Watching episodes

• Relationship with studio or network

• Relationship with showrunner

• Meetings and more meetings

Analyzing the script

• Reading and rereading

• Flagging any major story concerns

• Understanding character motivations

• Brainstorming ideas

• Prepare your questions

WEEK TWO - PREP

Day One

• Meeting your team

• Bonding with your 1st AD

• The concept meeting

• The art of listening

• The art of asking questions

• Sharing vague ideas

Meet the showrunner

• A quick hello

• Showering compliments

• Asking creative questions

• Understanding expectations

Prep meetings

• Concept

• First tone, second tone

• Art department

• Wardbrobe

• Stunts

• VFX

• SFX

The location scout

• Bonding with department heads

• Keep an open mind 

• Don’t be rushed

• Don’t settle

Spend time on each set

• Alone and with 1st AD

• Come up with blocking and shot ideas

• What’s the best angle? 

• What hasn’t been shot before?

Shot-listing

• Fun time, alone time

• Matching style of show

• Coverage is key. Master, medium, close-up - at least.

• Complicated means time. Budget accordingly.

• Storyboarding doesn’t need an art degree

Meet the series regulars

• Five minute meet and greets

• Compliments are your best friend

• Prepare them for intimacy or stunts

Meet the DP

• Your biggest ally

• Take them to lunch or dinner

• Pick their brain. They know the visual approach better than anyone. 

• Go over any tricky shot ideas 

Agreeing to a board you can shoot

• Trust your 1st AD but trust yourself more

• How long does the scene take to shoot? 

Dealing with script changes

• Nothing is set in stone

• Prepare to pivot

• No shot is preciou

WEEK THREE - THE SHOOT

Get to set early everyday

• Time alone is time to go over your plan

• Learn every crew member’s first name

• Positive aura with everything you do

• Thank you’s are your best friend

• Give shot-list to 1st AD, DP and script supervisor

• Speech on day one expressing your gratitude and excitement

Blocking the scene

• Have actors read it through once

• Express your blocking plan in a vague way, let actors create

• Stand where you think the camera will be

• Explain your plan in more detail, adjust accordingly

• Listen to their issues

• Explain WHY you want it your way

• Compromise if need be. You’re here to collaborate. 

Patience while lighting

• Play music? Depends on vibe

• Get to know script supervisor and other crew

• Never leave set except to go to bathroom

• Be near monitor to respond to DP framing questions

Giving notes to actors

• Short, succinct and specific. Don’t over-explain.

• Actors like external behavior notes. Avoid adjectives if possible

• Compliment but don’t over-compliment when it’s not good

• Every actor is different. Learn what they like. 

• Three, four takes max, unless there’s a big issue

Take a nap at lunch if you can

• Your trailer is your sanctuary

• Unwind time is vital

End of every day

• Thank everyone on set. Even the P.A. 

• Order coffee truck one day to show gratitude

• Make speech on last day expressing your love

WEEK FOUR - POST PRODUCTION

Take time off right after shoot

• Try not to think about shoot

• Don’t watch the show

• Clear your mind to keep it fresh

The editor’s cut

• Be complimentary

• Keep an open mind

• Be open to new ideas

• They often know the show better than you

Working with your editor

• You’re in charge. It’s your episode

• Disagreeing is okay. 

• Don’t worry about hurting feelings

• Never snap or clap suggesting a cut

• Music ideas? Use them. Talk to music supervisor if song is realistic. 

• Treat editor and post staff to coffee

Emails to crew and cast

• After seeing cut, compliment those who deserve it

• Keep spreading positivity

You did it! Congratulations!