Hands On Directing Masterclass Part 2 with Simon Hunter

This course follows on from the Hands On Directing Masterclass Part 1 but completion of Part 1 is not a prequisite for participation in Part 2

The Hands On Directing Masterclass Part 2 focuses on mastering visual storytelling and actor direction.

On Day One, participants explore advanced directing concepts, including composition, framing, camera movement, and the use of colour and lighting to convey emotion. The afternoon dives into genre-specific techniques where participants direct short scenes in small groups and receive feedback.

Day Two emphasises working with actors, focusing on advanced rehearsal techniques, subtext, and complex emotions.

The course culminates in participants directing multi-character scenes, with an emphasis on blocking, staging, and critique of their work.

Who should take this course?

This course is for filmmakers looking to elevate their skills, whether you’re a beginner or someone eager to fast-track your filmmaking journey. It’s ideal for anyone aiming for a career in film, promos, commercials, or TV, and wanting to create stylish, memorable work that attracts commissioned projects.

In short, it’s for those who want to move beyond the ordinary and enter the world of cutting-edge filmmaking, where distinctive style and powerful performances will help you secure your dream future.

What you’ll learn

In two words: Style and Performance.

This course blends hands-on experience, lectures, and exercises, all crafted to elevate your filmmaking skills and propel you to the next level.

Performance

Focusing on performance, this course teaches you how to maximise the on-screen presence of your actors—something you can’t afford to overlook. You’ll explore working with actors through table reads, on-set collaboration, and creating visually compelling performances. These intricate moments are key to unlocking the full potential of your production.

Style

We’ll also dive into advanced shot construction, pushing beyond basic filmmaking techniques to enhance your creative vision. Through practical sessions, you’ll learn how to bring originality and innovation to your work, mastering complex blocking and staging. By honing your unique style, you’ll set yourself apart as a filmmaker with a distinctive creative voice.

Day 1: Mastering the Craft

Morning Session: 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM

Introduction and Course Overview (10:00 AM – 10:30 AM)

• Welcome and introductions
• Course objectives and expectations
• Overview of advanced directing concepts
  

Advanced Visual Story Telling Techniques (10:30 AM – 1:00PM)

• Composition and framing
• Mastering the close up
• Camera movement and it’s emotional impact
• Use of colour and lighting for storytelling
  

Lunch Break (1:00 PM – 2:00 PM)

Afternoon Session: (2:00 PM – 5:00 PM)

Directing with style: different techniques for different genres (2:00PM – 5:00 PM)

• Techniques for different genres: drama, comedy, thriller etc
• Establishing and maintaining tone
• Adapting style to story needs
• Participants break into small groups to direct a short scene
• Feedback and discussion
  

Day 2: Bringing Performance to Life

Directing actors: advanced techniques (10:00 AM – 1:00 PM)

• Table reads
• Rehearsal
• Deepening character development
• Advanced rehearsal techniques
• Directing for subtext and complex emotions
  

Lunch Break (1:00 PM – 2:00 PM)

Blocking and staging: complex scenes (2:00 PM – 5:00 PM)

• Choreographing movement and action
• Balancing dynamic and static elements
• Techniques for multi-character scenes
• Participants break into small groups to direct a short scene
• Emphasis on incorporating advanced techniques learned
• Presentation and critique of scenes
• Group exercise: directing a complex performance
• Feedback and discussion
  

What will you achieve?

This course is designed to elevate your filmmaking skills to the next level.

Performance

You’ll gain a deep understanding of how to work with actors and bring out their best performances, even under pressure. By the end of the course, you’ll have practical techniques and strategies that will help create memorable, authentic, and stylish performances in your films.

Style

You’ll discover how to develop your own distinct style. The course will introduce various ideas and techniques that will enable you to move beyond conventional filmmaking. You’ll learn how to craft innovative, visually striking, and memorable films that set you apart from the ordinary.

About Simon Hunter

Simon Hunter is a highly accomplished director and show-runner known for his strong visual storytelling, particularly in the realms of outdoor and travel themes. His debut feature film, *LIGHTHOUSE*, a $2.5 million British thriller, garnered critical acclaim and won multiple awards at European film festivals. It was lauded by the *New York Post* for its intense suspense.

Following the success of *LIGHTHOUSE*, Simon joined the renowned London-based commercials company Infinity, where he directed high-profile commercials for major brands like British Airways, Coca Cola, and the British Heart Foundation. His ability to bring captivating visual stories to life was further demonstrated in his 2005 science fiction film *MUTANT CHRONICLES*, starring Thomas Jane, Ron Perlman, and John Malkovich.

In 2017, Simon pursued his passion project, *EDIE*, starring Sheila Hancock. The film became one of the most successful independent British films of the year, receiving numerous awards and theatrical releases worldwide.

Simon’s recent work includes the 2022 World War One love story *CAN YOU HEAR ME?*, featuring Peter Facinelli, Sir John Standing, and James Cosmo. The $5 million film is currently in post-production. In 2023, Simon expanded his expertise into television as the show-runner for *COLD MIND*, a TV series centred around a series of gruesome murders on the Portuguese Algarve. The series, currently in post-production, is set to be previewed at MIPCOM in October 2024.

Simon is represented by United Talent Agency in Los Angeles for his work in feature films and television.

Simon also teaches the Film Directors’ Foundation Certificate and the Advanced Film Directing Foundation Certificate, and in person the Hands On Directing Masterclass and the Advanced Hands On Directing Masterclass

Simon also teaches the Film Directors’ Foundation Certificate, the Advanced Film Directing Certificate, the Hands On Directing Masterclass