Bring Your Stories to Life on Screen
Transform your creative vision into compelling narrative films through hands-on directing experience and personalized guidance
Back to HomeYour Journey to Confident Filmmaking
This twelve-week program helps you develop the skills and confidence to direct compelling narrative films. You'll learn to communicate your vision clearly, work effectively with actors and crew, and craft scenes that resonate with audiences.
Technical Mastery
Develop a solid understanding of shot composition, blocking, camera movement, and visual language that serves your story.
Actor Direction
Learn to communicate with actors effectively, create a supportive environment, and guide performances that bring emotional truth to your scenes.
Portfolio Development
Complete the program with finished short films that showcase your directorial vision and technical abilities to potential collaborators.
We Understand the Challenges You Face
Many aspiring directors struggle with turning their creative ideas into realized films. You might have powerful stories you want to tell but feel uncertain about the technical and interpersonal skills needed to bring them to the screen.
Translating Vision to Screen
You know what you want your scenes to feel like, but expressing that vision through camera angles, lighting, and performance can feel overwhelming without guidance and practice.
Working with Actors
Directing performances requires more than technical knowledge. It takes confidence, communication skills, and the ability to create an environment where actors can do their best work.
Making Confident Decisions
On set, you need to make quick decisions about coverage, performance, and visual approach. This confidence comes from experience and understanding the fundamentals thoroughly.
A Practical Approach to Learning Direction
Our Film Directing Fundamentals course takes you from conceptual understanding to practical application. You'll work on actual scenes with actors, learning to solve real directing challenges while developing your unique voice.
Script Analysis & Pre-Production
Learn to break down scripts effectively, identify key moments, and develop a shot list that serves your story. You'll practice storyboarding and creating visual references that communicate your vision to your crew.
- Scene breakdown and beat analysis
- Visual reference gathering and mood boards
- Shot listing and coverage planning
Visual Language & Composition
Understand how shot size, camera angle, movement, and composition affect the emotional impact of your scenes. You'll practice making intentional choices that support your storytelling.
- Framing and composition principles
- Camera movement and blocking techniques
- Continuity and coverage strategies
Performance Direction
Work with actors in supervised workshops where you'll learn to communicate effectively, create trust, and guide performances. These sessions give you practice in a supportive environment.
- Actor communication techniques
- Rehearsal and adjustment methods
- Creating a collaborative atmosphere
Production & Post-Production
Direct complete short films from preparation through final cut. You'll learn to work with cinematographers, manage on-set time, and collaborate with editors to realize your vision.
- On-set workflow and time management
- Collaboration with cinematographers
- Editing principles and final cut decisions
What Your Learning Journey Looks Like
Over twelve weeks, you'll progress from foundational concepts to directing complete scenes. The program combines classroom instruction, hands-on exercises, and actual film production in a supportive environment.
Weeks 1-3: Foundation Building
You'll start by understanding visual language fundamentals, studying how shot selection and composition affect storytelling. Through exercises and analysis of existing films, you'll develop your eye for what makes scenes work visually and emotionally.
Weeks 4-6: Working with Actors
In supervised actor workshops, you'll practice directing performances on simple scenes. These sessions focus on communication, creating trust, and helping actors find authentic moments. You'll receive feedback from both instructors and peers in a constructive environment.
Weeks 7-9: Scene Production
You'll direct dialogue scenes and action sequences with full crew support. This is where you put together everything you've learned about coverage, blocking, performance direction, and working with a cinematographer. Each shoot includes pre-production planning and post-shoot review.
Weeks 10-12: Final Project
Your final project is a complete short film that you'll direct from script analysis through final edit. You'll work with actors, crew, and post-production collaborators while receiving guidance from instructors. This finished piece becomes part of your portfolio.
Ongoing Support Throughout
Small class sizes mean you receive individual attention from instructors who are working professionals. You'll have regular one-on-one sessions to discuss your progress, address challenges, and develop your unique directorial voice.
Classes meet twice weekly for three-hour sessions, with additional scheduled production days for shoots. The evening and weekend schedule accommodates those with work commitments.
Investment in Your Creative Future
The Film Directing Fundamentals course represents an investment in developing skills that will serve you throughout your filmmaking career. The cost covers instruction, equipment access, actor workshops, and production support for your projects.
Film Directing Fundamentals
Twelve-week intensive program
One-time payment
What's Included
Note: Payment plans may be available. Contact us to discuss options that work with your situation.
This investment covers comprehensive training in narrative film direction, providing you with practical experience and finished work that demonstrates your capabilities to future collaborators and employers.
How We Measure Progress
Your development as a director happens through consistent practice and feedback. We track your progress through concrete milestones and provide regular assessment to help you understand your growth.
Practical Application
You'll direct multiple scenes throughout the course, each building on previous skills. Instructors evaluate your shot selection, actor direction, technical understanding, and creative choices. This hands-on work shows clear progression in your abilities.
- Weekly directing exercises with feedback
- Mid-program scene completion and review
- Final short film screening and assessment
Skill Development Timeline
Most students notice increased confidence in their directing choices by the midpoint of the program. By completion, you'll have a portfolio of work and the foundation to continue developing your craft independently.
- Technical proficiency in coverage and composition
- Comfort communicating with actors and crew
- Ability to plan and execute complete scenes
Realistic Expectations
Twelve weeks provides a solid foundation in directing fundamentals, but becoming an accomplished director is an ongoing journey. This course gives you the core skills and confidence to continue developing through your own projects and further experience.
Your finished work from the course demonstrates your current abilities and provides a starting point for building your portfolio. Many students continue refining their craft through independent projects, collaborations, and additional training as they pursue their filmmaking goals.
Learn with Confidence
We want you to feel comfortable with your decision to join our program. Here's what you can expect from us as you consider taking this step.
Consultation Available
Before enrolling, you're welcome to discuss the program with our instructors. We can answer questions about the curriculum, your goals, and whether this course aligns with what you're looking to achieve.
Clear Expectations
We'll be straightforward about what the program involves, including time commitment, skill requirements, and realistic outcomes. You'll know what you're committing to before you enroll.
Supportive Environment
If challenges arise during the program, we'll work with you to address them. Our goal is your development as a director, and we're committed to supporting your learning throughout the course.
Questions Before Enrolling?
We understand that committing to film education is a significant decision. Take the time you need to consider whether this program fits your goals and situation. We're happy to provide information and answer any questions you might have.
Get in TouchHow to Get Started
Beginning your journey in film directing is simpler than you might think. Here's what happens next.
Send Us Your Information
Fill out the contact form with your details and let us know you're interested in the Film Directing Fundamentals course. Mention any specific questions or concerns you have about the program.
Have a Conversation
We'll schedule a time to discuss your filmmaking aspirations and how our program might help you achieve them. This consultation gives you a chance to ask questions and get a feel for our approach to teaching.
Enroll When Ready
If the program feels like the right fit, we'll guide you through the enrollment process and provide all the information you need to prepare for your first session. You'll receive a welcome packet with course details and what to expect.
Our next session begins in early December 2025. Enrollment is limited to maintain our small class size and ensure individual attention for each student.
Your Stories Deserve to Be Told
If you've been thinking about developing your skills as a narrative film director, this program offers practical training in a supportive environment. Whether you're starting out or looking to strengthen your foundation, we'd be glad to discuss how our course might support your creative journey.
Start the ConversationQuestions about the program? Reach out anytime at info@senvarialantern.com or call +81-26-598-8633
Explore Our Other Courses
Interested in a different aspect of filmmaking? We offer specialized programs in documentary production and film production management.
Documentary Production
Create impactful non-fiction films from research through distribution. Learn interview techniques, observational filming, and documentary storytelling.
Film Production Management
Organize and manage professional film productions. Master budgeting, scheduling, crew management, and the logistics of bringing projects to completion.