Top 10 Best Classes for Film Directing

Of all the aspects of filmmaking, directing involves the most moving parts, from creating the perfect shot to navigating the often complex interpersonal relationships between actors and other creatives involved in your project. And, of course, there are finances to consider, not only budgeting for the film itself but also pitching your film so that it can be seen in the first place. Whether you are a veteran film director or someone completely new to the process, these classes can provide you with the tools necessary to bring your artistic vision to life:

Masterclass: Ron Howard Teaches Directing

In this course, Ron Howard, an Oscar-winning director, takes you on a journey through his process of creating a film, beginning with the script selection and going through editing and scoring. His work provides insights that apply whether you are a beginning filmmaker or a veteran of the craft, whether you have a laptop or a movie theatre, so you can bring your dream to the big screen.

An annual membership for Masterclass is $180. The subscription provides access to all of their classes, including Sessions, which allows you to create projects and receive feedback from peers and Teaching Assistants.

Check it out here.

MasterClass: Mira Nair Teaches Independent Filmmaking

Mira Nair knows how to use limited resources to create a lasting impact. She goes through how to collaborate with people at all levels of the filmmaking process, from actors to cinematographers. Acknowledging that independent filmmaking can be difficult and discouraging, she shows that unique, complex, and authentic storytelling in film is possible. 

An annual membership for Masterclass is $180. This subscription provides access to all of their classes, including Sessions, which allows you to create projects and receive feedback from peers and Teaching Assistants.

Check it out here.

Visual Storytelling Secrets for Directors

This class explores the most important and often overlooked aspect of filmmaking: visual storytelling. This course takes you through how tiny details, such as blocking and color, can set the mood for your story and create a cohesive narrative. In this class, you will learn how to put into practice that timeless principle of filmmaking, “Show, don’t tell.” 

This class is free and includes free templates.

Check it out here.

Hollywood Film School: Filmmaking and TV Directing Masterclass

Often, the most challenging aspect of a project is the technical side. In this course, you will learn how effectively use the camera to tell a compelling story. It covers the effects that various types of shots produce on an audience and how different types of camera lenses create these shots. Possessing a robust understanding of cinematography, the prospective director will gain the ability to create a compelling story. 

This course costs $109.99.

Check it out here.

Filmmaking in a Box: Indie Feature Film Masterclass

In 2009, Jamie Neese created a movie on a budget of $100,000 called 2 Million Stupid Women. In this course, people from every level of filmmaking, from the cinematography to the producers, discuss their behind-the-scenes experiences creating the film, providing students with insight into funding, contracts, budgets, casting, and more. This class is perfect for anyone wanting to create a high quality on a small budget. 

This course costs $99.99.

Check it out here.

Indie Filmmaking Masterclass: Directing

Director Jozua Malherbe works to place the role of the director within the broader filmmaking process, covering topics like script selection to post-production. He also discusses how to successfully navigate the budget and crew of the film and effectively market your work after its completion. You will also have the chance to work on a project. 

This course is free, although you must create an account with Skillshare.

Check it out here.

The Director’s Journey with Elissa Down

Led by award-winning director Elissa Down, this course seeks to help bring your film vision to life. It not only covers the technical aspects of directing, but it also deals with its practical side, such as pitching your project and collaborating with your creative team. Because it is a live course, you will have the opportunity to receive live feedback on your work and interact with other aspiring directors. However, this course is intermediate, so previous knowledge of directing and filmmaking is necessary.

Check it out here.

Movie Directing Made Simple: How to Direct Movies

With no prior experience required, this course helps you see your role as the director within the larger context of filmmaking, taking you through the procedures of pre- and post-production. It also takes you through the day-to-day life of a director and the expectations that come from it. If you are someone who has ever said, “I could do that movie better!” then this course is for you. 

This course costs $84.99.

Check it out here.

Micro-Budget Filmmaking: Directing

This course delivers conclusive proof that creativity does not have to be limited by budget. It gives tips not only on how to direct the film but also on how to step into other positions like acting, editing, and cinematography. Making a short or feature film on a limited budget may be difficult, but it will ultimately make you a better and more effective director and collaborator. 

This course is free, although you must create an account with Skillshare.

Check it out here.

Filmmaking: Write, Direct, and Distribute Your Feature Film

With one student describing him as the “Bob Ross of filmmaking” Paul Bright takes you on a journey through every aspect of filmmaking imaginable, from screenwriting to film editing. By gaining an in-depth look into the wide range of skills necessary to create a film, you will become a more competent director and grow in your ability to collaborate with the other creatives involved in the filmmaking process. 

The course costs $29, and this purchase comes with a lifetime to this course and others like it.

Check it out here.

Directing can be an incredibly frustrating yet rewarding experience, and even with a limited budget and equipment, the possibilities for great storytelling are only constrained by your imagination. With passion and a few helpful tips given by these classes, you will be well on the way to bringing your story to life. 

Good luck on your writing journey, and may the Creator of all stories be with you!