SMC Independent Studies (Directing)

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  • This course is open for weeks
  • 29 lesson series
  • 10 hours, 46 minutes of video

$

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The lessons

  • Setting Up Your Camera

    This quick-start tutorial will help you set-up the basic settings of your camera.
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  • Basic Shooting Techniques

    Once your camera has been set-up, you're now ready to shoot on set. This lesson guides you through the camera settings you'll use to get each shot.
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  • Basic Framing Techniques

    Learn the basics of how to frame your shots for professional results.
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  • Basic Audio Techniques

    This quick-start guide will help you configure your camera to record high-quality audio on set.
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  • Basic Production Techniques

    Learn the basics of on-set production and get the quality footage you want on set.
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  • Analyzing Character

    In this module, you will learn directing techniques to help actors determine the subtext, intent, and back story of their characters. Develop your directing skills and help your actors portray honest, memorable characters.
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  • Rehearsing Actors

    Learn how to structure rehearsals, how to conduct a table read, and what the responsibilities are of the director and actors during the rehearsal process.
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  • Rehearsal Exercises

    Learn valuable techniques from working Hollywood directors to get to the heart of the actors’ performance, learn rehearsal techniques from developing the character to overcoming mental blocks on the set.
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  • The Language of Directing Actors

    Learn from Hollywood actors and directors on how to approach and work effectively with actors on set, how to deal with problematic actors, and how to communicate in the actor’s language.
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  • Acting in a Changing Industry

    Renowned actor, instructor, and author, Michael Laskin gives actors advice on how to survive in the ever-changing Hollywood industry.
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  • Acting Techniques

    Learn the various types of acting techniques - from Stanislavsky to Chekov.
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  • Acting Techniques For the Screen

    Renowned actor, instructor, and author, Michael Laskin gives brilliant advice on performing on camera.
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  • Directing Actors on Set

    Learn what to say to an actor at the beginning of every scene – 30 seconds before you call action and 30 seconds after you call cut, learn how to rehearse on set, establish strong blocking, and how to help actors balance their performance with the technicalities of film production.
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  • Directing Mistakes

    Learn to identify common directing problems and how to fix them to ensure you get the best performance on set possible.
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  • Directing Extras

    Learn how to find extras, the right way to direct them, how to cheat them on set, liability concerns and how to avoid them, logistics on the shooting day, and the most common problems filmmakers encounter when working with extras
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  • A Director's Prep - Beginning the Project

    Learn how to begin the directing process, read the script for the first time, best prepare long before you even set foot on set, and how to breakdown the script for character and story.
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  • How to Shoot a Scene

    Learn the process of how to shoot a scene: blocking, light, rehearse, tweak, and shoot.
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  • How to Direct a Scene

    Learn how to direct a scene from blocking the actors to choosing the camera angles.
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  • Blocking Actors

    Learn how to block the actors, what story cues to look for, how to drive the blocking emotionally, and how to work with the actors to get the best physical performance possible.
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  • Basic Coverage

    Learn the basic template for shooting the action in a scene - the master, coverage, inserts and cat-in-the-window shots, learn how to vary shot size to increase coverage, break the standard, plan for the edit, and ensure you get the coverage you need.
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  • Advanced Coverage

    Learn how to craft a oner, create a psychological impact for each shot, create compelling establishing shots, manipulate the pacing and rhythm of a scene, determine the opening visual, and enhance transitions from one scene to the next.  
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  • Directing a Chase Scene

    Television director Gil Bettman shows you how to direct a dynamic, exciting chase scene on a low budget.
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  • Storyboards and Pre-Visualization

    Learn how to work with a storyboard artist, use pre-visualization software, know how detailed storyboards should be, creative restrictions to be aware of, how to create storyboards even if you can't draw, and when to use animatics.
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  • Creating a Shotlist

    Learn how to create a shot list, location requirements, how to decide your shots, the elements in a shotlist, how the shot lists are used to schedule and budget a film, and to prepare for days when you go over schedule or over budget.
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  • How to Create Invisible Camera Moves

    Veteran Director Gil Bettman reveals inside-industry techniques for creating dynamic, yet invisible camera moves that engage the audience.
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  • Continuity and Script Notes

    Learn how the script supervisor tracks continuity and how to create a continuity notebook.
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  • Working with the Military

    Learn how to approach the National Guard, work with the US military, the types of resources the military can provide, and how to work with reenacters.
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  • Reality Show Interview Techniques

    Learn interview techniques on reality TV shows from veteran realty producer, Troy DeVolld.
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  • The Visual Story

    Learn how to use visual elements of shape, space, line, color, rhythm, movement and tone to frame the story.
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