DATE: 2/7/26 - 2/28/26
TIME: 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
LOCATION: Online
INSTRUCTOR: Tiara Luten
PRICE: STANDARD REGISTRATION: $200 NON MEMBERS – Now until February 7th (Day of first event)
Save $50 if you register by January 13, 2026, 11:59 PM EST with discount code: SHORT FILMS-50
ATLFS Member discounts applied at checkout
Short Films Advanced: The Director’s Set is an immersive four-week experience designed for emerging directors ready to elevate their craft from capable to captivating. This course goes beyond lenses and lighting into the heartbeat of filmmaking—human collaboration. Over four Saturdays, filmmakers will step into the dynamic world of actor-director synergy, learning how to lead with clarity, communicate vision with confidence, and shape performances that resonate long after the credits roll. Through scene work, hands-on coaching, and real-time feedback, students will explore advanced directing techniques that professional sets rely on—from emotional safety to artistic risk-taking.
This isn’t just about shooting a project—it's about commanding a set with presence, purpose, and precision. Participants will rehearse like seasoned pros as they navigate blocking, pacing, set hierarchy, and live problem-solving under time pressure. By the end of the program, students will hold a new level of command over their creative process and a toolkit of industry-standard strategies to ensure every shoot day runs smoother, faster, and with stronger results. If you’re ready to step confidently into the director’s chair and lead your team from the first rehearsal to the final take—this advanced course was built for you.
Class 2: Rehearsal & Blocking Strategies
Preparing scenes to flow naturally on set.
The rehearsal room: building chemistry between actors
Physicality and movement: blocking for camera and story
Pacing and rhythm: finding emotional beats in a scene
Director’s toolkit: when to let actors explore vs. when to control
Mock exercise: blocking a short scripted scene with actors & camera placement
Class 4: Shooting for the Edit & Scene Coverage
Directing with post-production in mind.
Coverage essentials: master shots, over-the-shoulders, close-ups, inserts
How to anticipate editing needs while directing performances
Maintaining continuity (props, costumes, performance energy)
Directing multiple takes: when to push vs. when to move on
Wrap-up: putting it all together in a short scene shoot
Final reflections + Q&A on advanced directing practices
Class 1: Deepening Actor-Director Collaboration
Exploring the art of performance direction and communication.
Understanding actor processes (Method, Meisner, naturalism, etc.)
Table reads and script analysis for performance choices
Building trust with actors: emotional safety and creative freedom
Director’s language: giving actionable, clear notes
Exercises: directing short monologues or 2-person scenes
Class 3: On-Set Workflow & Crew Collaboration
Running a professional set with efficiency and respect.
Set hierarchy: roles of ADs, DP, Sound, and Script Supervisor
Call sheets, shot lists, and daily scheduling
How to communicate your vision to crew quickly & effectively
Time management: balancing creative exploration with staying on schedule
Troubleshooting common on-set challenges (tech failures, actor fatigue, weather, etc.)
Simulation: running a mock set with assigned crew roles
Please note that livestream webinars for this course are held on the first four Saturdays from 9 am - 10 pm during the month of February, beginning on February 7th.
Refund request must be emailed to boxoffice@atlantafilmsociety.org 7 days prior to the date of event unless specified in the event description.