2 Sessions: Friday, May 17, 6:30-9:00 pm [virtual] & Saturday, May 18, 10:00 am-5:00 pm [in-person]

One of the most prominent positions in filmmaking, the director is the nexus of all creative decisions made during the creation of any feature film, television series, short, or documentary. Although every director relies on core tools, the expectations and challenges facing them vary greatly between projects and formats.

Whether you’re just starting out or an established director, someone working in narrative filmmaking with an interest in documentaries, or vice versa, this workshop opens up the art and craft of directing to novices and experts alike. Outlining the real-world tools and expectations of the professional director, participants discover and hone new skills in directing feature films, television/serialized programming, documentaries, new media, and more.

From blocking to collaboration, visual storytelling, working with actors, unions, and strengthening one’s voice, this workshop will prepare each student to tackle any directing situation – whether it’s your first short or a studio feature. Familiarity with production (narrative, documentary, or new media) recommended, but not required.

Topics include:

• Directing: History, Tools, and Techniques
• Approaches to Casting and Rehearsals
• Blocking and Lighting
• Costumes and Props
• Collaborating with Crew and Supporting their Success
• Filming Fights and Stunts
• On-Set Procedures: Union vs. Non-Union
• Director’s Role in Post-production
• Directing Feature Films: Studio and Independents
• Directing Television and Serialized Programs
• Directing Documentaries and Reality Programming
• Directing VR, New Media, and Streaming Content
• Finding and Marketing Your Voice
• Representation, Agents, Managers, and Lawyers
• Directors Guild of America and the Professional Field

NOTE: The Friday evening session meets virtually on Zoom. The meeting link will be emailed to students a few days prior. The Saturday session meets in-person at FilmNorth, 550 Vandalia Street, Suite 120, Saint Paul, MN 55114. FilmNorth is following CDC’s current COVID-19 variant guidance for Ramsey County:

• People may choose to mask at any time. Masks are recommended for those who are unvaccinated, immunocompromised, or at high-risk for complications associated with COVID-19 variants.
• People with any COVID-19 symptoms, a positive test, or exposure to someone with COVID-19 should stay home.

Tuition: $230 regular | $185 member | $150 low-income

Minneapolis based writer/director Jake Yuzna has been professionally directing feature films, television, commercials, and new media projects for over fifteen years. Their films have screened at the Cannes Film Festival, Berlin Film Festival, London Film Festival, New Museum of Contemporary Art, Walker Art Center, and the British Film Institute, among others. Yuzna is the first American feature director to win the Teddy Jury Prize at the Berlin Film Festival. In addition, they received additional grants and awards from the National Endowment for the Arts, Creative Capital Foundation, Frameline Foundation, McKnight Foundation, IFP, and FilmNorth, as well as being recognized by the American Film Institute with the Richard P. Rogers Spirit of Excellence Award in Directing. Yuzna has also directed projects for a range of clients including SONY USA, Adobe, L’Oréal, and the Standard Hotel Group.

Class Registration Guidelines & Cancellation Policy

• Space is assigned on a first-come basis. Registrations must include payment in full. Registrations are accepted after registration deadlines if space is available.
• If minimum enrollment has not been reached by 7 days prior to the start date of a class, FilmNorth may cancel it, in which case registrants will immediately be notified and receive a full refund within 2 business days. A check will be issued for registrations that were paid in cash. In lieu of a refund, students have the option of applying their tuition to another class scheduled in the same calendar year.
• For those needing to cancel a registration at least 7 days prior to the first class session, 100% of the tuition will be refunded minus a $25 administrative fee. For registration cancellations received less than 7 days prior to the first class session, 50% of the tuition will be refunded minus a $25 administrative fee. As of 5:00 pm the day prior to the first class session, no refunds or credits/exchanges will be given (Friday at 5:00 pm for Sunday classes). 
• Tuition is not prorated for missed class sessions.
• By registering for this FilmNorth class you are agreeing to our Community Values Statement.