Our Mission
At DirectingMastery, our mission is to democratize filmmaking education, making it accessible and affordable for aspiring directors around the world. We believe that anyone with a passion for storytelling and a desire to learn should have the opportunity to master the art of directing. We strive to provide a comprehensive and engaging learning experience that empowers our students to bring their creative visions to life.
We are committed to fostering a supportive and collaborative community of filmmakers, where students can connect with peers, learn from industry experts, and build lasting professional relationships. Our goal is to equip our graduates with the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need to succeed in the competitive world of filmmaking.
Located in the vibrant heart of Los Angeles, California, DirectingMastery draws inspiration from the filmmaking capital of the world. Although our courses are offered entirely online, we maintain strong ties to the local film industry, providing our students with unique opportunities to connect with working professionals and gain real-world experience. We believe that our blend of online accessibility and industry connections sets us apart from other film schools and makes DirectingMastery the ideal choice for aspiring directors.
Our History
DirectingMastery was founded in 2018 by veteran filmmaker and educator, Evelyn Hayes. Evelyn, a graduate of the prestigious UCLA Film School, spent years working on major motion pictures and television productions before realizing her true passion lay in teaching. Frustrated by the high cost and limited accessibility of traditional film schools, she envisioned a more inclusive and affordable platform that would empower aspiring directors from all walks of life.
Starting with a small team of dedicated instructors, Evelyn launched DirectingMastery with a single online course: "Directing Fundamentals." The course quickly gained popularity, attracting students from around the globe. As demand grew, DirectingMastery expanded its curriculum, adding courses in advanced directing techniques, independent filmmaking, screenwriting, cinematography, and more.
Over the years, DirectingMastery has helped thousands of students achieve their filmmaking dreams. Our graduates have gone on to direct award-winning short films, independent features, and even episodes of popular television shows. We are proud of the impact we have had on the filmmaking community and remain committed to providing the highest quality education to our students.
In 2022, DirectingMastery partnered with CineVision Studios, a leading production company in Los Angeles, to offer our students even more opportunities for hands-on experience and industry connections. This partnership has allowed us to provide internships, mentorship programs, and exclusive access to industry events. We are excited to continue growing and evolving DirectingMastery to meet the ever-changing needs of the filmmaking industry.
Our Values
DirectingMastery is guided by a set of core values that inform everything we do:
- Accessibility: We believe that filmmaking education should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or financial situation.
- Excellence: We are committed to providing the highest quality education, taught by experienced professionals and grounded in real-world practices.
- Innovation: We embrace new technologies and teaching methods to create a dynamic and engaging learning experience.
- Community: We foster a supportive and collaborative community of filmmakers, where students can connect with peers, learn from each other, and build lasting relationships.
- Integrity: We operate with honesty, transparency, and ethical conduct in all our dealings.
- Empowerment: We empower our students to take control of their creative visions and pursue their filmmaking dreams with confidence.
Meet the Team
Behind DirectingMastery is a team of passionate filmmakers, educators, and industry professionals dedicated to helping you succeed.
Evelyn Hayes
Founder & CEO
Evelyn Hayes is a veteran filmmaker and educator with over 20 years of experience in the industry. She has worked on numerous major motion pictures and television productions, and is passionate about helping aspiring directors achieve their dreams.
Ben Carter
Head of Curriculum
Ben Carter is an award-winning screenwriter and director with a background in both independent filmmaking and Hollywood studio productions. He oversees the development and delivery of DirectingMastery's curriculum.
Sofia Rodriguez
Student Support Manager
Sofia Rodriguez is a dedicated student support manager who provides guidance and assistance to DirectingMastery students throughout their learning journey. She is passionate about helping students overcome challenges and achieve their goals.
Mark Olsen
Cinematography Instructor
Mark Olsen is a highly experienced cinematographer with a proven track record of creating stunning visuals for film and television. His expertise allows students to master visual storytelling. Connect with Mark through our Instructors page.
Our Commitment to Accessibility
At DirectingMastery, we are committed to providing a website and learning environment that is accessible to everyone. We strive to meet the needs of all users, including those with disabilities. Our website is designed to conform to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1, level AA. We continuously work to improve the accessibility of our content and services. For more information, please visit our Accessibility Statement .
Contact Us
Have questions or want to learn more about DirectingMastery? Visit our Contact Us page to get in touch with our team.