Our Expert Instructors
At DirectingMastery, we pride ourselves on the quality and experience of our instructors. Each of our mentors is a seasoned professional with years of experience in the film industry, ranging from independent films to major Hollywood productions. They are dedicated to providing you with the knowledge, skills, and mentorship you need to succeed in your directing career. Located in the vibrant filmmaking hub of Los Angeles, our instructors bring real-world insights and practical techniques to the online classroom. Prepare to be inspired and challenged as you learn from the best in the business.
Our instructors don't just teach directing; they live and breathe it. They are active filmmakers who are constantly pushing the boundaries of cinematic storytelling. Their passion for filmmaking is contagious, and they are committed to helping you discover and develop your own unique directorial voice.
Eleanor Vance
Lead Instructor, Directing Fundamentals
Eleanor Vance is an award-winning director with over 20 years of experience in the film industry. She has directed numerous independent films, television shows, and commercials. Her work has been screened at prestigious film festivals around the world, including Sundance and Cannes. Eleanor is passionate about teaching and mentoring aspiring filmmakers. Her Directing Fundamentals course provides a comprehensive introduction to the core principles of directing, covering script analysis, visual storytelling, and working with actors. Eleanor's teaching style emphasizes hands-on learning and practical exercises, ensuring that students develop the skills they need to succeed on set.
- Expertise: Script Analysis, Visual Storytelling, Actor Direction, Independent Filmmaking
- Notable Works: "The Silent Echo" (Independent Film), "City Lights" (TV Series), Numerous award-winning commercials
- Teaching Philosophy: "Filmmaking is a collaborative art form. My goal is to empower students to communicate their vision effectively and inspire their cast and crew."
Ben Carter
Instructor, Advanced Directing Techniques
Ben Carter is a renowned cinematographer and visual effects artist with a passion for pushing the boundaries of cinematic storytelling. He has worked on numerous blockbuster films and television shows, including "Galaxy Quest" and "Quantum Leap." Ben's Advanced Directing Techniques course explores advanced techniques in cinematography, editing, sound design, and visual effects to elevate your storytelling. He teaches students how to use these tools to create immersive and visually stunning films. Ben's expertise in visual effects allows him to provide unique insights into the technical aspects of filmmaking, helping students to understand how to seamlessly integrate VFX into their projects.
- Expertise: Cinematography, Editing, Sound Design, Visual Effects, Post-Production
- Notable Works: "Galaxy Quest" (Blockbuster Film), "Quantum Leap" (TV Series), "Echoes of the Past" (Independent Film)
- Teaching Philosophy: "The key to great filmmaking is mastering the technical aspects while never losing sight of the story. I want to give my students the tools they need to create visually compelling and emotionally resonant films."
Isabella Rodriguez
Instructor, Independent Filmmaking
Isabella Rodriguez is an accomplished independent filmmaker with a knack for creating compelling stories on a limited budget. Her films have been praised for their originality, creativity, and emotional depth. Isabella's Independent Filmmaking course teaches students how to produce and direct high-quality films on a shoestring budget, from fundraising to distribution. She shares her secrets for maximizing resources, building a strong team, and navigating the challenges of independent filmmaking. Isabella's course is perfect for aspiring filmmakers who are passionate about telling their stories but don't have access to the resources of a major studio.
- Expertise: Fundraising, Production Management, Independent Film Distribution, Guerrilla Filmmaking
- Notable Works: "The Forgotten City" (Independent Film), "Dreams of Yesterday" (Independent Film), Numerous short films
- Teaching Philosophy: "The most important thing in filmmaking is to tell a story that matters to you. Don't let a lack of resources hold you back. With creativity and determination, you can make a great film, no matter your budget."
James O'Brien
Guest Lecturer, Screenwriting for Directors
James O'Brien is a celebrated screenwriter and script consultant with over 30 years of experience in Hollywood. He has written for numerous hit television shows and films, and has worked with some of the biggest names in the industry. While not a full-time instructor, James provides invaluable guest lectures on screenwriting for directors, emphasizing the importance of a strong script as the foundation of a great film. He shares his insights on script analysis, character development, and storytelling structure. James's lectures are always a highlight of the DirectingMastery program, providing students with a unique opportunity to learn from a master of the craft.
- Expertise: Screenwriting, Script Analysis, Storytelling Structure, Character Development
- Notable Works: "Hollywood Nights" (TV Series), "Sunset Boulevard Dreams" (Film), Numerous screenwriting awards
- Teaching Philosophy: "A great film starts with a great script. As a director, understanding the nuances of screenwriting is essential to bringing the story to life effectively."
Maria Garcia
Instructor, Directing Actors
Maria Garcia is a renowned acting coach and director, specializing in performance-driven storytelling. With a background in theater and film, Maria brings a unique approach to directing actors, emphasizing collaboration and authenticity. Her "Directing Actors" course is designed to provide directors with the skills and techniques needed to elicit compelling performances from their cast, covering topics such as casting, rehearsal techniques, on-set communication, and character development. Maria believes in fostering a safe and creative environment where actors can thrive, and she empowers directors to become confident and effective leaders on set.
- Expertise: Actor Direction, Casting, Rehearsal Techniques, On-Set Communication, Performance Analysis
- Notable Works: "Whispers of the Wind" (Independent Film), "The Stage Door" (Theater Production), Acting coach for numerous award-winning actors
- Teaching Philosophy: "Directing actors is about understanding human behavior and creating a space where they can explore the truth of their characters. The director's job is to guide and inspire, not control."
Robert Miller
Instructor, Film Editing and Post-Production
Robert Miller is a highly sought-after film editor and post-production supervisor with a career spanning over two decades. He has worked on a wide range of projects, from independent documentaries to high-budget action films. Robert's expertise lies in crafting compelling narratives through editing, sound design, and visual effects. His course, "Film Editing and Post-Production," delves into the art and science of post-production, teaching students how to assemble a film, create a polished final product, and collaborate effectively with editors, sound designers, and VFX artists. Robert's practical approach and attention to detail make him an invaluable resource for aspiring filmmakers.
- Expertise: Film Editing, Sound Design, Visual Effects, Post-Production Workflow, Color Correction
- Notable Works: "The Last Stand" (Action Film), "Beneath the Surface" (Documentary), Award-winning commercials and music videos
- Teaching Philosophy: "Editing is more than just cutting and pasting. It's about shaping the story and creating an emotional experience for the audience. I want to empower my students to become storytellers through the art of editing."