THR 266 — Fundamentals of Directing
This introductory course offers a comprehensive foundation in the art and craft of directing for film and digital media, with a strong emphasis on working with the camera as a primary storytelling tool. Designed for aspiring directors, this course focuses on the visual language of cinema and the essential skills needed to communicate narrative, emotion, and character through composition, movement, and shot design. Students will explore the directorâs role in shaping story and performance, while learning how to collaborate effectively with actors and key crew members, particularly the cinematographer. Through lectures, screenings, and hands-on exercises, students will gain practical experience in planning and executing scenes using industry-standard techniques such as storyboarding, shot listing, blocking, and camera coverage. Emphasis will be placed on the director's ability to make purposeful visual choices that enhance the story and align with the filmâs tone and style. Key topics include the fundamentals of camera angles, framing, lens choice, depth of field, and camera movement, as well as the impact these elements have on audience perception and emotional engagement. Students will study how directing strategies differ across genres, how to convey subtext visually, and how to craft dynamic scenes using continuity editing and cinematic rhythm. Through collaborative projects and individual scene work, students will direct short exercises that allow them to apply concept