Film directing courses

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Three structured courses designed to meet you at different stages of your directorial development

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Finding the Right Course

Each course addresses specific aspects of directing craft. Your choice depends on your current experience level and which skills you want to develop. Many participants eventually take multiple courses as their needs evolve, but there's no required sequence—you can start wherever makes sense for your situation.

Fundamentals of Film Directing

Duration: 12 weeks

¥188,000

This course introduces the director's craft and creative responsibilities. Topics include script analysis, visual planning, shot design, and working with actors. Participants develop directorial perspectives through exercises and short scene work.

The curriculum balances technical knowledge with artistic vision development. Includes analysis of directorial styles across cinema history. Suitable for aspiring directors and filmmakers.

What You'll Develop

  • Script analysis techniques for visual storytelling
  • Shot design and composition fundamentals
  • Basic actor direction and performance guidance
  • Visual planning and pre-production methods
  • Directorial decision-making frameworks
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Fundamentals of Film Directing
Working with Actors and Performance

Working with Actors and Performance

Duration: 8 weeks

¥158,000

A course focused on the director-actor collaboration. Topics include casting approaches, rehearsal techniques, on-set communication, and performance guidance. Participants direct actors through scene work and receive feedback on their directorial choices.

The curriculum addresses different acting methodologies and how to work within them. Prerequisites include basic filmmaking understanding. Designed for directors developing performance skills. Runs for 8 weeks with actor workshop sessions.

What You'll Develop

  • Casting strategies and actor selection methods
  • Rehearsal techniques for different acting styles
  • On-set communication and performance adjustment
  • Understanding various acting methodologies
  • Creating safe creative environments for actors
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Visual Storytelling and Directorial Vision

Duration: 10 weeks

¥228,000

This course develops sophisticated visual approaches to narrative filmmaking. Topics include visual motifs, subtext through imagery, collaboration with cinematographers, and personal style development. Participants analyze films for directorial technique and develop their own visual signatures.

The curriculum emphasizes intentionality in every visual choice. Prerequisites include directing experience. Spans 10 weeks with thesis film development.

What You'll Develop

  • Visual motif development and thematic imagery
  • Communicating subtext through visual choices
  • Collaboration methods with cinematographers
  • Personal visual style identification and refinement
  • Advanced film analysis for directorial techniques
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Visual Storytelling and Directorial Vision

Choosing Between Courses

If you're new to directing and want comprehensive foundational training, the Fundamentals course provides the broadest introduction. It covers essential skills across multiple areas and gives you a solid base for continued development.

If you already have some directing experience but struggle with actor communication or want to deepen performance work specifically, the Working with Actors course focuses intensively on that collaboration. It assumes you understand basic directing concepts and want specialized development in performance guidance.

If you've directed projects and want to refine your visual approach or develop a more distinctive style, the Visual Storytelling course addresses advanced concerns. It's designed for people who have the fundamentals in place and are ready to push their artistic vision further.

Many participants eventually take more than one course as their needs evolve. There's no requirement to complete them in sequence—you can enter wherever makes sense based on your current situation and goals.

What All Courses Include

Small Group Learning

Limited enrollment ensures individual attention and meaningful feedback. Typical cohorts of 8-12 participants allow for personalized guidance on your work.

Hands-On Scene Work

Every course includes multiple opportunities to direct scenes with actors. You'll make real creative decisions and receive feedback on your directorial choices.

Experienced Instructors

Learn from working directors who bring current professional experience into the classroom. Our instructors maintain active careers in film production.

Tokyo Location

Courses meet at our facility, designed for film education with proper equipment and screening capabilities for scene review and analysis.

Ready to Discuss Your Options?

We're happy to talk through which course might align with your current experience and development goals. No pressure—just a straightforward conversation about your directing aspirations.

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