MA Screen: Directing - Drama Centre London

Course detail

This postgraduate course prepares you for work in film and television and related fields by bringing together the key artistic disciplines and skills needed to make high quality filmed drama. You will explore in detail Stanilavisky's unique scene study methodology which lies at the heart of Drama Centre’s conservatoire training. From storyboard to working on the subtext with the actors on set you will be enabled to develop your own distinct artistic voice.

At the heart of MA Screen: Directing is the growth of individual creativity, achieved through constant opportunities for working on camera-based projects with colleagues from other pathways. You will work on two filmed productions, in our film studio and on location. Supported by a professional producer, director of photography and editor. You will take an active part in a Mike Leigh type devising project where you will help shape the story's stimulated by the characters that the actors develop over nine weeks of intense rehearsal. You will understand the rhythm of a working film set and develop the confidence to use your own voice on future projects, confident in the knowledge that you know how to work creatively with actors. You will be given in depth preparation for the profession including interview technics and wide range of lectures from visiting professionals, such as agents, casting directors, working producers and directors.

Distinctive features of MA Screen: Directing are:

• An insight into actors' conservatoire training.
• A performance-led approach to recorded drama
• A company operating model
• The acquisition of a deep understanding of the processes leading to the creation of high quality films
• A quasi-professional learning model that prepares you for direct entry to the world of work
• The realisation of new writing or adaptations through performance-led models
• A focus on the technical aspects of production
• A mentoring scheme connecting students with experienced professionals.

Course dates

Term one
Monday 8 January 2018 – Friday 23 March 2018
Term two
Monday 9 April 2018 – Friday 22 June 2018
Term three
Monday 2 July 2018 – Friday 14 September 2018
Term four
Monday 24 September 2018 – Friday 14 December 2018

Course structure

MA Screen: Directing lasts 45 weeks over 12 months and is structured as units - class-based to begin with, but increasingly project-geared over time. This postgraduate course is intensive. You'll be expected to commit 35 hours per week to classes, rehearsals and shoots, and to your own independent preparation and learning.

Students who come to MA Screen: Directing expect a focused experience with a high level of autonomous learning. The MA course's practical elements contribute to the intensity of the experience, sharpening your professional ability to deliver on time, on budget and at an appropriate level.

MA Screen: Directing has a small intake. It collaborates closely with MA Screen: Acting to give you a broader understanding of the needs of the actor. Because we believe empathy with acting and actors is an integral part of directing, the early part of the MA course in particular engages with the discipline of acting.

Traditionally, screen director training fails to address the challenges of working with performers. Our Directing Pathway confronts that challenge while developing your individual approach and creative voice. The pathway features a programme of acting skills, an extended programme of directing skills, two filmed drama projects, a devised project, and an extended programme of professional preparation.

The MA course culminates in a series of short film projects produced in collaboration with the student actors. Projects are screened for an invited industry audience that includes agents and casting directors.

Assessment

Assessment is practical, based on performance and class work. There is no formal written examination, though you will be expected to carry out and present extensive research, as well as deliver practice-informed reflective journal summaries.

MA Screen Directing Programme Specification 2017/18 (PDF, 322KB)

Industry links

Industry directly informs our training through lectures from professionals, either as full-time teachers or as visiting lecturers or directors. Towards the end of the MA course, representatives of film production companies, casting directors, producers and agents are invited to attend screenings. All students are linked through a mentoring scheme to experienced professionals who advise, support and guide them in the early stages of their careers. An Advisory Board that includes senior representatives of the profession actively assists Drama Centre London. Current board members include Declan Donnellan, Sir Anthony Hopkins, Adrian Noble and Max Stafford-Clark.

For details of the wide range of careers support provided for students, please visit the Student Jobs and Careers section.

• Costume

  Find out more about the Costume facilities at Archway.

• Post-production

  Find out more about our post-production workshop.

• Digital media

  Find out more about our digital media facility at King's Cross

View all facilities

Staff

Course Leader: Michael Bray
Acting and Directing for Camera Tutor: Bill Britten
Writing Tutor: Keith Temple 

Acting Tutor: John Beschizza
Arts & Business and Professional Preparation Advisor: Gary Davy
Character Analysis Tutor: Tim Robins