Calling the Shots: Television Director Skills Training Course (Online / Remote)
1Summary
When a camera fails mid-broadcast or a guest overruns their segment, it's the director — not the presenter — who decides in real time what the audience actually sees. This Training Course in Television Directing Skills from Arab British Fellowship Training Academy is built around that decision-making responsibility, which sits at the centre of every piece of television content produced.
Over three weeks, the programme works through directing from the ground up: core concepts and planning, the advanced techniques directors use in developing programmes, and the strategies needed to run large-scale productions.
Participants build the practical skills of a working television director — how to apply modern technology on set, and how to manage the different teams that make a production happen — while sharpening their ability to turn a creative idea into a finished visual product that lands with an audience.
2Objectives and target group
Who Should Attend?
- Anyone interested in working in television directing or media production.
- Assistant directors and content producers looking to build their directing skills.
- Media and television students wanting to strengthen their practical skills.
- Media professionals wishing to expand into directing and cinematography.
- Production managers and studio professionals broadening their directing experience.
Knowledge and Benefits:
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
- Plan, prepare and oversee the filming process from a director's seat.
- Apply modern cinematography, lighting and editing techniques for a distinguished result.
- Coordinate effectively with cameramen, technicians and actors.
- Direct major television formats such as talk shows, serials and live coverage.
- Turn a creative idea into a finished visual product through professional direction.
3Course Content
Module 1: Directing Live, Under Pressure
- Challenges the director faces during live broadcasts.
- Handling emergencies while keeping production flowing smoothly.
- Coordinating live shooting with camera, sound and editing teams.
- Leading the filming and lighting team during live events.
- Effective communication with hosts and technicians on set.
- Ensuring team readiness at every broadcast stage.
- The importance of shot timing and rhythm in live programmes.
- Keeping scenes and live performances aligned with the script.
- Managing transitions between scenes in entertainment and talk shows.
Module 2: The Director's Role and Foundations
- Introduction to the director's role and relationship with other production departments.
- The director's role in coordinating with camera, technical and acting teams.
- The history of television directing and the evolution of its tools.
- Planning a television programme from start to finish.
- Using scripts and creative layouts to arrange scenes.
- Directing as the organisation of both artistic and logistical work.
Module 3: Getting Ready Before the Camera Rolls
- Creating an effective shooting schedule and coordinating with production teams.
- Identifying necessary tools: cameras, lighting and sound.
- The importance of creative materials — scripts, adverts and sound effects.
- Coordinating with sound, editing and cinematography teams to align with the director's vision.
- Handling logistical and creative challenges during filming.
- Organising the work of technicians and cameramen to meet production goals.
Module 4: Camera, Light and Shadow
- Using cameras and modern techniques to achieve the desired effect in a scene.
- Selecting shooting angles and shot framing to build a distinctive visual narrative.
- Cinematic techniques in television: stationary and moving cameras.
- The impact of lighting in creating the right atmosphere for each scene.
- Using lighting for specific visual effects — high, low and natural lighting.
- Lighting techniques for live programmes and live event coverage.
- Using shadow to intensify dramatic impact and highlight fine detail.
- The interaction of light with sets, actors and costumes.
Module 5: Working with People on Set
- Guiding actors to achieve the desired performance.
- The director's interaction with actors to motivate strong on-camera performances.
- Directing technical teams and actors through complex or difficult scenes.
- Building collaboration between artistic and technical team members.
- Techniques for building a cohesive team and motivating excellent work.
- Drawing on varied expertise to reach the ideal final production.
Module 6: Scaling Up: Big Productions
- Challenges directors face in large productions such as live shows and serials.
- Advanced directing techniques for drama and multi-location scenes.
- Coordination between teams in large, multi-department productions.
- Using modern technologies such as moving cameras and drones.
- Managing advanced equipment for complex, dramatic scenes.
- Applying cinematic techniques in large-scale television productions.
- Strategies for managing filming across multiple locations and coordinating departments.
Module 7: Shaping the Final Product
- Coordinating with the editing team to realise the director's vision.
- Strategies for cutting scenes and setting the right visual pace for each programme.
- Editing's impact on story development and the emotional effect of scenes.
- Syncing sound with visuals to create integrated audio-visual effects.
- Adding appropriate background music to enhance the viewing experience.
- Handling sound in live programmes after coverage.
Module 8: Delivering a Polished Broadcast
- The final content review process before broadcast.
- Ensuring consistency between image, sound and effects.
- Techniques for improving a television programme's final quality before airing.