Master in Film Directing

Master the elements and resources of audiovisual storytelling to shape a cinematic narrative around a story.  

Precisely identify the seed, desire or driving idea behind a fiction project.  

Adapt to different cinematic styles, tones and genres, such as drama, comedy, horror and science fiction.  

Demonstrate creativity and innovation in audiovisual design, storytelling and stage direction. 

Master camera and lighting equipment and techniques applied to archetypal scenes.  

Understand the functions, tasks and narrative possibilities of each film department.  

Coordinate the work of the directing team, effectively integrating the assistant director and script supervisor 

Translate the screenplay into a shooting script through shot breakdowns, storyboarding and operational planning.  

Align the conceptual and aesthetic proposal with the possibilities and limitations of the production plan.  

Carry out precise casting processes and plan the integration of digital effects (VFX) from pre-production. 

Guide professional and non-professional actors by mastering directing and performance techniques.  

Lead and motivate teams, making quick and effective decisions in pre-production, during filming and in editing.  

Communicate the project’s vision clearly and effectively to the production team and collaborators. 

Maintain analytical rigour when evaluating your own work and that of the team.  

Present and pitch audiovisual projects convincingly to specialist audiences.  

Understand the structure, economic dynamics and workflows of the audiovisual industry.

ÁGORA is an annual, cross-disciplinary course run by ESCAC’s Master’s Department, taking place from September to June and conceived as a shared space for filmmaking. It brings together learning from the different programmes through a collective creative experience: developing, pre-producing, shooting, finishing and screening a short film. 

Each short film will have a budget for production expenses. Subject to planning and availability, ESCAC will make high-end equipment available to the teams. 

This project is the practical backbone of the master’s programmes: a space where specialities intersect, industry dynamics are put into practice, and teams are formed that can continue beyond the school. The finished film is the visible outcome of learning that encompasses creativity, organisation, collaboration and shared responsibility.

Development of an original first fiction short film, working through the stages of scriptwriting, pre-production, shooting and editing. Students will apply the fundamentals of dramatic construction, tone and film genre through a practical, collaborative approach.

Developing communication tools for directors and performers. The work covers character development, scene analysis and actor-directing techniques, combining table work, rehearsals and practice with professional actors to bring the creative work onto the set.

Working from scenes prepared by the instructor, students direct professional actors in situations that call for sensitivity and care because of their intimate content, following the protocols appropriate for this type of scene.

Learn about the different narrative structures used in screenwriting for short films. Through analysis of different screenwriting models and practical scriptwriting exercises, students will learn to develop stories with dramatic coherence, rhythm and a clear narrative intention.

Learn the role and responsibilities of the assistant director and how to manage the team. You will master the preparation of breakdowns, schedules and shooting plans, set coordination on live shoots, and the professional use of the software Movie Magic Scheduling.

Script supervision in pre-production (timing, breakdowns, preparing the script for the shoot). Script supervision on set (continuity, screen direction, working with different crew members, reports and the editing script).

Reading and interpreting the script. Character analysis. Creatively understanding the needs of producers and directors. The casting call. Stages of casting and recording an audition.

Learn the fundamentals of creating a storyboard and apply them to the actual pre-production process for one of your upcoming exercises. Work on editing an animatic to pitch your proposal to the rest of the class.

An introduction to how the film industry works and to the development of audiovisual projects. Students will learn to prepare a presentation dossier and communicate their project using tools for pitching, financing, marketing and positioning.

An introduction to audiovisual post-production processes, including editing, sound, colour correction and visual effects. Students will understand the role of directing in these stages, coordination between departments, and the narrative and aesthetic possibilities of VFX.

Development of audiovisual projects that enable students to apply the knowledge acquired in screenwriting, pre-production, filming and post-production, working in collaborative environments similar to those of a professional production.

Practical sessions focused on specific production objectives, where students experiment with staging, directing actors, visual planning and the processes involved in film directing. 

Theoretical courses focused on specific areas of audiovisual directing, taught by industry professionals to explore knowledge, methodologies and professional tools in greater depth.

Meetings with professionals of recognised standing who share experiences, creative processes and real cases from the audiovisual industry, fostering professional dialogue and reflection .

Assessment combines continuous monitoring of students’ learning with evaluation of the projects, exercises and activities completed throughout the programme. It takes into account both students’ progress and the practical application of the knowledge and skills acquired. To receive the qualification, students must meet the attendance requirements (at least 75% of classes) and pass the programme’s core subjects (Projects, Directing Workshops and Actor Direction). 

The Master’s Final Project is assessed through the tutor’s supervision and the outcome presented to the committee at the final showcase.