Master’s 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 a range of cinematic styles, tones and genres, such as drama, comedy, horror or science fiction.  

Demonstrate creativity and innovation in audiovisual design, storytelling and staging. 

Master the use of camera and lighting equipment and techniques as applied to archetypal scenes.  

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

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

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

Align the conceptual and aesthetic approach 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 acting techniques.  

Lead and motivate teams, making quick and effective decisions during pre-production, filming and 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 subject in ESCAC’s Master’s Department, running 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 exhibiting a short film. 

Each short film will receive a financial allocation 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 specialisations intersect, industry dynamics are explored and teams are formed that can last beyond the school. The finished film is the visible outcome of learning that encompasses creativity, organisation, collaboration and collective responsibility.

Development of an original first fiction short film, working through the stages of screenwriting, 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 between directors and performers. The work covers character development, scene analysis and acting direction techniques, combining table work, rehearsals and practice with professional actors to put the creative work into practice on set.

Working from scenes prepared by the instructor, students direct professional actors in situations that require sensitivity and care because of their intimate content, following the appropriate protocols 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 about the role and responsibilities of the assistant director and team management. 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 supervisor in pre-production (timings, breakdowns, preparing the script for the shoot).
Script supervisor on set (continuity, axes of action, 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 the storyboard creation process and apply them to the real pre-production process of one of your upcoming practical 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 how audiovisual projects are developed. 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 direction in these stages, coordination between departments, and the narrative and aesthetic possibilities of VFX.

Development of audiovisual projects that allow 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. 

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

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

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

Assessment combines ongoing monitoring of learning with the evaluation of projects, exercises and activities carried out throughout the programme. Both students’ progress and the practical application of the knowledge and skills acquired are taken into account. 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 work presented to the committee at the final showcase.