Filmmaking is the definition of a collaborative project, but some filmmakers have multiple strings to their bow. Have a look at your cinema screens right now and you’ll see Barbie, written, produced and directed by Greta Gerwig, and Oppenheimer, written, produced and directed by Christopher Nolan, alongside esteemed filmmaker and AFTRS alum Warwick Thornton’s latest feature The New Boy, which he wrote, shot and directed. These three remarkable filmmakers embody the exceptional talent of being writer-directors, seamlessly weaving their artistic vision into every aspect of their films.
The role of the writer-director is an appealing one: you conceive a story, shape it through the written word, and then get to bring your vision to life on the screen. This dual role allows emerging filmmakers to lead productions efficiently, within a lower budget, and showcase their diverse talents. Today’s digital world has opened a new playground for writer-directors, where they can craft intricate narratives that captivate audiences for hours on end.
Amin Palangi, an acclaimed AFTRS alum and filmmaker, has excelled in the dual role of writer-director across numerous features, shorts, and documentaries. Notable works include Break, awarded Best Short Film at the Top Short Film Festival, and Love Marriage in Kabul, which received the Audience Award at the 2014 Sydney Film Festival and Best Director from the Australian Directors Guild. In our Intro to Directing short course, Amin, renowned for his intimate and captivating portrayals of people in extreme circumstances, imparts invaluable insights on directing and narrative storytelling. Join this online course, suitable for participants aged 16+, and embark on your directorial journey guided by the expertise of Amin.
Now that you know how you want to direct your next film, it’s time to write it! To prepare your screenplay, you first need to understand the importance of story and character development, structure, and the tools and language of a screenwriter. Screenwriting for Film is designed for the beginner who is passionate about writing and has great stories to tell. In this online short course, you’ll learn the groundwork required before you start writing, develop your skills to focus on concept, characters and story and how to analyse film through a screenwriter’s eye. Streamline your process and start writing your next killer script today!
Storytelling can apply to a wide range of areas and industries. With the demand for attention and virality on social media constantly getting stronger, it’s the storytellers that stand apart from the rest thanks to the connection they build with their audience. You can write and direct your business’ marketing and communications and start telling stories the way filmmakers do with our Storytelling for Business short course. Discover the five key elements of a powerful story and how you can use them to leave a profound impact on your prospects, customers and peers. Held over two online sessions, this is the perfect way to make your messaging irresistible.
So get ready to embark on your journey of creative exploration and unleash your inner writer-director! Explore our full list of short courses and AFTRS For Business courses running in August below.
Explore all our Short Courses in August:
Storytelling for Business | August 1 (online)
Mobile Content Creation | August 3 & 29 (online or on campus)
Screenwriting for Film | August 7 (online)
Intro to Directing | August 14 (online)
Presentation Skills | August 14 & 17 (online or on campus)
Videomaking Intensive: Shoot, Edit, Publish | August 21 (on campus)
Premiere Pro Fundamentals | August 26 (on campus)
