4-Part Private, Interactive Zoom Class — 100% Satisfaction Rating

Learn from an accomplished director who's worked for Hulu, FX, Comedy Central, and more.

Includes downloadable handouts on shot lists, camera levels, pre-production, and more.

2026 is one of the best times in years to step into the director's chair. Streamers, networks, and independent producers are hungry for fresh voices who can walk onto a set and lead with confidence — and that's exactly the skill set this class builds. Directing means mastering every stage of a project: developing your visual point of view, working with actors, planning pre-production, and steering post-production to the finish line. Master that, and you put yourself in the room for opportunities most filmmakers spend years chasing.

Heath Cullens is a director best known for It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Great Minds with Dan Harmon, and FX's You're the Worst, with additional credits including Idiotsitter (Comedy Central), Deadbeat (Hulu), and Black Jesus (Adult Swim). He also produced the Lionsgate feature Armed Response, starring Cary Elwes, Ethan Embry, and Alan Arkin. A Drama League Directing Fellowship recipient and Lincoln Center Theater Directors Lab member, Heath is sharing his full process exclusively with Stage 32.

Over four sessions, you'll learn:

• Session 1 — The Director's Role: Your visual style and point of view, key terminology, and effective collaboration.
• Session 2 — Pre-Production: Text analysis, shot lists, camera basics, and scheduling.
• Session 3 — Production: Working with actors, making your day, knowing when you've "got the shot," and managing your crew.
• Session 4 — Post-Production: Working with your editor and navigating notes from producers and investors.

You'll leave with a clear, practical grasp of every step a director takes — and the confidence to bring it straight into your next project.

Plus, exclusive handouts to use on set:

• Camera level & shot size guide
• Shot list templates
• Ground plans (hand-drawn examples)
• Pre-production guide
• Mood board
• Camera bible & techniques

This interactive class runs on Zoom and goes substantially deeper than a webinar. Once you sign up, you'll be connected by email with Heath and sent a questionnaire so he can tailor feedback to your project from day one. You'll have his direct email access for the full class — like a mentor on demand. Can't attend live? Every session is recorded and in your Stage 32 library within 48 hours. You'll also get a dedicated lounge to connect with fellow classmates.

What past students say:

"Sometimes you sign up for a class not knowing what to expect. This one I could never have anticipated — Heath went above and beyond. One of the best classes I've taken on Stage 32 or anywhere else." — Angela R.

"Heath gave us the ability to look for the big ideas when directing, not just one or two nuggets. Thank you for always bringing the best instructors." — Susan L.

Session 1: The Role of the Director

• How to develop a visual style.
• Point of View - honing yours and bringing it to the screen.
• How to be an effective collaborator.
• Basic terminology and camera knowledge.

Session 2: Pre-Production

• Text Analysis - What is the story you’re telling?
• Designing a shot list - Blocking the actor and the camera.
• Camera basics - lenses, aperture, ISO, and depth of field.
• Scheduling is a creative decision.

Session 3: Production

• Working with actors - blocking, giving notes, shaping performance.
• Making your day - how to speed up when you’re running behind.
• How to know when you’ve “got the shot”/shooting for the edit.
• Managing your crew.

Session 4: Post-Production

• What to do before meeting with editor.
• The ins and outs of the editing process - what to do in “the bay”.
• Managing different edits - how to deal with (sometimes opposing) notes from producers, investors, and the editor.

WHAT TO EXPECT:

• This class is designed for beginner and intermediate students looking to learn the ins and outs of directing a film or television show. This is an in-depth, practical, and detailed class with significantly more content than a standard 90-minute webinar.
• This class will consist of four sessions, each roughly two hours in duration and spaced one week apart from one another.
• In addition to the presentation-style lessons, you will have the opportunity to ask Heath questions during each session.
• **Heath will be available on email during the 4 sessions to answer any questions you have about your project.**
• Can't make a live session? Don't worry! It will be recorded and you can watch it at your convenience on demand.
• Plus, to stay motivated and inspired, you will have access to a private, dedicated Stage 32 Lounge where you can communicate with your fellow classmates throughout the process.
• You will receive downloads from Heath including  a Camera style guide, Shot lists, Shot plan, Pre-production guide, Mood boards and more!

• Aspiring and first-time directors who want a clear, step-by-step framework for helming their first project with confidence.
• Filmmakers preparing to direct their first micro-budget independent feature and want to avoid costly rookie mistakes.
• TV directors (or those hoping to break in) who want hands-on guidance on helming an episode from prep to post.
• Writers and writer-directors who want to strengthen their visual storytelling and understand how a script translates to the screen.
• Producers who want a deeper understanding of the director's process to better collaborate with and support their directors.
• Actors-turned-directors and hyphenates who want to master blocking, working with actors, and running a set.
• Film school grads and self-taught filmmakers looking to fill in technical gaps around shot lists, camera basics, and scheduling.
• Anyone who's directed before but wants a stronger handle on pre-production planning and post-production notes.

PRAISE FOR HEATH:

"Sometimes one signs up for a class not really knowing what to expect. This class I could never have anticipated! Heath went above and beyond any expectations I might have harbored. This was one of the best classes I have ever taken on Stage 32 or any other platform. I walked away with so much information, confidence and respect for the role of the director. My heartfelt thanks to Heath." -- Angela R.

"This was a phenomenal class. Thank you for providing a class of this caliber. Heath was informative and engaging." -- Angel M.

"Heath was extremely knowledgeable and a great teacher. He had a perfect combination of facts and passion. He invested a lot of energy into, not only, teaching the class, but he also went above and beyond to inspire the class. Very grateful." -- Rainy K.