About Directing Mastery Academy

Discover our mission, history, and the dedicated team behind our commitment to directing excellence.

Our Mission

Graphic depicting our mission statement

At Directing Mastery Academy, our mission is to empower aspiring directors with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to realize their artistic visions. We are committed to providing a comprehensive and cutting-edge education that prepares our students to excel in the dynamic world of film, television, and theatre directing.

We strive to foster a collaborative and supportive learning environment where students can experiment, take risks, and develop their unique voices. Our experienced instructors, who are working professionals in the industry, are dedicated to providing personalized mentorship and guidance to help each student reach their full potential.

We believe that directing is a multifaceted discipline that requires both creative vision and technical expertise. Therefore, our curriculum is carefully designed to provide a balance of theoretical knowledge, practical exercises, and real-world experience. From pre-production planning to on-set management and post-production editing, we cover every stage of the filmmaking process. Furthermore, our courses emphasize the importance of storytelling, character development, and visual communication.

Directing Mastery Academy is dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion in the entertainment industry. We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to tell their stories, and we are committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive community where students from all backgrounds can thrive. We actively seek to recruit students and instructors from underrepresented groups, and we are committed to providing scholarships and financial aid to make our programs accessible to all.

Our History

Directing Mastery Academy building

Directing Mastery Academy was founded in 2010 by renowned film director Alistair Finch. Alistair, a graduate of UCLA Film School, had a vision to create a directing school that would bridge the gap between academic theory and real-world practice. He envisioned an academy where students could learn from experienced professionals, work on cutting-edge equipment, and gain the skills they needed to succeed in the competitive entertainment industry.

The academy started small, with just a handful of students and a few introductory courses. But word quickly spread about the quality of the instruction and the hands-on approach to learning. Within a few years, Directing Mastery Academy had grown into one of the most respected directing schools in Los Angeles.

Over the years, the academy has expanded its curriculum to include courses in film directing, television directing, theatre directing, and screenwriting. It has also established partnerships with several major studios and production companies, providing students with internship opportunities and networking connections.

Today, Directing Mastery Academy is a thriving community of passionate filmmakers, television directors, and theatre artists. Our graduates have gone on to work on some of the most successful films, television shows, and theatre productions in the world. We are proud of our history and excited about the future of Directing Mastery Academy.

Our Team

Alastair Finch

Alastair Finch

Founder & Director

Alistair is an award-winning film director with over 20 years of experience in the industry. He has directed numerous feature films, television shows, and commercials.

Seraphina Volkov

Seraphina Volkov

Head of Television Directing

Seraphina is a seasoned television director with credits on popular shows like "Sunset Shadows" and "City Lights." Her expertise lies in episodic storytelling and visual narrative.

Benjamin Riley

Benjamin Riley

Head of Theatre Directing

Benjamin is a renowned theatre director known for his innovative and experimental productions. He has directed plays at prestigious venues such as the Globe Theatre and the Mark Taper Forum.

Why Choose Us?

  • Expert Instructors: Learn from experienced professionals who are actively working in the film, television, and theatre industries.
  • Comprehensive Curriculum: Our curriculum covers all aspects of directing, from pre-production to post-production.
  • Hands-On Experience: Gain practical experience by working on real-world projects and collaborating with fellow students.
  • State-of-the-Art Facilities: Access cutting-edge equipment and facilities that will enhance your learning experience.
  • Industry Connections: Benefit from our partnerships with major studios and production companies, which provide internship opportunities and networking connections.
  • Supportive Community: Join a vibrant community of passionate filmmakers, television directors, and theatre artists.
  • Career Services: Receive career counseling and job placement assistance to help you launch your directing career.
  • Diversity and Inclusion: We are committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive community where students from all backgrounds can thrive.