Film Directing Workshops: Guiding Students to Transform Scripts into Inclusive Visual Stories
March 15, 2025
As part of the STEAMDIVE project’s creative educational journey, Oloklirosi delivered a second workshop series titled “Directing Diversity” organized by filmmaker Lefteris Giannakoudakis. Building on the previous scriptwriting phase, these workshops aimed to support teachers in guiding their students through the directing process of the short films, which focused on key inclusion themes: gender, race, and special educational needs (SEN).
Delivered in three interactive online sessions, the workshops combined theoretical foundations with practical techniques to help educators confidently navigate the transition from written scripts to filmed scenes. The content was tailored for teachers of varying experience levels and adapted to the realities of school-based filmmaking.
Objectives of the Workshops:
- To introduce essential directing concepts and visual storytelling techniques
- To strengthen teachers’ ability to support student-led directing
- To foster inclusive narratives through spatial, visual, and emotional choices
- To help transform scripts into dynamic scenes with student involvement
- To empower student creativity and collaboration during filming
Structure & Key Topics Covered:
Session 1: Introduction to Directing & Visual Language
- The director’s role in school-based film projects
- Core elements of film language: framing, movement, light, space
- Visual storytelling in inclusive films
- How space and setting convey identity and meaning
Session 2: From Script to Screen
- Breaking down scripts and planning scenes
- Creating shot lists, storyboards, and blocking
- Coaching student actors with trust and empathy
- Empowering diverse student voices through directorial decisions
Session 3: Student Coaching & On-Set Practices
- Pre-production adapted to school environments
- The value of rehearsal and improvisation
- Directing in real school settings with limited resources
- Case studies from past Erasmus+ student films
Each session featured real-world examples, interactive discussions, and time for reflection. Participants received additional materials such as visual references, templates, and student-friendly planning tools. All sessions were recorded and made available for further use.
Participants and Educational Value:
Teachers from all three partner schools attended the workshops. Having completed the scriptwriting phase, they were now prepared to support students in shaping their scripts into short films. While participants had varied levels of technical experience, the training was designed to be accessible, flexible, and empowering.
Connection to Project Results:
The Directing Workshops played a crucial role in the creative process that led to the production of three short films. Thanks to this training, teachers were able to:
- Guide students through collaborative scene planning
- Support inclusive visual expression in their directing choices
- Facilitate student ownership and experimentation during filming