Step into the world of filmmaking and learn to bring stories to life with Olubajo Sonubi, a seasoned casting director, producer, and director. Designed for students in grades 6-12, this course explores the art of directing, from collaborating with actors to crafting compelling scenes. Through interactive lessons and hands-on activities, students will understand how directors shape stories and guide performances to connect with audiences. The curriculum also includes a Differentiation Guide to support younger learners.
Course Features
- Video lessons featuring industry insights from Olubajo Sonubi
- Practical exercises focusing on directing techniques and scene creation
- Comprehensive lesson plans with objectives, worksheets, and assessments
- Opportunities to refine and present directed scenes
What You’ll Learn
By completing this course, students will:
- Understand the director’s role in visual storytelling and collaboration.
- Apply techniques to guide actors in delivering authentic performances.
- Define the “seed” or core idea of a scene and develop its key elements.
- Direct, rehearse, and refine a scene using open scripts and creative methods.
- Present a final vision that demonstrates the power of collaboration and storytelling.
Course Structure
The course spans 3-4 hours, divided into five lessons:
1. Introduction to Directing - approx. 45 min
Explore the director’s responsibilities and analyze how they shape the storytelling process.
2. Communicating with Actors - approx. 45 min
Learn to guide actors with process-oriented techniques to build trust and authenticity.
3. Planning and Directing a Scene - approx. 45 min
Use open scripts to define characters, settings, and objectives, bringing a scene to life.
4. Directing in Action - approx. 45 min
Refine scenes through collaboration, feedback, and formative practice.
5. Finalizing the Vision - approx. 45 min
Revise and reshoot scenes based on feedback and present the final product to peers.
Curriculum
Standards Addressed
Download Guide for Relevant Standards
Introduction
Course Overview
About Your Instructor
Video Lessons
Lesson 1 - Introduction to Directing
Lesson 2 - Communicating with Actors
Lesson 3 - Planning and Directing a Scene
Lesson 4 - Directing in Action
Lesson 5 - Finalizing the Vision
About Your Instructor
Olubajo Sonubi is a seasoned casting director, producer, and director based in Atlanta, Georgia. With an extensive career spanning television and film, Olubajo has worked on acclaimed projects such as Cobra Kai, The Vampire Diaries and its spinoff Legacies. As a casting director, he specializes in breaking down scripts to identify story-driven casting needs and ensuring actors bring authenticity to their roles. In addition to casting, Olubajo is a skilled director with a passion for visual storytelling, having helmed several short films and documentaries. Among his directorial accomplishments is Sounds of Atlanta, a collaborative documentary with Georgia Tech students and music producer KY Engineering, capturing the creative process of transforming everyday sounds into music. With a strong emphasis on collaboration and authenticity, Olubajo brings a unique blend of creative vision and technical expertise to every project. His dedication to storytelling, whether through casting or directing, ensures compelling narratives that resonate with audiences.
