Inside Hollywood: How Sundance Directors Tell Stories That Make You Feel — and Get Hollywood to Buy

What does a director really do? Beyond choosing shots and working with actors, a director shapes the way an audience experiences a story—what they understand, anticipate, and ultimately feel. In this masterclass, award-winning filmmaker and educator Michael Kang takes participants inside the director’s creative process, exploring how character, motivation, conflict, and story structure come together to create an emotional experience on screen. Drawing on his experience as both a filmmaker and educator, Michael will share a practical approach to directing that brings together preparation, collaboration, craft, and creative intuition. Participants will explore how directors make purposeful choices, communicate their vision to actors and collaborators, and balance a clear creative plan with the instincts that emerge in the moment. The masterclass will also offer a glimpse into the world of professional film education, exploring how emerging filmmakers develop their individual voices while building the practical skills needed to bring stories to life. By the end of the session, participants will have a deeper understanding of the director’s role and a fresh perspective on what it takes to become a thoughtful, confident visual storyteller ready to work in the industry.