Directing Fiction

From script analysis to working with actors and shooting a scene: this hands-on course introduces participants to the essential tools of directing fiction.

Dates: 21-27 September 2026 Language: English
Number of participants: 14-16 persons (minimum age 18 years) Location: Filmuniversität Babelsberg KONRAD WOLF
Costs: 770 EUR * Early Bird discount before 15 June: 720 EUR

* Students and pupils receive a 10% discount on the regular price, not combinable with the early bird price.

In this 7-day directing workshop, participants are given the opportunity to immerse themselves in the fundamentals of fiction directing. Filmmakers Züli Aladag and Cosima Lange will illustrate that directing means both taking artistic responsibility for translating a screenplay into a film, developing a vision, aesthetic, tone and realising them in collaboration with the various departments. Participants will get the opportunity to realise a scene as well as to expand their network.

The course is currently fully booked (Registration deadline: 26 July 2026).

Content

The workshop includes analysing scenes one by one, defining dramaturgy, characters and conflicts, and transforming them into a visual structure and cinematic narrative. It also involves uncovering the screenplay’s subtext, serving the screenplay, and transforming its intentions and emotions through an overall cinematic composition.

Using a case study, we explore the different essential aspects, responsibilities, decisions and collaborative process involved in filmmaking. 

Based on an exemplary scene, participants learn how to analyse a scene in detail, break it down into beats, develop a visual concept for the scene and create playable directions for actors. Participants also learn the basic principals of blocking and scene coverage through different camera setups and develop a shot list fort the scene.

Directing actors is a central part oft he director’s work and therefore occupies a major part of this workshop as well. Which acting techniques do actors work with? How relevant is this for directing? How do directors communicate with actors? How do they give intsructions and feedback?

The director’s task is to work together with actors to create believable characters and scenes. How can this be achieved? Which vocabulary and methods are useful and effective and lead to vivid performances? During the course, participants have the opportunity to deepen their understanding of the language and practice of directing together with professional actors and gain valuable practical experience. During colloaborative shoots in groups, participants realise their own interpretation and version of the scene together with cinematography and sound students from the Film University, under the supervision of the instructors. 

The participants will edit their scenes. At the end of the course the results will be presented on big screen and discussed. The partcipants will receive constructive feedback by the instructors and fellow participants.

Learning Objectives & Takeaways

Learning Objectives: 

  • Acquire a comprehensive understanding of fiction directing essentials.
  • Develop skills in script analysis and visual storytelling.
  • Gain proficiency in directing actors to create believable characters.
  • Learn and deepen understanding of the interaction between staging, acting and camera work.
  • Enhance collaborative abilities by working with film students and professionals.
  • Hone editing skills 

Takeaways: 

  • Participants will gain valuable practical experience in directing fiction.
  • Receive constructive feedback from instructors and peers on their scene interpretation.
  • Establish a foundation for translating screenplays into compelling visual narratives.
  • Learn effective vocabulary and methods for directing actors and achieving vivid performances.
  • Build a network of like-minded film enthusiasts, industry professionals, and gain insights into a film school
  • obtain a certificate of participation from the renowned Film University

Instructors

Züli Aladag

Züli Aladag graduated in directing from the Academy of Media Arts in Cologne. He works as a director for cinema and television and for some projects as writer and producer. His selected works include „Elephantenherz“, „Wut“, „Die Fremde“(Co-Producer), „300 Worte Deutsch“, „Mitten in Deutschland NSU – Die Opfer“ and „Brüder“. His films received numerous national and international awards, including the „German Film Award“, „Adolf Grimme Prize“, „German Televison Award“, „Golden Gate Award“ and „Seoul Drama Awards“. Since 2005 he has taught directing as a guest teacher at the film schools DFFB Berlin, HFF Munich and IFS Cologne. Since 2018 he is teaching directing at the Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg. Foto: Michael Praun

Cosima Lange

Cosima Lange studied film production at the Film Academy Baden-Württemberg. In 2005 she founded "fliegende fische filmproduktion" and has since been making documentaries and feature films as a writer, director and producer. For ten years Cosima worked as a production manager for short film at ARTE as part of the international advanced training program "Atelier Ludwigsburg-Paris". Since 2012, she has been teaching "Documentary Film" and "Language of Film" there. In addition, she works in the selection committee at international film festivals. Since October 2020, she has been an academic staff member in the film and television production program at the KONRAD WOLF Film University. Filmography (selection): HELLO I AM DAVID!, D 2017, 104 Min. (Screenplay, Director, Co-Producer) DIE WELTBÜRGERIN, D 2012, 30 Min. (Screenplay, Director) CHAMAMÉ, D 2007, 110 Min. (Screenplay, Director, Producer) VAKUUM, D 2004, 70 Min. (Screenplay, Producer)

Registration & Participation

The course is directed at participants aged 18 or older who have a strong interest in film and would like to explore the theory and practice of fiction directing in a workshop setting. Participants should have basic knowledge of directing, cinematography and/or editing, as well as first film experience.

Participants are asked to register online using our application form. Please submit your CV and briefly describe your motivation for joining the course. Spots are limited and will be awarded based on registration date after assessment of the application and receipt of the participation fee.

The fee covers the participation in the course, materials, technical equipment and the use of the studio. Meals and accommodation expenses are not included and must be covered by participants. We will happily provide you with recommendations for accommodation options in the vicinity.

 

Please note

A minimum of 14 participants is required for this programme to take place. If this number is not reached, we reserve the right to cancel the event in due time prior to its start. Our General Terms and Conditions (GTC) apply.

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