Tuesday March 24 - VOICE & VISION: A Director’s Masterclass in Craft

with Sam Coyle

Tuesday March 24, 12:30 PM - 5:00 PM

Director’s Vision and Technical Skills Masterclass is an intensive half-day workshop designed to help directors define and elevate their unique visual approach. Blending targeted discussion, curated film analysis, and practical demonstrations, the session dives into the core elements of cinematic storytelling – including tone, style, leadership, symbolism, visual language, camera movement, and on-set leadership.

Participants will examine how intentional creative choices shape a film’s emotional impact, while developing the tools to clearly communicate their vision to cast and crew. With equal emphasis on artistry and technical execution, this workshop bridges inspiration and implementation – equipping directors move confidently into pre-production with a cohesive, compelling creative blueprint.

This intensive is about sharpening your creative voice, strengthening your perspective, and leading with clarity and purpose.

Sam Coyle is a director, writer, and educator known for bold, character-driven stories that centre complex female perspectives. She directed two seasons of Avocado Toast, nominated for Canadian Screen Award for Best Director and Best Digital Series, as well as Settle Down and two seasons of the Award–winning series Dating Unlocked. These series stream on CBC Gem, The CW, OUTtv and Amazon Prime. Her debut feature, Hazy Little Thing, premiered at Canadian Film Fest, and she has since directed four features for Tubi. She is currently developing her next personal feature, On Your Knees, with co-writer Erin Carter.

Since 2019, Sam has taught directing in George Brown College’s Film Program, mentoring emerging filmmakers to strengthen their technical directing and leadership skills on set. She also created Ignite Your Story, a national workshop series helping artists reconnect with their creative instincts and refine their storytelling craft.

*Note from Instructor: Participants will benefit most if they arrive with a project idea they’d like to workshop or problem-solve. No script or written materials are necessary – just a concept you can visualize and bring into the room. 

**Spaces are limited. Masterclass registration includes a CFF Festival Pass, offered at an exclusive 40% discount.