Meet Our Expert Instructors
At Directing Mastery Academy, we pride ourselves on providing students with the highest quality instruction from industry-leading professionals. Our instructors are not only accomplished filmmakers, but also passionate educators dedicated to helping you achieve your directorial dreams. Get to know the talented individuals who will guide you on your journey to cinematic mastery.
Evelyn Reed
Founder and Lead Instructor
Evelyn Reed is an award-winning director with over 20 years of experience in the film industry. Her directorial debut, "City of Shadows," premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and won critical acclaim for its innovative storytelling and stunning visuals. Evelyn has directed numerous feature films, television series, and commercials, and has worked with some of the biggest names in Hollywood. Her expertise lies in narrative structure, actor direction, and visual composition. At Directing Mastery Academy, Evelyn shares her wealth of knowledge and passion for filmmaking with her students, providing personalized mentorship and guidance. She holds a Master of Fine Arts degree in Film Directing from the University of Southern California and is a member of the Directors Guild of America.
Evelyn's teaching philosophy centers around empowering students to find their unique voice and develop their own distinctive directorial style. She believes that every filmmaker has a story to tell, and her goal is to provide students with the tools and techniques they need to bring their creative visions to life. She emphasizes hands-on learning and real-world production experience, ensuring that her students are well-prepared to succeed in the competitive film industry. Evelyn’s commitment to fostering the next generation of directorial talent is the driving force behind Directing Mastery Academy.
James O'Connell
Cinematography Instructor
James O'Connell is a highly sought-after cinematographer with over 15 years of experience in the film and television industry. He has worked on numerous critically acclaimed projects, including the award-winning television series "The Golden Coast" and the independent film "Echoes of Yesterday." James is known for his innovative lighting techniques and his ability to create visually stunning images that enhance the storytelling process. He has a deep understanding of camera operation, visual composition, and color theory. At Directing Mastery Academy, James teaches students the art and science of cinematography, providing them with the skills they need to collaborate effectively with cinematographers and create visually compelling films. He is a member of the American Society of Cinematographers.
James’s teaching style is both technical and artistic, focusing on the practical application of cinematographic principles. He guides students through the intricacies of camera selection, lighting design, and visual effects, ensuring they grasp the fundamentals while also encouraging experimentation and creative expression. He emphasizes the importance of collaboration between the director and cinematographer, teaching students how to communicate their visual ideas effectively and build a cohesive artistic vision for their projects. James is committed to providing his students with the knowledge and skills they need to excel in the field of cinematography.
Isabella Rossi
Acting Direction Instructor
Isabella Rossi is a renowned acting coach and director with over 10 years of experience working with actors in film, television, and theater. She has coached numerous award-winning actors and has directed several successful stage productions. Isabella is known for her ability to elicit authentic and compelling performances from actors, and she has a deep understanding of acting techniques and the actor-director relationship. At Directing Mastery Academy, Isabella teaches students how to effectively communicate with actors, create a supportive and collaborative environment on set, and guide actors to deliver their best performances. She holds a Master of Arts degree in Theater Arts from the University of California, Los Angeles.
Isabella’s teaching methodology centers on fostering empathy and understanding between directors and actors. She equips students with the tools to analyze scripts from an actor’s perspective, identify character motivations, and provide constructive feedback that enhances performance. She emphasizes the importance of creating a safe and trusting environment where actors feel comfortable taking risks and exploring their characters. Isabella is dedicated to helping her students develop the skills they need to effectively direct actors and create memorable performances.
Benjamin Parker
Screenwriting Instructor
Benjamin Parker is an accomplished screenwriter with several successful feature film credits to his name. His films have been screened at major film festivals around the world and have garnered critical acclaim for their compelling characters and innovative storytelling. He has a knack for crafting engaging narratives, developing memorable characters, and structuring stories that resonate with audiences. At Directing Mastery Academy, Benjamin teaches students the fundamentals of screenwriting, providing them with the skills they need to write compelling scripts and bring their stories to life. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature from Stanford University and a Master of Fine Arts degree in Screenwriting from the American Film Institute.
Benjamin's teaching approach is practical and hands-on, focusing on the essential elements of screenwriting: plot, character development, dialogue, and structure. He guides students through the writing process, from initial concept to final draft, providing constructive feedback and helping them to refine their craft. He emphasizes the importance of originality and authenticity, encouraging students to find their unique voice and tell stories that are meaningful to them. Benjamin is committed to helping his students develop the skills they need to succeed as screenwriters in the competitive film industry.
Sofia Castillo
Post-Production Instructor
Sofia Castillo is a highly experienced post-production supervisor and editor with over 12 years in the industry. Her expertise covers all facets of post-production, including editing, sound design, visual effects, and color correction. Sofia has collaborated on numerous high-profile films and television shows, contributing her keen eye for detail and technical mastery to create seamless and impactful final products. At Directing Mastery Academy, Sofia instructs students on the vital aspects of post-production workflow, emphasizing how directors can effectively collaborate with editors and other post-production professionals to realize their creative vision. She holds a degree in Film Editing from the Los Angeles Film School.
Sofia’s teaching methodology stresses the importance of pre-planning and clear communication throughout the post-production process. She provides insights into the latest software and techniques used in the industry, giving students a comprehensive understanding of how to shape their footage into a polished final product. She underscores the creative potential of editing and sound design, showing students how these elements can be used to enhance the story and evoke specific emotions. Sofia is passionate about empowering the next generation of filmmakers with the skills they need to master the art of post-production.