Our History
Directing Mastery Academy was founded in 2020 in Los Angeles, California, by renowned film director Amelia Stone and seasoned cinematographer David Chen. Recognizing a gap in accessible, high-quality online film education, they set out to create an academy that would empower aspiring directors from around the globe. Amelia, with her decades of experience directing critically acclaimed independent films and blockbuster hits, envisioned a platform where aspiring directors could learn the practical skills and artistic techniques necessary to succeed in the competitive film industry. David, known for his innovative cinematography and commitment to visual storytelling, contributed his expertise in lighting, camera movement, and composition, ensuring that the academy's curriculum would be both comprehensive and cutting-edge.
The academy quickly gained recognition for its unique blend of practical training and theoretical instruction. The founders' commitment to providing personalized mentorship and fostering a supportive learning environment attracted students from diverse backgrounds and skill levels. From its humble beginnings as a small online course, Directing Mastery Academy has grown into a leading provider of online film education, offering a wide range of courses, workshops, and mentorship programs. Our academy prides itself on maintaining small class sizes, which allows for more individual attention to each student, giving them the necessary assistance to become the best director they can be.
In its short history, DMA has been able to produce an astounding number of award-winning short film directors. The academy continues to evolve and adapt to the ever-changing landscape of the film industry, staying true to its founding mission of empowering the next generation of visionary directors.
Our Mission
The mission of Directing Mastery Academy is to provide aspiring film directors with the knowledge, skills, and support they need to achieve their creative and professional goals. We are committed to delivering a comprehensive and accessible online education that empowers students to master the art of filmmaking. Our aim is to foster a vibrant and inclusive community of filmmakers, where students can collaborate, network, and learn from one another. We strive to create a learning environment that encourages creativity, innovation, and critical thinking. We want our students to question the status quo and create works that are thought-provoking and inspire audiences.
We are dedicated to upholding the highest standards of excellence in film education. Our curriculum is designed to be both rigorous and relevant, covering all aspects of film directing, from script analysis and pre-production planning to on-set directing and post-production techniques. We partner with industry experts to ensure that our courses are up-to-date and reflect the latest trends and best practices in filmmaking. We use modern equipment and technology to help teach our students the tools of the trade. We also provide personalized mentorship opportunities, connecting students with experienced directors who can offer guidance and support.
Directing Mastery Academy believes in the power of film to inspire, educate, and entertain. We are committed to helping our students develop their unique voices and tell their stories with confidence and artistry. Whether you dream of directing feature films, documentaries, or short films, we are here to help you unlock your directing potential and bring your vision to life.
Our Values
At Directing Mastery Academy, we are guided by a set of core values that shape our culture and inform our decisions:
- Excellence: We are committed to upholding the highest standards of quality in all that we do, from our curriculum and instruction to our student support services.
- Innovation: We embrace new technologies and approaches to filmmaking, constantly seeking ways to improve our courses and enhance the learning experience.
- Collaboration: We believe in the power of teamwork and collaboration, fostering a supportive and inclusive community where students can learn from and inspire one another.
- Creativity: We encourage students to explore their unique voices and perspectives, empowering them to tell their stories with originality and artistry.
- Integrity: We operate with honesty, transparency, and respect, upholding the highest ethical standards in all our interactions with students, instructors, and partners.
- Accessibility: We strive to make film education accessible to aspiring directors from all backgrounds and skill levels, offering affordable courses and flexible learning options.
These values are at the heart of everything we do at Directing Mastery Academy. They guide our curriculum development, inform our teaching methods, and shape our interactions with students. We believe that by upholding these values, we can create a learning environment that empowers aspiring directors to achieve their full potential and make a positive impact on the world through their films.
