Meet Our Expert Instructors
At Lights & Camera 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 directing dreams. Explore their profiles to learn more about their experience, achievements, and teaching philosophies.
Ava DuVernay
Award-Winning Director & Producer
Ava DuVernay is a visionary filmmaker known for her powerful and socially conscious storytelling. She has directed critically acclaimed films such as "Selma," which chronicled the 1965 Selma to Montgomery voting rights marches, and "13th," a thought-provoking documentary exploring the intersection of race, justice, and mass incarceration in the United States. Her work has earned her numerous awards, including a Primetime Emmy Award and an Academy Award nomination.
Courses Taught:
- Directing for Social Impact
- Advanced Narrative Storytelling
- Producing Independent Films
Contact: [email protected]
Greta Gerwig
Acclaimed Writer & Director
Greta Gerwig is a celebrated writer and director known for her distinctive voice and authentic portrayal of female characters. She has directed critically acclaimed films such as "Lady Bird" and "Little Women," both of which earned her Academy Award nominations for Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay, respectively. Her films are praised for their insightful narratives, relatable characters, and heartfelt performances. She brings her passion for storytelling and character development to Lights & Camera Academy.
Courses Taught:
- Screenwriting for Directors
- Directing Actors
- Indie Film Directing
Contact: [email protected]
Quentin Tarantino
Iconic Director & Screenwriter
Quentin Tarantino is a visionary filmmaker renowned for his unique style, memorable characters, and masterful storytelling. He has directed iconic films such as "Pulp Fiction," "Reservoir Dogs," and "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood," which have become cultural touchstones. His films are known for their witty dialogue, nonlinear narratives, and stylized violence. Quentin shares his innovative techniques and perspectives on filmmaking, inspiring students to push creative boundaries.
Courses Taught:
- Genre Filmmaking
- Directing Action Sequences
- Screenwriting for Visual Storytelling
Contact: [email protected]
Chloé Zhao
Visionary Director
Chloé Zhao is a Chinese filmmaker known for her naturalistic style and compassionate portrayal of marginalized communities. She gained international recognition for her films "Nomadland," which won the Academy Award for Best Picture and Best Director, making her the first woman of color to win the latter award, and "The Rider." Her films are praised for their authenticity, emotional depth, and stunning visuals. She inspires students to tell stories that resonate with humanity.
Courses Taught:
- Documentary Filmmaking
- Directing with Natural Light
- Telling Authentic Stories
Contact: [email protected]
Spike Lee
Influential Director
Spike Lee is an American film director, producer, screenwriter, and actor. His production company, 40 Acres and a Mule Filmworks, has produced more than 35 films since 1983. Lee is known for films that explore race relations, colorism in the black community, the role of media in modern life, urban crime and poverty, and other political issues. Spike brings decades of experience and unfiltered perspective to the Academy.
Courses Taught:
- Political Filmmaking
- Independent Film Production
- The Business of Film
Contact: [email protected]
Debra Granik
Indie Director
Debra Granik is an American filmmaker known for her indie films that capture rural life. Known for directing Winter's Bone, Leave No Trace and Down to the Bone, Granik's films are noted for its sensitive and realist handling of difficult subjects. Granik offers an intimate look at how to make the most with minimalist tools and a powerful story.
Courses Taught:
- Working with Non-Actors
- Budgeting in Filmmaking
- Creating Authentic Scenes
Contact: [email protected]