Meet Our Guiding Visionaries

At Directing Mastery Academy, our faculty is comprised of industry-leading directors, cinematographers, and screenwriters dedicated to fostering the next generation of cinematic storytellers. Their experience, passion, and commitment are the driving force behind our students' success.

Explore Our Faculty

Get to know the talented individuals who shape our curriculum and mentor our students. Each faculty member brings a wealth of knowledge, a unique perspective, and a proven track record of success in the film and television industries.

Eleanor Vance Portrait

Eleanor Vance

Award-Winning Director & Head of Directing

Jameson Holt Portrait

Jameson Holt

Director of Photography & Cinematography Instructor

Willow Hayes Portrait

Willow Hayes

Screenwriter & Head of Screenwriting

Arthur Jenkins Portrait

Arthur Jenkins

Film Editor & Post-Production Supervisor

Eleanor Vance Portrait - smiling warmly

Eleanor Vance

Award-Winning Director & Head of Directing

Eleanor Vance is a celebrated director with over 20 years of experience in the film and television industry. Her work has been recognized with numerous awards, including a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series. Eleanor's passion for storytelling and her commitment to nurturing emerging talent make her an invaluable asset to Directing Mastery Academy.

Prior to joining the academy, Eleanor directed episodes of acclaimed television shows such as "City of Dreams", "Echoes of Tomorrow", and "Sunset Junction". She also directed the independent feature film "The Last Reel", which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and received critical acclaim.

Eleanor's teaching philosophy emphasizes hands-on experience and personalized mentorship. She believes that the best way to learn directing is by doing, and she provides her students with ample opportunities to work on real-world projects and receive constructive feedback.

Education

  • MFA, Film Directing, University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts
  • BA, Film Studies, UCLA

Courses Taught

  • Directing Fundamentals
  • Advanced Directing Techniques
  • Directing Actors Workshop

Contact

Email: [email protected]

Jameson Holt Portrait - holding a light meter

Jameson Holt

Director of Photography & Cinematography Instructor

Jameson Holt is a highly respected director of photography with over 15 years of experience in the film and television industries. He has worked on a wide range of projects, from independent films to blockbuster movies, and has earned a reputation for his innovative use of lighting and camera movement. Jameson's expertise in visual storytelling and his passion for teaching make him a valuable member of the Directing Mastery Academy faculty.

Jameson's credits include cinematography work on the films "Neon Shadows", "Whispers in the Dark", and "The City Below". He has also served as a director of photography for several television shows, including "Midnight Hour" and "The Pacific Coast Story."

Jameson's teaching philosophy emphasizes the importance of collaboration and communication. He believes that a successful cinematographer must be able to work closely with the director, actors, and other crew members to bring the director's vision to life.

Education

  • BFA, Cinematography, American Film Institute
  • BA, Photography, ArtCenter College of Design

Courses Taught

  • Cinematography Fundamentals
  • Advanced Cinematography Techniques
  • Lighting for Film and Television

Contact

Email: [email protected]

Willow Hayes Portrait - sitting in front of a typewriter

Willow Hayes

Screenwriter & Head of Screenwriting

Willow Hayes is an acclaimed screenwriter and playwright with numerous credits in film, television, and theater. She has written for several hit television shows, including "Golden State Blues," "Echo Park Nights," and "Rodeo Drive Dreams," and her plays have been produced on stages across the country. Willow brings a wealth of experience and creativity to her role as Head of Screenwriting at Directing Mastery Academy.

Willow's expertise lies in crafting compelling characters and weaving intricate plotlines. She has a knack for creating stories that resonate with audiences on an emotional level.

Willow's teaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that everyone has a story to tell. She encourages her students to tap into their own experiences and perspectives to create original and meaningful work.

Education

  • MFA, Screenwriting, UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television
  • BA, English Literature, UC Berkeley

Courses Taught

  • Screenwriting Fundamentals
  • Advanced Screenwriting Techniques
  • Writing for Television

Contact

Email: [email protected]

Arthur Jenkins Portrait - in an editing suite

Arthur Jenkins

Film Editor & Post-Production Supervisor

Arthur Jenkins is a highly sought-after film editor and post-production supervisor with over 25 years of experience in the industry. He has worked on numerous award-winning films and television shows, and his expertise in crafting seamless and engaging narratives is unparalleled. Arthur's technical skills, creative vision, and dedication to his craft make him an exceptional instructor at Directing Mastery Academy.

Arthur's experience includes editing the films "Los Angeles Requiem", "The Concrete Jungle Book", and "Vine Street Serenade". He has also supervised post-production for several high-profile television series.

Arthur’s teaching philosophy emphasizes the importance of storytelling through editing. He believes that the editor is the final storyteller, shaping the raw footage into a compelling and cohesive narrative.

Education

  • BA, Film Editing, San Francisco State University
  • Certificate in Post-Production, New York Film Academy

Courses Taught

  • Film Editing Fundamentals
  • Advanced Editing Techniques
  • Post-Production Workflow

Contact

Email: [email protected]

Notable Achievements of Our Faculty

Our faculty members have achieved significant recognition for their contributions to the film and television industries. Their awards, accolades, and industry recognition demonstrate their expertise and commitment to excellence.

  • Eleanor Vance

    Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series

    Directors Guild of America Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Dramatic Series

  • Jameson Holt

    American Society of Cinematographers Award for Outstanding Achievement in Cinematography

    Independent Spirit Award for Best Cinematography

  • Willow Hayes

    Writers Guild of America Award for Best Screenplay

    Pulitzer Prize for Drama

  • Arthur Jenkins

    Academy Award for Best Film Editing

    American Cinema Editors Award for Best Edited Feature Film

Connect with Our Faculty

If you have any questions about our faculty, courses, or the Directing Mastery Academy, please don't hesitate to contact us . We're here to help you achieve your directorial dreams.

Ready to Learn from the Best?

Join Directing Mastery Academy and learn from our esteemed faculty of industry experts. Enroll today and take the first step towards a successful directing career.

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