The Director's Circle: Is this for me? Will it be 'the one'? Or yet another tutorial bundle?
An detailed explanation of what's included in the paid subscription
For filmmakers seeking more than technical tutorials and surface-level networking, The Director's Circle offers an unprecedented creative sanctuary. This is not another "how-to" community, but a "why-to" journey - a space where emerging voices learn to navigate cinema's AI frontier while developing what truly matters: vision, voice, and an understanding of our visual language and where it came from.
Direction evolves through three dimensions:
Voice: From observation to expression
Vision: From possibility to purpose
Visual Language: From technique to poetry
This paid subscription is designed to help you develop in these three key dimensions. Their simultaneous evolution and how they inform each other is what builds a unique worldview and signature style, what is described in cinema as having an ‘auteur’ fingerprint. This content will be delivered in a variety of formats to address different learning styles. Here are some of our unique features:
CINEMATIC DEEP DIVES: "Understanding Visual Language"
Explorations of cinema's living language - from classic innovations to contemporary breakthroughs. A chance to revisit classic masterpieces, discover lesser-known arthouse gems, and examine recent TV and film that are making waves. What makes them work? Why are they memorable and how do they contribute to our visual legacy? Learn to read between the frames, understand the grammar of visual storytelling, and develop fluency in cinema's evolving dialogue between tradition and innovation.THE AI DIRECTOR'S TOOLKIT: "From Insight to Action"
After each deep-dive article, members receive a practical companion guide designed to translate theoretical understanding into actionable direction, working with AI. This isn't just another list of prompts – it's a structured approach to developing your creative relationship with AI.
What Makes This Different: Unlike generic prompt collections, each Toolkit is customized to the specific article's insights, helping you develop what matters: the ability to direct AI tools with artistic purpose.DIRECTOR'S JOURNALS + ORIGINAL AI FILM CONTENT: "Cultivating Vision"
To mark the occasion of new film work released by the author, we will share raw video diaries and exclusive behind-the-scenes content offering intimate access to a working director's creative process. Not polished masterclasses, but real-time documentation of the search for meaning amidst chaos. Watch how purpose emerges from doubt, how vision crystallizes through trial and error, and how creative decisions accumulate to form artistic identity.PERSPECTIVES: "Finding Your Voice"
A monthly live discussion where we examine ideas, challenge assumptions, and help each other grow. Not lectures, but conversations - where every voice contributes to our collective understanding. A space where questions matter more than answers, where we share our fears and dare to be vulnerable, where process trumps perfection. A circle where all ideas are considered, helping to inform future content.
PERSPECTIVES is an exclusive benefit for Director's Circle members, fostering genuine connection and community based on shared values in our evolving medium.COMMUNITY SANCTUARY: "Building Fellowship Amidst Noise"
Using the closed community chat feature as more than just a feedback forum - a space where we develop our sense of responsibility to each other and our audience. Away from the crowded noise of social media, we wrestle with the hard questions: What stories deserve to be told? How do we serve truth in an age of mass distraction? How do we maintain ethical human values in algorithmic times?
HOW WILL THE CHAT FEATURE BE USED?
MEANINGFUL FEEDBACK IN A TRUSTED SPACE
As a paid subscriber, you can initiate discussion threads to receive something rare in creative communities: honest, constructive feedback that helps you grow.
Creative Work Feedback
Why This Matters: Quality creative feedback is hard to find. It requires investment from the critic and courage from the creator. Most online spaces default to superficial praise or unconstructive criticism.
Our Difference: Built on shared values and clear tenets, The Director's Circle provides a structured framework for giving and receiving meaningful critique.
Deep-Dive Discussions
Expand Newsletter Insights: Take concepts from The Establishing Shot further, exploring nuances and sharing perspectives
Case Study Analysis: Examine specific films, campaigns, or creative works through our shared framework
Industry Evolution: Discuss how AI developments affect your creative practice
Vision Development: Share challenges and breakthroughs in developing your directorial voice
Creative Problem-Solving
Technical Challenges: Navigate AI tool integration with artistic vision
Creative Blocks: Work through storytelling challenges together
Project Development: Workshop ideas from concept to execution
Career Evolution: Discuss navigating industry changes
Community Connection
Cross-Disciplinary Exchange: Learn from creators in different mediums
Collaboration Opportunities: Find like-minded creators for projects
Resource Sharing: Exchange valuable insights and discoveries
Monthly Live Session Follow-ups: Continue PERSPECTIVES discussions
This creates a unique space where:
Honesty is valued over validation
Critique serves creative growth
Feedback follows shared principles
Discussion leads to development
Connections foster collaboration
Questions inspire exploration
Start a thread, share your work, and experience the difference between likes on social media and true creative growth.
IN THE DIRECTOR’S CIRCLE, WE AIM TO PRODUCE 3 KEY TRANSFORMATIONS:
Emotional
From: Fearful, uncertain, resistant
To: Confident, purposeful, empowered
Value: Mental well-being in an age of constant changeSkillset
From: Overwhelmed, scattered
To: Focused, intentional, productive
Value: Clear path through technological chaosDirection
From: Shot-in-the-dark
To: Aligned with purpose
Value: Self-actualization in the AI age
VISUAL STORYTELLING FOR ALL CREATIVES
IN THE AI AGE
The lines between filmmaker, content creator, and visual artist are dissolving. As AI democratizes production, what separates meaningful work from the noise isn't technical expertise – it's clarity of vision and depth of storytelling.
WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM THIS?
VISUAL ARTISTS & CREATORS
Transform your artwork into compelling narrative experiences
Develop self-promotional content that reflects your artistic voice
Create installation pieces that merge traditional and digital mediums
Build transmedia projects that expand your artistic reach
MUSICIANS & PERFORMERS
Shape your visual identity across platforms
Direct music videos that elevate your artistic vision
Create content that builds genuine connection with audiences
Transform performances into immersive visual experiences
WRITERS & STORYTELLERS
Adapt your written work into visual formats
Create compelling proof-of-concept pieces
Develop pilots that preserve your narrative voice
Build visual worlds around your stories
FILMMAKERS IN TRANSITION
Navigate the shift from client work to personal projects
Develop your unique directorial voice
Transform commercial skills into artistic vision
Build sustainable paths to dream projects
CONTENT CREATORS
Elevate social media content beyond algorithms
Create platform-specific work with cinematic quality
Build visual narratives that stand out
Develop signature visual styles
BEYOND THE TOOLS: Why We Focus on Vision
In an age where AI makes technical execution increasingly accessible, and tutorial content already saturates YouTube, we focus on what is most scarce and least easily replaced: developing the timeless, nuanced aspects of creative direction that no algorithm can yet replicate.
Why Technical Tutorials Age, But Vision Endures: As tools evolve at an exponential rate, becoming simpler and more automated by the week, technical knowledge has an increasingly shorter shelf life. Today's cutting-edge tutorial is tomorrow's obsolete workflow. This creates an exhausting cycle of constant technical upskilling, while the fundamental questions of creative purpose remain unexplored.
The Shift That Matters
FROM: "How do I use this tool?"
TO: "Why am I making these choices?"
FROM: "What are the trending techniques?"
TO: "What serves my unique vision?"
FROM: "How do I keep up?"
TO: "How do I stand out?"
Our Focus: Timeless Creative Direction. We cultivate the skills that appreciate in value as technology evolves, allowing any choice to be within reach:
Clear creative decision-making
Strong visual language development
Authentic artistic voice
Purpose-driven creativity
Vision-based problem solving
The Real Value Proposition. While tools become more accessible and technical barriers disappear in the years to come, the ability to make meaningful creative choices will become increasingly valuable. This is where true creative fulfillment lies – not only in mastering today's tools, but in developing the vision to use tomorrow's tools purposefully.
WHO THIS IS FOR:
Astute and resourceful film students seeking what their outdated curriculum cannot keep up with
Emerging filmmakers trying to find their voice and realize dream projects
Visual storytellers ready to shape tomorrow's cinema rather than react to the pace set by the tech world
Creators tired of shallow networking on social media and seeking deeper understanding through vigorous and in-depth dialogue
WHO THIS ISN'T FOR:
This isn’t filmmaking 101. While we encourage members at all levels, we do not teach the basics here. We believe growth is best achieved through exposure to excellence and the best thinking available.
Those seeking quick technical fixes: “Just tell me how to ___ ”
People who think AI will do all the work
Anyone not prepared to engage deeply with their craft
Much more than teaching you which buttons to press, we help you discover why pressing them matters. Join a living community of filmmakers for less than 3% of what you'd pay for a static course. The price has been deliberately kept affordable for the value offered in order to allow access regardless of financial circumstance. Tomorrow’s Wong Kar-Wai and Jane Campion may very well be broke today. Your current income level is no indication of your creative potential. Your willingness to invest in yourself and developing your craft is.
INVESTING IN YOUR CREATIVE FUTURE: A Value Comparison
Traditional Film School (Annual)
Cost: $40,000 - $70,000/year
Time Commitment: 4 years
Total Investment: $160,000 - $280,000
Curriculum Update Rate: Every 2-3 years
AI Integration: Limited/Delayed
Real-world Application: Often theoretical
Online Film Programs (One-time)
Cost: $997 - $2,997
Time Commitment: 3-6 months
Focus: Usually single aspect (directing/cinematography)
Updates: Typically static content
Community: Often limited/temporary
Industry Evolution: May become outdated quickly
Technical Courses & Tutorials
Cost: $15-50/month
Focus: Software/Tool specific
Limitation: Purely technical execution
Shelf Life: 3-6 months before outdated
Vision Development: Not addressed
Creative Direction: Minimal guidance
THE DIRECTOR'S CIRCLE
Cost: $19.99/month or $150/year
Value Delivered:
Living curriculum that evolves with industry
Real-world insights from director with global commercial experience
Exclusive community access
Monthly live sessions
AI Director's Toolkit
Structured creative development
Practical vision-building framework
Direct feedback opportunities
Early access to new methodologies
Group & Student Rates Available: Perfect for film clubs, student groups, and creative teams. A tiny fraction of film school tuition, delivering the real-world insights from a working director that traditional education can't keep up with.
A UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE FOR UNPRECEDENTED TIMES
The Director's Circle is shaped by a singular vision: founded by a director whose journey spans continents, crosses disciplines, and bridges the divide between tradition and innovation.
Global Commercial Experience - From Shanghai to South Africa, from Alibaba Global to Chinese government agencies, this international perspective brings real-world insights that transcend cultural boundaries. Having directed for both Eastern and Western markets provides a unique understanding of global visual storytelling that most film educators simply cannot match.
Proven Commitment to Diverse Voices - With work that has attracted social commentary from renowned scholars and millions of views, including LGBTQ+ content in challenging markets, this isn't just about teaching filmmaking – it's about amplifying voices that need to be heard. This commitment to diversity isn't theoretical; it's been demonstrated through a body of work.
Multidisciplinary Understanding - As someone who has worked across various creative disciplines, the founder brings rare insight into how different art forms can inform and enhance visual storytelling. This means whether you're a musician looking to direct videos, an artist exploring installation work, or a writer developing proof-of-concepts, you'll find guidance that speaks to your unique creative journey.
Early AI Adoption & Innovation - While the global conversation is still fixated on a binary for/against stance on AI's role in creativity, our founder has already successfully integrated it into international viral work, garnering festival recognition and proving the potential of human-AI collaboration. This real-world experience with AI implementation means you're learning from someone who's already navigating the future, not just theorizing about it.
Why This Matters Now - In this transformative moment, you need more than theory or technical tutorials. You need guidance from someone who's actively solving tomorrow's creative challenges today. The Director's Circle offers insights you won't find in any film school or online course – because they come from direct experience at the intersection of global commerce, artistic innovation, and technological evolution.
Directed by and featuring the founder, this hybrid film demonstrates how visual storytelling powered by generative AI filmmaking techniques can be directed toward social impact, illustrating our founding principles. As the first proof-of-concept for EQAI, it proposes a new model for how emerging technologies can be harnessed to advocate for their own equitable implementation, ensuring AI's revolutionary power serves those traditionally left behind by technological change.
Believe in someone's creative future? As AI reshapes storytelling, give them the vision to turn technological revolution into creative opportunity. Help someone you believe in seize their moment with the gift of The Director's Circle.
Not ready to commit? No problem. We'll be sharing previews of Director's Circle content regularly in this space. While these pieces will give you a taste of our approach, the real transformation happens in our full analysis, practical toolkits, and community discussions. See what resonates with you.