Mira Nair

Teaches Independent Filmmaking

Masterclass is $20/month (billed annually)

Oscar-nominated filmmaker Mira Nair approaches directing with the “heart of a poet and the skin of an elephant,” spurred by rejection and fighting to bring uncompromising stories to film. In the Golden Lion-winning director’s MasterClass, learn to make a big impact on a small budget in film production, evoke the best from actors and nonactors, and protect your creative vision so you tell the story that can only come from you.

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Browse Lesson Plan
1. Introduction

Meet your new instructor: award-winning filmmaker Mira Nair. In your first lesson, Mira shares with you the two qualities every filmmaker needs to have—and why it's important for you to go out and make your own films.

2. Discovering Your Unique Voice

Mira’s philosophy for filmmaking is rooted in individuality and creating films only you can make. Learn how to forge your own path, hone your craft, and use your distinctiveness to your advantage.

3. Finding the Story

Mira teaches the importance of tapping into culture and politics to inspire your story. Learn how tenacity, collaboration, and feedback are key elements in developing a story into a script.

4. Stretching Your Budget

Never reveal your struggle. Mira teaches you how to maximize your resources as an independent filmmaker—however limited they may be.

5. Casting

The relationship between director and actor is built on trust. Learn what it takes to cast the right actor and get them to reveal their true spirit on camera.

6. Directing Actors

Learn how to direct both child and adult actors, develop natural and honest chemistry with actors, and incorporate background action.

7. Directing Gestures

Mira shares her methods for incorporating unique and humanizing gestures into the actors’ performances in order to add life to the frame.

8. Scene Workshop, Part 1: Read-Through and Blocking

In Part 1 of Mira’s scene workshop, Mira works with two actors—Madina Nalwanga and Philip Luswata—from Queen of Katwe to teach you how to direct intensely emotional scenes.

What's in every MasterClass subscription?

All 85+ classes and categories
PDF workbooks for every class
Audio-only lessons
Watch on your desktop, phone, or TV
Download and watch offline
New classes added every month

Frequently asked questions

General
What is MasterClass?

MasterClass is the streaming platform that makes it possible for anyone to watch or listen to hundreds of video lessons taught by 85+ of the world’s best.
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Whether it be in business and leadership, photography, cooking, writing, acting, music, sports and more, MasterClass delivers a world class online learning experience. Video lessons are available anytime, anywhere on your smartphone, personal computer, Apple TV and FireTV streaming media players.

What is included in a MasterClass membership?

Membership includes access to an incredible catalog of 85+ classes taught by the world’s best on cooking, leadership, photography, writing and more.
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Each class includes around 20 video lessons that are 10 minutes long on average, along with an in-depth workbook. You also get access to our smartphone and TV apps, offline lessons, our member’s only newsletter, and our dynamic community of members around the world.

Where can I watch?

With MasterClass, you can learn and be inspired anytime, anywhere, including your smartphone, personal computer, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Roku streaming media players. You can even download your favorite lessons and watch on the plane or listen during your commute in audio-only mode.*
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*Downloads only on iOS and not available for all classes. Audio mode is not available for all classes.

Which classes are right for me?

MasterClass offers 85+ classes across a variety of categories, including business and leadership, photography, cooking, writing, acting, music, sports and more. Every class has been designed to be accessible for people with little to no experience and advanced students alike. With new classes launching regulary, you can learn practical skills, ignite new passions, and get everyday wisdom.
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Check out our catalog and watch a few class trailers!

Pricing & Payment
How much does MasterClass cost?

The annual membership is $200 and provides unlimited access to all classes and new classes as they launch. All MasterClass memberships include access to our mobile and TV apps, high-definition videos, and downloadable class workbooks.

How does the 30-day guarantee work?

Our goal is to make sure that you have the best learning experience possible. If MasterClass isn’t for you, then email us within 30 days of the date you purchase your subscription, and we’ll offer a full refund.

How do I cancel?

If you don’t want to continue, you can cancel your membership renewal through your account page. Follow the prompts to cancel on the Settings page, and your membership will not renew. Please note that there aren’t refunds for partially unused membership periods.
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If you have more questions, please contact us. We’re happy to help!

What is MasterClass?

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