Director Susan Seidelman, known for Desperately Seeking Susan, She-Devil, and episodes of Sex and the City, will lead several master classes and host a screening at University of Miami School of Communication from February 24-26.

Susan Seidelman’s arrival on the indie scene was heralded more than thirty years ago when she was the first American to have a film (The Smithereens) nominated for the Palme D’Or at the Cannes Film Festival. She has led the way for filmmakers seeking alternative routes of financing, production, and distribution ever since. To date, she has made nine features, including Desperately Seeking Susan which helped launch the career of Madonna. Her extensive list of film credits is matched by an impressive television career, which spans ABC, Showtime, and HBO, most notably her helming of the Sex and the City pilot episode.

Presented by the School of Communication, the Department of Cinema and Interactive Media, and the Bill Cosford Cinema. All events are open to the entire university community and take place at University of Miami School of Communication, 5100 Brunson Dr., Coral Gables, FL 33146. Below is the full schedule.

Wednesday, February 24, 1:30-3 p.m. at Shoma Hall, CIB 3053

Getting Started: How to Get an Indie Film Made in the Current, Ever Changing, Movie Environment

The pragmatics of getting your first film produced and out into the marketplace — from the early “original idea” stage, to financing, budgeting, location scouting, casting, shooting, editing, to getting your film marketed and distributed with an eye toward emerging trends.

Thursday, February 25, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. at Studio A, WCB 1008A

The Job of a Director: Looking at Directing from Both a Creative and a Pragmatic Point of View

What does a director actually do on set? How is a professional set run and how is protocol established? What are the director’s biggest challenges? How do you get what you want (or what you need) from your actors and crew? How does a director maintain his/her creative vision in such a collaborative art form? How does a director “choreograph” the camera to the performance?

Friday, February 26, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. at Studio A, WCB 1008A

So You’ve Made Your Film, What Happens Next?

This is an in-depth discussion of how to position your film for its intended audience. What are the current ins and outs of film festivals? What are some creative ways to know who you are trying to reach, and how to do it? How to target multiple niches? Specific case studies trace examples of crowdfunding, advanced marketing, and social media campaigns. 

Friday, February 26, 6:30 p.m. at Bill Cosford Cinema, MM 227

Desperately Seeking Susan (1985) with Director Susan Seidelman in Attendance

Screening of the film, followed by introduction and Q&A led by Professor Christina Lane.