Nostos is thrilled to announce a new intensive directing laboratory led by acclaimed filmmaker, educator, and author Rob Spera.

Over the course of ten immersive days in the heart of the Tuscan countryside, participants will explore The Spoken and Unspoken Languages of Film and Television Directing — a hands-on workshop designed for directors seeking a deeper understanding of visual storytelling, actor communication, staging, shot design, and cinematic language.

Drawing from decades of experience in film, television, theatre, and directing education, Rob Spera offers a unique approach that empowers directors to shape multidimensional performances while preserving spontaneity and instinct.

Participants will work through practical directing exercises, scene analysis, visual storytelling techniques, camera assignments, shot-list design, and actor-focused directing methods inspired by Spera’s acclaimed book Film/TV Director’s Field Manual.

In total, ten filmmakers are selected per retreat.

The retreat fee includes accommodation in the Tuscan countryside, all daily meals, two weeks of workshops.


If you are interested in attending, all we need to evaluate your submission is a short bio (max. 500 words) and a link to one of your short films or an excerpt from a feature film as a directing sample. The maximum length for the sample is 25 minutes.

PLEASE NOTE:

We only accept English-language submissions.