Are you thinking about expanding your directing career beyond film and TV work? Are you interested in how new technology is changing the way that stories are told? Would you like to be linked up with people working and commissioning in other sectors, who are interested in you and your storytelling skills?

And would you like to be connected with other directors who are thinking along the same lines, to share your experiences and gain inspiration and advice from others? If so, then Directing Outside The Box (DOTB) is for you.

DOTB is a new programme of events and support created by the DCF. We have joined up with partners in games, brand marketing, new technology, AI and VR to run a series of sessions over the coming months to connect directors with new contacts, new thinking and new ways of using your directing skills, alongside your film and TV work. We plan to run in-person as well as online events to help open up cross-sector networking opportunities for screen directors.

BOOK NOW - The New Ecosystem of Storytelling: Directing Outside The Box in partnership with Future of Film - Webinar hosted by Alex Stolz with Presenter Houston Howard 

  Monday 24th February 2025  19:00 - 20:30

The screen landscape is evolving at an unprecedented pace, shaped by technological advancements, shifting audience behaviours, and new content consumption models. In this opening session, within a series of Webinars curated by Future of Film,  Alex Stolz and Houston Howard - Author and Head of Franchise Development & Transmedia Incubation at Gramarye Media - will examine the major forces redefining the screen industries and what these changes mean for directors.

This first session will explore the rise of storyworlds - why they have become central to contemporary storytelling and how they offer new creative and commercial opportunities. The discussion will consider how directors might approach their work in this context and what it means to develop ideas that can exist within this new ecosystem. Whether you're an emerging or established director, this conversation will provide a broader perspective on where filmmaking is heading and how to successfully engage with the evolving landscape.

Alex Stolz  

Alex Stolz has over two decades' experience bridging storytelling, audiences and technology across the screen industries. He is Founder and CEO of Future of Film, the global platform and ground-breaking screen incubator dedicated to driving industry innovation. A new model for developing multi format screen projects, Future of Film Incubator is now working with creators across 3 continents including, most recently, Africa. With deep expertise across the value chain – from development to distribution as well as emerging technologies – Alex has a track record of spearheading visionary initiatives and building cross-sector strategic partnerships. Previously, he has helped lead major industry endeavours such as the first UK’s first digital cinema network and, as Head of Distribution at the BFI he led the deployment of funding towards innovation and audiences.  Alongside his work at Future of Film, he currently heads global film strategy and growth at usheru, the media tech enterprise that provides data-driven solutions to studios, producers and screen agencies. 

Houston Howard  

Houston is a multifaceted author, transmedia architect, and co-founder of One 3 Creative and Fulcrum Worldbuilders, currently serving as Executive VP of Transmedia Development at The Story Plant, Atlanta. Known for his innovative transmedia storytelling, he has collaborated with major entities like Disney, Mattel, and Electronic Arts. Houston is a multifaceted author, transmedia architect, and co-founder of One 3 Creative and Fulcrum Worldbuilders, currently serving as Executive VP of Transmedia Development at The Story Plant, Atlanta. Known for his innovative transmedia storytelling, he has collaborated with major entities like Disney, Mattel, and Electronic Arts. He leads transmedia and worldbuilding workshops at institutions like the Television Academy and teaches at the Art Center College of Design. Houston is also launching the Light Styker Saga across multiple media platforms and has authored influential books on leveraging media for maximum engagement and revenue. He currently serves as Head of Franchise Development & Transmedia Incubation at Gramarye Media. 

Book here and be inspired!

If you’d like to suggest an area that you’d like us to cover as part of DOTB, please email admin@directorscf.org.