Earlier this week, MPI hosted a vibrant directing masterclass in Los Angeles—an evening that brought together seasoned industry professionals, emerging filmmakers, and longtime friends of our community for an inspiring conversation on the art and process of directing. The event drew approximately forty attendees, including the eight filmmakers currently participating in our Directing Workshop and several MPI summer interns.

The highlight of the night was a wide-ranging and thoughtful panel featuring actor-director Néstor Carbonell (The Dark Knight, The Dark Knight Rises, Lost), MPI filmmaker Evan Matthews (Motherland), and MPI senior vice president Lana Link. Together, they led a dynamic conversation that bridged both film and television directing. Drawing from their respective creative approaches and their collaboration on the MPI Original feature Motherland, the panel offered personal reflections and practical insights on everything from working with actors to building visual language. 

Filmmaker feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. One attendee mentioned taking three full pages of notes, while others remarked on Evan and Néstor’s generosity with their time and openness. The masterclass provided not just direction and inspiration but also fostered a sense of community, reaffirming MPI’s commitment to cultivating meaningful, educational experiences for filmmakers at every stage.

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