Laurence Moody is now accepting a small number of private students for one to one tuition in single and two camera direction and working with actors (where appropriate).

For more information about tutoring and prices, please hit the contact button above

About

Laurence Moody is one of the UK’s most established television drama directors. He has been responsible for originating and directing many of the most successful and iconic television series from the 1980’s to the present, working with some of our most acclaimed actors. He now divides his time between his directing commitments, and tutoring up and coming directors and actors.

After graduating from Cambridge University Laurence trained as a drama director at Granada Television where he then went on to direct SPOILS OF WAR, KNIFE EDGE, STRANGERS, TRAVELLING MAN, HERE I STAND, SEND IN THE GIRLS as well as CROWN COURT (with Richard Wilson and Brian Cox) and the enduring classic CORONATION STREET.

He left Granada in 1980, joining the BBC to direct SHOESTRING (with Trevor Eve), then originated and directed the first 3 series of the hugely successful Jersey based detective series BERGERAC starring John Nettles). He followed this with numerous acclaimed and popular drama series including THE CHINESE DETECTIVE, CALL ME MISTER, BIG DEAL, TRUCKERS, as well as one off dramas ALEXA – A LOVE STORY, IT COULD HAPPEN TO ANYONE and plays for the PLAY FOR TODAY series.

He then went on to direct the award winning TV film KILLER for STV, which became the hit detective series TAGGART, which ran to huge acclaim until 2010, and for which he subsequently directed numerous feature length episodes. Laurence then directed the pilot and several series of the very popular BOON ( with Michael Elphick) before then directing the pilot and subsequent series of the highly acclaimed drama CHANCER, giving Clive Owen his first starring role. He then became the originating director of ITV’s hit army drama SOLDIER, SOLDIER for ITV (which starred amongst others a young Samantha Morton, Mark Strong and Dougray Scott) and directed a subsequent number of seasons.

In 1999 Laurence joined forces with Brian Parks’ Shed Productions where he originated and directed many series of the internationally syndicated and hugely popular prison drama BAD GIRLS, followed by the equally popular FOOTBALLERS WIVES and WATERLOO ROAD.
His other TV work includes series of LOVE HURTS with Adam Faith and Zoe Wanamaker, RUNAWAY BAY with a young Naomie Harris, HARRY with Michael Elphick and Tom Hollander, as well as SARACEN, KING AND CASTLE, CASUALTY, THE BILL (including a feature length episode special), ULTIMATE FORCE, and Ireland’s FAIR CITY.

Alongside his considerable body of directing work, Laurence has also tutored and mentored directors at The National Film and Television School, The London Film Academy and at the University of London.
He has also taught acting for television at the Drama Centre London and The Actors Centre.

Learn from real experience

Susan Wokoma

Actor | Writer | Director

Credits:

Three Weeks (Writer,Director), The Reluctant Landlord, Cheaters, Save The Cinema, Enola Holmes (Actor),

“Laurence’s guidance has quite literally changed my life. As an actor, directing felt like a faraway dream that belongs to a certain kind of person with certain skill sets – but Laurence encouraged me to believe in my 17+ years on set experience and demystified the entire process. He was clear, incredibly detailed, patient, prepared but also free to improvise and tailor our classes to my needs. He was extremely good natured as well and I felt safe, relaxed and therefore able to absorb an incredible amount of information in a very short amount of time (as he reassured me I would)

As a result my directorial debut went better than I could have imagined – I felt secure, prepared, focussed and – crucially – excited. Wish I’d bitten the bullet sooner but also – the timing has been perfect!”

Aisling Bea

Actress | Comedian | Screenwriter

“After 20 years in the business I felt like I really knew what I was doing in some regards and really didn’t know what I was doing in other regards to directing. Laurence gave me the basic foundation I could interweave with my own existing knowledge which was hugely beneficial and he could tailor it to my needs an knowledge or lack thereof”

Bill Buckhurst

Director

Skyfall (Actor), Pond Life (Director, feature).

“I had some one-to-one tutoring with Laurence to learn about single camera directing. He’s a brilliant teacher – so clear and thorough, incredibly down-to-earth and practical. We covered a huge amount over a relatively short time and I finished the course feeling confident to go out and put these new skills in to practice. My first experience directing for camera was on the feature film Pond Life. Throughout the shoot I used so much of what I’d learnt with Laurence and I really can’t imagine being able to do that job without having completed the course with him.”

Rebecca Callard

Actor | Writer

Belgravia, Inside No.9, Detectorists, Writer Breeders.

“Laurence was such a brilliant teacher.

I struggle with concentration/focus and confidence. He totally understood all of that and we worked through it together. Laurence made me believe that I could totally direct not only my own writing (which he incorporated into our sessions) but also on other projects.

I will take what I learned with him with me going forwards. Technically it was wonderful but the self belief he offered me is invaluable. Thanks Laurence.”

Ruth Carney

Director

Death in Paradise, Father Brown, Holby City, Casualty (Director).

“Laurence is a fantastic teacher with a lifetimes experience in TV and Film. This knowledge is invaluable to the student. I studied single camera and multi camera with him in focused and detailed one to ones. Without these lessons and the access to Laurence’s knowledge I would not have been accepted onto the first BBC Directors Scheme.”

Jordan Hogg

Director

Screw, Ackerley Bridge, Death In Paradise,Casualty (Director).

“Laurence is, without a doubt, one of the most experienced directors in our industry. The knowledge and techniques he has shared with me has been utterly invaluable throughout my career. I feel that my career wouldn’t be as successful as it has been without the tutelage that I received from Laurence.”

Rebecca Gatward

Director

Alex Rider, The Spanish Princess, Traces, Dublin Murders, Cold Feet, Shetland, Grantchester (Director).

“Laurence Moody is a great teacher. It was a privilege to be taught the craft of tv drama directing by someone of his background and extensive experience. He imparted his wisdom generously and taught a thorough program which set me up to direct for TV professionally. He is encouraging, supportive and comprehensive in his approach. I would highly recommend him.”

Contact

Laurence Moody is now accepting a small number of private students for one to one tuition in single and two camera direction and working with actors (where appropriate).

For more information about tutoring and prices, please hit the contact button above