Are you interested in finding opportunities that utilise your transferable skills? Curious about being connected to those who are looking for your storytelling skills?

Directing Outside The Box (DOTB)  looks to inspire screen directors and is designed to stretch beyond the familiar edges of film and television. DOTB invites you into the fast-shifting worlds where storytelling meets games, brand marketing, AI, VR, and emerging technology.

Across a curated series of online and in-person sessions, you can connect with commissioners, creatives, and innovators who are actively seeking directing talent and fresh narrative thinking. Just as importantly, you will join a community of fellow directors exploring similar questions.

DOTB is not about leaving film and TV behind. It is about expanding your creative toolkit, discovering new applications for your directing skills, and opening doors to unexpected collaborations. If curiosity drives your practice and evolution excites you, DOTB is your invitation to step confidently into what comes next.

how to get ahead in branded

WEDNESDAY 1st july 2026, 6.30PM

Our next Directing Outside The Box event will explore Everything you need to know to get a foothold in the brand funded world and once you’re there how to thrive.

In conversation with DCF Trustee, Alix Austin, Creative Director Dan Fox-Evans and Executive Producer David Wilson both see huge opportunities for directors from any genre to work with brands and both personally recruit directors for this kind of work, from 15 second socials to brand funded full length docs, dating shows, dramas and other content. 

Join us on 1st July to find out what you need to know. How to change your thinking… how to hone your skills… how to market yourself… and how to find work with production companies, agencies and directly with brands.

Register your interest in attending here

DAVID WILSON

An Executive Producer with end-to-end production experience covering strategy, development, production, distribution, and analytics across commercial advertising, feature documentary, factual tv, and branded content. Commercially-driven, helping clients reach their audience in effective ways by working with them to invest in culture and helping brands become the story, not just the storyteller.

Working within agency networks such as Omnicom, WPP, and Publicis Groupe, he’s produced integrated content for brands such as Adidas, Nike, PepsiCo, and UEFA. Direct to brand relationships include DHL, Diageo, Molson Coors, Nissan, FIFA, Stanley Black & Decker, and Visa.

Recently his time has been spent delivering long format and series programming for broadcasters, on demand, and digital channels such as BBC, Channel 4, Discovery+, Red Bull Media House, Amazon, and Netflix. Example series titles include ‘Humans’, ‘End Of The F***ing World’ and ‘The List’.  In addition to ongoing branded projects he’s recently completed producing a 5 x 30 mins for BBC Three in association with Pan MacMillan. 

Otherwise, Dave’s a Leeds United fan and spends the rest of his time with his fingers crossed, swearing at the telly.

dan fox-evans

Dan is a seasoned creative leader and Global Creative Director with over 12 years of experience at the intersection of advertising, innovation, and digital culture. Renowned for his work integrating brands with content creators, he has spearheaded major multi-platform campaigns, including YouTube’s integrated #MadeForYou campaign. His work has earned top industry accolades—including Cannes Lions, BTAA, DMA, and D&AD Book mentions—and has been featured in Creative Review, Contagious, and national newspapers. A respected voice in the industry, Dan regularly shares his expertise as a D&AD Festival speaker and has served as a judge for the DMA, ChipShop Awards, The Drum, and D&AD New Blood.

See our previous 2025 events here.

AUDIENCE INTELLIGENCE WEBINAR - Alex Stolz in conversation with Bec Mortimer

DIRECTING OPPORTUNITIES WITH BRANDS…AND BEYOND - Alix Austin hosts Mediazoo

A.I STRATEGIES FOR DIRECTORS WEBINAR - Alex Stolz in conversation with Ben Mole

DIRECTING THE VIRTUAL WORLDS WEBINAR - Alex Stolz in conversation with HaZ Dulull

Register your interest in attending our future DOTB events by emailing our Head of Operations, Alexandra Harris.

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