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.
Podcasting for directors: what you need to know
TUESDAY 3rd november 2026, 6.30Pm
Film and TV Charity, 22 Golden Square, W1F 9AD.
WE’RE BACK!! Our next Directing Outside The Box event will BE TAKING A DEEP DIVE INTO THE WORLD OF PODCASTING & VODCASTING and explore Everything directors need to know in this ever evolving creative space.
In conversation with DCF Trustee, Alix Austin, Director & Podcast Host Giles Alderson and Kult Media Founder, Matt Cheney will share their insights into the opportunities for Directors in the world of Podcasting, Vodcasting as well as regular broadcasting!
Register your interest in attending here
giles alderson
Giles Alderson transitioned from a theatre background, including participation in the Royal Court and Soho Theatre Writers Programs, to a prolific career in film and television. As a director, his recent work includes the feature film adaptation of the bestselling novel, The Stranger in our Bed, starring Samantha Bond, Ben Lloyd-Hughes, and Emily Berrington, now released on Showtime in the US and Sky/Prime in the UK. His WWII action feature, Wolves of War, with Ed Westwick, Matt Willis, and Rupert Graves, was released on Sky Store and Prime in 2022. He also directed the historical action film Arthur & Merlin: Knights of Camelot, and his psychological horror debut, The Dare, garnered the Audience Award for Best Film at Popcorn Frights Film Festival and was distributed by Lionsgate in the UK and picked up by Millennium Films. He recently produced the comedy The Joy of Sex starring Colin Firth and Julianne Moore and has also directed the dark thriller Sessions and the supernatural horror Samodiva for the same studio he made, The Dare with as well as the documentaries World of Darkness and the recently released Food For Thought to great acclaim.
Alderson’s diverse experience extends to directing and producing numerous television shows and commercials. His ability to navigate various genres and collaborate with established talent, demonstrates his commitment to impactful storytelling and professional excellence.
He runs and hosts The Filmmakers Podcast, the No.1 indie filmmaking podcast.
Matt Cheney has spent over 20 years in media. He began as an audio specialist across television, film and games, became Head of Audio at West London post house Rapid Pictures, and then Head of Audio at VICE — a role that straddled both worlds, making traditional content for international broadcasters while helping build the YouTube channel, podcasts, live events and social output behind the company's digital growth.
His work spans broadcasters including the BBC, Amazon, Smithsonian Channel and NHK, and brands including Universal, Nike, Jo Malone and INEOS, alongside independent creators and small businesses. Since VICE he has worked primarily in new media, at the intersection of development, production, branding and marketing.
He is founder of Kult Media and co-founded Brown Bear Studios in Brighton. He understands both the industry directors are coming from, and the one they're moving into.
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.
We’re on WhatsApp now - follow our channel for the latest updates, news, events and support information.
If you’d like to suggest an area that you’d like us to cover as part of DOTB, please email admin@directorscf.org.
