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.
directing the virtual worlds
From the virtual art department to telling stories in “Fortnite” and “XR”, how can directors adapt and thrive to storytelling in virtual worlds?
hosted by alex stolz with guest speaker, haz dulull
tuesday 17th june 2025, 19:00 - 20:30 webinar
This Directors Charitable Foundation webinar in partnership with Future of Film, hosted by Alex Stolz, will feature guest speaker, HaZ Dulull, Founder and Content Direct of Beyond the Pixels. Award nominee, HaZ, starting in video games, transitioning to visual effects for well known titles, as The Dark Night, Hellboy 2 and various BBC shows, will take a deep dive into his experience directing across different platforms and studios. From Indie sci-fi feature films to action-comedy TV series, to adapting the popular video game ASTRO BURN, set to be released late 2025 as an animated feature - HaZ will share the highs, challenges and strategies needed to consider directing in the virtual world.
Alex Stolz, Future of Film
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 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.
HaZ Dulull, Beyond The Pixels
HaZ Dulull began his career in video games before transitioning to visual effects, contributing to acclaimed projects like The Dark Knight and Hellboy 2, earning multiple VES award nominations.
He made his directorial debut with the indie sci-fi feature films - The Beyond and 2036 Origin Unknown, the former achieving critical and commercial success, and the latter receiving a theatrical release. This led to HaZ directing Disney’s action-comedy series Fast Layne, the animated prequel 47 Ronin: The Samurai Spirit for Universal, and the short film, ‘Under the sea - A Descendants Story ‘ for Disney+ as well as a segment in the sci-fi anthology feature, Portals.
In 2024, HaZ released MAX BEYOND, a ground-breaking animated sci-fi feature created using Unreal Engine 4, further cementing his status as a pioneer in real-time filmmaking. He was later hired by Funcom to direct the in game cinematic's for Dune: Awakening.
HaZ is the Founder of Beyond The Pixels (BTP) - a game development company that is also a fast-growing tech and lifestyle creator brand at the intersection of film, gaming, and virtual production.
The BTP Youtube channel is known for its hands-on, creator-first content that blends Unreal Engine, UEFN, and AI tools, with tutorials, reviews, and behind-the-scenes looks at real-world production workflows.
Most recently, HaZ led the gamification of Fremantle & BBC’s The Rap Battle into Fortnite—which was nominated for the Webby Awards 2025.
BTP is in development on a slate of original IP games with the first title - ASTRO BURN to be released end of 2025 via Steam (PC) and Mobile.
Book here and be inspired!
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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.
