Creating the Modern Sitcom:
The Art of Single-Cam Comedy

 

VFS IN-PRODUCTION BOOTCAMP

 

LEARN DIRECTLY
FROM AN EMMY
AWARD-WINNING
COMEDY DIRECTOR

A 2-day In-Production Bootcamp for writers, directors, & actors to collaborate with Michael Spiller on a single-camera comedy scene.

 

Register Now

 

 

MICHAEL SPILLER

Producer, Cinematographer, & Award-Winning Director

With a BFA in Film from SUNY Purchase, Michael got his start as the DP on the first season of HBO’s Sex and The City. He launched his directing career in season two, directing seven episodes before moving to LA to pursue directing full time. His credits include more than 20 episodes each of Modern Family (for which he won an Emmy) and Scrubs, as well as multiple episodes of Superstore, Black-ish, The New Girl, The Middle, Cougar Town, Don’t Trust the B in Apt 23, Big Love, and Ugly Betty. He was also the Executive Producer/Director for all six seasons of The Mindy Project and recently wrapped the final season of The Sex Lives of College Girls.

 

 

How It Works

Single-camera comedies like The Office, Modern Family, and Arrested Development have redefined TV with their cinematic style and rich characters. 

Now, Emmy-winning Director Michael Spiller returns to VFS for The Art of Single-Cam Comedy. In this hands-on Bootcamp, writers, directors, and actors will collaborate to create a sitcom scene, guided by one of the genre’s masters. Don’t miss this chance to gain unparalleled industry knowledge and experience for your career! 

Note: If you’re a cinematography and/or would prefer to participate in an observatory capacity, register as an ‘Observer’ during checkout.

IN-PRODUCTION BOOTCAMP:

Industry Panel, Workshops in Directing/Writing/Acting

Saturday, August 23 | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. PDT | VFS Film Campus, 151 West Cordova Street

 

Creation of Short Single-Camera Comedy Scene

Sunday, August 24 | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. PDT | VFS Film Campus, 151 West Cordova Street

 

Cost: $150

 

Register Now

 

 

 

 

 

 

What to Expect at the Bootcamp

Saturday kicks off with an Industry Panel featuring Michael Spiller, offering behind-the-scenes insight into how directors, producers, actors, and crew collaborate on hit single-camera comedies, followed by a Q&A. 

Next, participants break into groups: Writers craft 1-page scenes (one will be selected for production), actors audition for lead roles, and one director will be chosen to shadow Michael on set. 

On Sunday, the selected scene is produced with full collaboration. All attendees gain rare, hands-on experience and a clear understanding of how a professional TV set operates. 

 

Take a look at VFS's first-ever bootcamp with Michael Spiller - where he worked with aspiring directors, writers, & actors to produce multi-cam sitcom scenes:

 

FAQ

1. What is the ‘The Art of the Single-Cam Comedy’ Bootcamp with Michael Spiller? 
This 2-day event is a rare opportunity to collaborate directly with Emmy Award-winning director Michael Spiller (Modern Family, Scrubs, The Mindy Project). Writers, directors, and actors will take part in an immersive experience that mirrors the real-world production process of a single-camera TV comedy – from concept to on-set execution. 

 

2. Who is Michael Spiller? 
Michael Spiller is an acclaimed television director, cinematographer, and producer with a career spanning over two decades. He won an Emmy for his work on Modern Family and has directed key episodes of Scrubs, Black-ish, New Girl, Ugly Betty, and many more. He served as Executive Producer/Director on The Mindy Project and recently wrapped the final season of The Sex Lives of College Girls. His career began as the DP on HBO’s Sex and the City. 

 

3. What does the bootcamp include? 

  • Saturday, August 23:  
    • A behind-the-scenes Industry Panel with Michael Spiller, with Q&A 
    • Hands-on group workshops for Writers, Directors, and Actors 
    • Writers will draft a 1-page comedy scene, actors will audition for lead roles, and a director will be selected to shadow Michael 
  • Sunday, August 24:  
    • Live production of the selected short comedy scene 
    • All participants observe or take part in the filming process, gaining insight into how a single-cam scene is blocked, shot, and performed on set 

 

4. Where does the event take place and how much does it cost? 
The Bootcamp will be held at Vancouver Film School’s Film Campus at 151 West Cordova Street in downtown Vancouver. The full 2-day experience costs $150. 

 

5. What happens during the scene production? 
On Sunday, the chosen scene will be brought to life. The selected director will work closely with Michael Spiller to block and shoot the scene, while actors perform their roles and other attendees observe the real-time production process. This is a working set experience designed to simulate a professional TV shoot. 

 

6. Who should attend? 
This Bootcamp is ideal for aspiring or emerging writers, directors, and actors looking to break into television comedy. Cinematographers and industry professionals interested in observational learning are encouraged to register as ‘Observers’ to gain valuable insight into single-camera production. Whether you're looking to build skills, make connections, or deepen your industry knowledge, this event is for you. 

 

7. How do I register? 
Click here to register and explore all available options.