1. Introduction
2. Schedule
3. Dates
4. Fee
5. Qualifications
6. Applications
7. Feedback
NEW DIRECTORS' OBSERVER SCHEME
The success of 'The Alchemy of Screen Acting' workshops is based on the
actors gaining a firm understanding of what the director requires from them
and why. There is, therefore, the opportunity for a small number of
selected new directors to attend the last three days of the workshop to
observe the process of directing actors for camera, both in rehearsal and
on set. The group of up to ten or twelve actors will have already formed a
cohesive group working on soap material during the first two days, at which
point a small number of observers may join to witness the rehearsal and
shooting of feature film scenes (copies available on arrival) on days
three, four and five. In addition to the opportunity to see a professional
director and lighting cameraman working with trained actors on broadcast
quality drama, there will also be the opportunity to network with a view to
creating new working relationships.
* WORKSHOP DAY THREE
Introduction and welcome to observers.
The application of 'alchemy' to acting, directing and writing.
Analysis of story structure and
feature film scripts. Actors read through their film scenes (as
practice in audition techniques).
Up to six different 2/3-hander scenes are rehearsed through the day.
* WORKSHOP DAY FOUR
Whole day is spent shooting feature film scenes on wide-screen DV.
Permanent camera output
to monitor enables observation of framing, positioning and
continuity. How the size of shot
supports what the actor is doing. Director's notes: What the
director needs to say between
takes to improve performance and what he doesn't. How does the
director know when he's got
the best take? What is the camera operator's/sound recordist's input?
* WORKSHOP DAY FIVE
View all rushes with reference particularly to development of
performance and how the
director's vision is achieved through framing (wide-screen
composition) and cutting. Hear the
director's feedback to the actors.
Practical information on what directors are looking for in actors'
showreels. Examples shown.
Wrap party.
For full details of the next 'Alchemy of Screen Acting' workshop see:
Workshop outline page.
Observer fee for all three days is UKP 250 (inc. VAT).
10% DISCOUNT is available to members of The Directors Guild of Great
Britain.
[For details of membership of the DGGB visit:
http://www.dggb.co.uk/membership.html
Directors should ideally have attended a first degree drama or media course
or should have similar experience. This opportunity is particularly
suitable for theatre directors preparing to shoot their first screen
project.
In the first instance, interested participants should contact the workshop director, Andrew Higgs, on 07785 394214.
"Thanks very much for an extremely enjoyable,
interesting and inspiring time on the Young Directors'
Observer Scheme. It has filled in some vital gaps in my knowledge and
fired up my confidence to seriously branch out from
theatre into directing for the screen as well.
I would highly recommend it
to any director starting
out directing actors for TV and Film, as a great place
to not only observe how a professional director
approaches the task, but to ask all those little
questions left unanswered by the textbooks. The last section on networking
and what to do and
study next was incredibly enlightening."
Eric Young
ericcyyoung@yahoo.co.uk
"The workshop offers an unrivalled opportunity to see how the professionals
really do it. Just being party to all the decisions and choices Andrew
makes, then seeing them materialise in the rushes at the end of the week,
is a real eye opener for any director starting out in the business. This is
one of the best ways to learn short of doing it yourself..."
Jack Laurance
jacklaurance@hotmail.com
"As a result of the Andrew's guidance and wisdom, my screen directing skills
have progressed from a position of complete incompetence to a focused
confidence. The Alchemy workshop is a unique environment for new directors
to gain practical experience working with professional scripts, professional
actors and a professional crew. Andrew's feedback is always constructive and
insightful. Highly recommended!"
Danny Richman
danny@castingnetwork.co.uk
"I have recently been lucky enough to receive funding for a short drama, and my purpose in attending the New Directors' Observer Scheme was to gain experience working with actors prior to production. I am already experienced in directing dramatic reconstructions for broadcast docudrama, but this course enabled me to observe the actors' journey from the first script reading through to the final performance. Along the way, I could see how Andrew worked with the actors to help build their confidence, realise their characters, and familiarise them with the processes and constraints of working in film. As the resultant performances demonstrated, his guidance and feedback proved to be extremely productive. Andrew was generous in inviting me to comment and interact as the course progressed, and I came away at the end of the week feeling that I had easily gained the insight and understanding I had been looking for. I strongly recommend this course to any budding directors thinking of shooting their first drama film, whether it be a theatre director who needs to learn and appreciate performance for camera, or a documentary director who needs to understand the actor's perspective."
Andrew Greener
Mjl800h@aol.com
"Reading ‘Broadcast’ recently I came across an article about Macheath Productions and the ‘alchemy of screen acting’. What was of most interest to me was an opportunity for a couple of guest directors to attend the workshop. This
was exactly what I was looking for, having written a short film script that I am looking to direct myself. I'm currently working as a freelance camera operator but I felt the prospect of directing a bit daunting. I shouldn't have worried, this course answered a lot of questions for me. Working with professional actors was a great learning curve and Andrew encourages you
to get involved at your own pace and he does know his stuff!. If you are looking for a comfortable environment to push yourself and learn valuable new skills I recommend you try the ‘Alchemy’ way."
Michael Burns
michaelburns@onetel.com
