Film Workshop – Directing the Film and TV Actor

—
“If there was an Oscar Award for what they do, Peter and Trilby each deserve one. Every time they teach.” Cecil Hamilton-Shimmen, Singapore
—

“Directing Actors” is a 3 day hands-on workshop with Peter D. Marshall and Trilby Jeeves that concentrates on the filmmaker’s main task: directing the actor! This workshop was designed for filmmakers who want to understand the acting process and how to get the best results from actors.

In the last 20 years, Peter D. Marshall has Directed episodes of TV shows such as “John Woo’s Once a Thief”, “Wiseguy”, “21 Jumpstreet”, “Neon Rider”, “The Black Stallion”, “The Famous Jett Jackson”, “Scene of the Crime”, “Power Play”, “Big Wolf on Campus” and “Largo Winch”.” Peter was also the Executive Creative Consultant on all 22 one-hour episodes of the TV Series,”John Woo’s Once a Thief.”

As a 1st AD, Peter has had the opportunity to work with actors such as Peter O’Toole, Kevin Spacey, Morgan Freeman, John Travolta, Kathy Bates, Michelle Pfiefer, Marcia Gaye Harden, Madeleine Stowe, Mel Gibson, Ashton Kutcher, Adam Sandler and Goldie Hawn.

Trilby Jeeves was the first English student to be theatrically trained in her second language for 3 years at Le Conservatoire d’Art Dramatique in Québec City. She went on to perform in over 40 plays in both languages across Canada, eventually coming back to Vancouver.

As well as performing, Trilby worked in the film industry for 10 years as a set costumer on a variety of television series and feature films. Trilby also directed “Les Monologues du Vagin” two years running.

Trilby has taught classes in buffoonery and improvisation throughout Canadian high schools and she is currently teaching her successful Buffoonery Acting Workshops to professional actors and drama students across Canada.

—
“I really enjoyed getting hands-on experience working with actors. Each time we ran through our own scenes and other’s scenes, ideas about the performance unfolded like onion layers. These workshops have really encouraged me to think creatively, to allow me to think outside my normal day-job role and explore the possibilities within me.” Annabelle Wilczur, Vancouver, Canada
—

“Directing the Actor”

Workshop Objective - The objective of this workshop is to explore a film director’s creative process in shaping a performance and choosing scene coverage in a dramatic film.

Those directors who attend this three-day “Directing Actors” workshop will have the opportunity to discover:

- why “politics” play a major role in your success as a director
- why you must understand “film montage” before you direct
- the importance of the actor-director relationship
- the quick reference guide to script and scene analysis
- how to break down your script to understand the story
- why you must know the objectives of every character
- how the director creates the sub-world of the script
- the five parts to staging and blocking a scene
- the creative use of camera techniques
- why “listening for the truth” is your best directing tool
- the three qualities of an actor you look for during casting
- the secrets of getting a good performance from an actor
- how to guide an actor’s performance on the set
- guidelines for working with the crew on the set

—
“You guys are very sincere and dedicated! We shared so much during the 3 days. For this workshop, we directors, producers, and artists were able to understand more of each others difficulties and inner feelings during production period. You two have enlightened us so much. Thank you, God bless!” Taykok Peng Edmund, Singapore
—

Day One – this day covers the theory behind the director’s job, the importance of script and scene breakdown, character analysis tips, understanding the actor’s process, proper blocking techniques and guidelines for the casting session.

Days Two & Three – Over these two days, each participant will be partnered with another class member to direct a scene. Other class members will be chosen as the actors. In this way, everyone will experience the directing process from both sides of the camera. Each group will block and stage the scene, direct the two “actors” and shoot the scene based on camera angles that best portray the scene objective and the character objectives.

—
“Really, really enjoyed the class! Been waiting for a class like this for a long time, and it has finally happened. All my answers are there. What I have been looking for all the years that I have been directing, has all been put into perspective. All a clearer picture. I have gained so much from this experience and treasure. Thank you..” Ian Seymour, Singapore
—

DAY ONE

1. INTRODUCTION

1. Circle Talk and Class/Instructor Introductions

2. Connecting Exercise

2. THE DIRECTOR

1. What is a Director?

2. The Director as Story Teller

3. Three Types of Director

4. The Role of the Director

5. The Tools of a Director

3. THE ACTOR

1.What is an Actor?

2. The Nine Categories of Actors

3. Four Types of Actors

4. The Actor’s Job

4. THE ACTOR/DIRECTOR RELATIONSHIP

1. What does an actor want from this relationship?

2. What does a director want from this relationship?

5. THE ACTOR’S LANGUAGE

1. Objectives

2. Text and subtext

3. Conflict

4. Action Verbs

5. Result Direction

6. Obstacles

7. Beats

8. Permission

9. In the Moment

10. Listening

11. Improvisation

6. THE DIRECTORS IMPROV

1. Dealing with Self-Consciousness

7. THE SCRIPT

1. The Classic Three Act Structure (The Hero’s Journey)

2. Drama and Conflict

3. Five Sources of Conflict

4. Script and Scene Analysis (Quick Reference

8. CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT & ANALYSIS

1. Observing Human Behavior and Emotions

2. Character Development and Analysis

9. THE CASTING PROCESS

1. Director Guidelines for Casting

DAY TWO

1. QUESTIONS FROM DAY 1

2. ACTING TECHNIQUES AND MOVEMENT

1. Mirror Exercise

2. Acting Exercise

3. BLOCKING AND REHEARSING

1. The Psychology of Movement

2. What is Blocking?

3. Basic Blocking and Staging Techniques

4. The 180 Degree Rule

5. The Five Parts to Shooting a Scene

6. Director Questions for Blocking

7. Five Tips for Blocking and Staging a Scene

4. CLASS EXERCISE – “THE BUS STOP”

Directors will direct one actor (Trilby). Each director will do the following:

1. Create a story and determine themes and objectives with the actor

2. Block and rehearse their scene with the actor in front of the class

3. Discuss their scene theme and objectives with the class

5. WORKING WITH ACTORS ON THE SET

1. Tips for rehearsing actors on the set

6. CLASS WORK (Directors prepare & breakdown scenes for Day 3)

—
“Great workshop! I loved it as an actor – plus I learned a heck of a lot about the directing-for-film-and-TV process.” Damon Calderwood, Vancouver, Canada
—

DAY THREE

1. QUESTIONS FROM DAY 2

2. SCENE PRESENTATIONS – TWO ACTORS AND DIRECTORS (Morning)

1. Each director will block and rehearse a scene with two actors

2. Each director will shoot the scene and make adjustments with the actors

3. PLAYBACK SCENES FOR REVIEW (Afternoon)

1. All directors and actors will review and analyze the scenes

4. WORKSHOP REVIEW

How to contact Peter D. Marshall

If you are interested in finding out more about “Directing the Actor,” contact me to discuss how we can bring this workshop to your city.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Peter D. Marshall
pdm@actioncutprint.com

More Comments and Testimonials

“Peter’s class is very inspiring and motivational. An excellent, comfortable and supportive learning environment. Looking forward to the next one.” Trevor McWhinney, Vancouver, Canada

“One of the best (workshops) I have attended in my career. Excellent teachers. Learned so much from them. Incredible.” Ram Murugese, Singapore

“This course raised my bar!” Wu Min Xiu, Singapore

” I appreciate Peter’s valuable experience and POV’s and the practise this course allowed me to play with and further develop my directing skills.” Frederick Heartline, Vancouver, Canada

“What a learning experience! Lots of fun. Can’t wait until the next one. It was a treat to actually work with actors.” Jennifer Kidd, Vancouver, Canada

“This was a great experience. Peter is a fountain of knowledge. His attention to detail is impeccable. I have learned a lot, as an actor, about the filmmaking process. Students and actors can benefit from his knowledge and experience.” Paul Herbert, Vancouver, Canada

Copyright (c) 2000-2009 Peter D. Marshall All Rights Reserved