Art and Craft of the Film Director Audio Seminar

"I was co-directing a music video on the weekend and a lot of the advice from your seminar stuck in my head and helped me through the two days. Just wanted to say thank you and that your audio seminar definitely helped a lot, especially the info about director prep and how to work with people."
Luke White, Gravesend, United Kingdom

Is Your Dream to Direct Movies?

Art and Craft of the Film Director Audio Seminar

"The Art and Craft of the Director is a multimedia 10-Day audio seminar packed with filmmaking tips, techniques and tools from the pros designed to help you become a successful, working film & TV director"

"I got a copy of the The Art and Craft of the Director Audio Seminar and ever since I take it with me all the time. It's become one of those things I jealously keep among my very personal stuff. I listen to a few chapters every time I can on the plane or before going to sleep, and I must say it is a priceless piece of work full of great advice. Thanks a lot Peter and please keep it up because you're doing a great job for all of us wanting to know more and more about filmmaking." Enrico Trippa, advertising film director, Spain/Italy

Dear Filmmaker,

Hi, I'm Peter D. Marshall. A film set can be a scary place - if you don't have much production experience, you don't understand 'the business' or you are unaware of the 'politics' of film. So if you're running into roadblocks and u-turns trying to get your films made, or having trouble getting your directing career started, you are not alone!

The facts are clear. To be a successful filmmaker today, you need to have complete confidence in yourself, an unshakable faith in your talent and ability - and some very good luck. But faith, talent and luck won't take you all the way - you also need to have the knowledge of what is expected of you when you begin preproduction, when you step on the set, and when you are in the editing room.  

As Mark Travis says in his book, Directing Feature Films "The prospect of directing a film is overwhelming. Not only is it not very clear or even agreed upon as to what a director does, but there are very few guidelines or programs for the learning director. There is no particular structure or manual that comes along with the job."

Well...after 34 years in the film and television business, (as a Director, First Assistant Director and Executive Creative Consultant) and over 20 years teaching filmmaking workshops and seminars around the world, (Canada, Dubai, Singapore) I decided it was time to create an insider's reference guide for filmmakers. 

The Art and Craft of the Director Audio Seminar is a 162 page multi-media pdf eBook packed full of insider film directing tips and tools supported by over 550 film making reference links, videos and audio files you can download from websites onto your computer. (No CD's, no DVD's, no shipping!)

"Great resource and extremely well done. As a working film professional I am constantly learning more about my craft and honing my skills. Your dedication and work is to be congratulated." Julian Grant, Toronto, Canada

The Art and Craft of the Director Audio Seminar is a 10-day audio program that gives you the knowledge and confidence you will need to be a successful film director by providing you with a 'road map' to make the path you have chosen less bumpy.

And when you have listened to all 10 days of this intensive audio seminar,
read all the support material and checked all the website links,
here is what you will have discovered:
  • why 'film politics' plays a major role in your directing success
  • why filmmakers need to know about the History of Film
  • the differences between directing television and directing feature films
  • the 3 types of director (which one are you?)
  • 15 places you can find production work
  • 10 ways directors can educate themselves and gain film set experience
  • a list of the film and television director's duties and responsibilities
  • tips from a Hollywood producer on 'what to do until the money arrives'
  • what is expected of a director during pre-production
  • a detailed breakdown of what to expect when directing a 7 day television show
  • why you must know the objectives of every character in your script
  • 20 tips on how to work and survive in 'The Business'  
  • the 2 kinds of movement between characters
  • why actors need to be 'director proof'
  • the differences between the 'super objective' and the 'objective'
  • tips on how writers create believable characters
  • 5 steps to creating scene transitions
  • the main purpose of script analysis
  • the 4 main functions of character personality types
  • the importance of character analysis and development
  • the 3 main qualities you must look for in an actor during a casting session
  • how to systematically break down your script, scenes and beats
  • how to conduct effective script and scene analysis
  • the proper use of camera technique (shots and angles)
"I don't know where to start.  'The Art and Craft of the Director' Audio Seminar drops so many gems that will help any director in any film genre step their game up.  The segment on understanding human behavior alone has helped improve my performance scenes and acting in my b-roll scenes which has allowed me to demand 22% more for my production budgets, which means more in my pocket for every music video shoot I do.  This is the real deal if you're serious about Film Making period."
Jamal Johnson, Summerville, SC

  • the 4 types of actor
  • a breakdown of the biggest mistakes directors make
  • a comparison of television and feature films (and why you must know these)
  • understanding the RDF formula
  • why shot lists should only be used as guides
  • tips on how directors can help actors during the casting process
  • why directors must understand basic human behavior (wants and needs)
  • why 'Truth' is important for writers/directors/actors
  • a breakdown of the classic three act structure (The Heroes Journey)
  • 3 famous directors talk about how to find 'the truth' in your work
  • tips on where writers get story ideas and how they do research
  • 14 script structure elements you need to know
  • the '3 Golden Rules' for film directors
  • the 5 essential parts of blocking a scene
  • 20 steps for developing the director's 'subworld'
  • 6 film editing guidelines every director should know (before they shoot!)
  • the script breakdown formula 
  • 10 tips on how to choose character objectives
  • the difference between Text and Subtext (and which is more important)
  • the 5 sources of conflict (without which you have no drama)
  • a breakdown of character analysis and development
  • how to create the director's visual style/concept of each film
  • tips and techniques on how to block and rehearse actors on set
  • 'The Director's Mantra' (three magic words)

"Now this is what I call customer "DELIGHT". Thank you so much for the updated version. I know any input from you side is worth a film school." Amar, India

"I am really enjoying your audio Seminar. I'm currently listening to Day 4. Great stuff so far!  I can't wait to hear the rest. Thank you for getting all this great information out there." Brent Peterson - Albuquerque, NM, USA

Now here is the detailed content/subject breakdown of what
you will be learning on each day of this 10 part audio seminar
    DAY ONE

    1. Introduction
    2. Movie Sound Clip of the Day
    3. The History of Film
    4. The Theory of Film
    5. Is There a Definition of Making a Movie?
    6. Understanding Montage
    7. What is a Director?
    8. Three Famous Directors Speak Out
    9. The Director's Background
    10. The Three Types of Director
    11. Educational and Reference Materials
    12. 10 Minute Film School
    13. The Business and Politics of Film
    14. But Seriously Folks!
    15. Conclusion
    16. Suggestions, Comments and Feedback

    DAY TWO

    1. Introduction
    2. Movie Sound Clip of the Day
    3. Discussing the book, 'The Working Director'
    4. What is Filmmaking All About?
    5. What to Do Until the Money Arrives
    6. 20 Tips on How to Work & Survive in 'The Business'
    7. The Three Golden Rules for Film Directors
    8. Production Categories (Where to Find Work)
    9. Advice for Movie Producers
    10. Comparison of Television and Feature Films
    11. Differences Between Cinema and Television
    12. So You Want to Be a Television Director?
    13. So You Wanna Work in Movies?
    14. Interesting Articles - Film and Television Business
    15. Conclusion
    16. Suggestions, Comments and Feedback

    DAY THREE

    1. Introduction
    2. Movie Sound Clip of the Day
    3. The Director's Pre-Production Activities
    4. The Director's Prep on a 7 Day Episodic TV Show
    5. The Production Management Team
    6. The Director's 'Top Three Creative Team'
    7. The Production Team (The Crew)
    8. On-Camera Players (The Talent)
    9. Conclusion
    10. Suggestions, Comments and Feedback

    DAY FOUR

    An interview on screenwriting with writer/script consultant Michael Adams.

    1. Introduction
    2. Movie Sound Clip of the Day
    3. Interview with Michael Adams on Screenwriting
    - What is a screenwriter
    - Where to get ideas
    - How a writer does research
    - Why truth is important
    - A list of screenwriting books and magazines
    - The process of writing
    - How to write believable characters
    - The single best way to be a better writer
    4. Michael Adams' Interview Notes
    5. Michael's Screenwriting Links and Resources
    6. More Screenwriting Links and Resources
    7. Conclusion
    8. Suggestions, Comments and Feedback

    DAY FIVE

   1. Introduction
    2. Movie Sound Clip of the Day
    3. The Reductionism Breakdown Formula (RDF)
    4. Breakdown Guide - From Film Script to Film Set
    5. Scene Breakdown Definitions
    6. The Classic Three Act Structure
    7. Four (or Five?) Sources of Conflict
    8. The Purpose of Script Analysis
    9. The First Script Read Through
    10. Conclusion
    11. Suggestions, Comments and Feedback

"I definitely thought this course was worthwhile and informative.  It helped to flesh out some of my own vague ideas about how the industry of film worked and it helped me to reconceptualize many misconceptions I had about the industry and politics of the business.  While the course alone was worth every penny and minute, the website attachments and ideas for books were an added bonus that provided me with every opportunity to continue to learn the valuable ins and outs of the business. Thanks again." Todd Donnelly - Brooklyn NY, USA

      DAY SIX

    1. Introduction
    2. Movie Sound Clip of the Day
    3. Script Breakdown - Script and Scene Analysis
    4. The Director as Story Teller
    5. Basic Script Structure (Review)
    6. The Script: General Creative Analysis
    7. The Script: Specific Creative Analysis
    8. The Script: Scene Analysis
    9. Other Script Structural Elements
    10. Pre-Production as a Process of Discovery
    11. Conclusion
    12. Suggestions, Comments and Feedback

    DAY SEVEN

    1. Introduction
    2. Movie Sound Clip of the Day
    3. Text and Subtext
    4. Mise-en-Scene
    5. The Subworld of the Director
    6. The Director's Visual Concept (Style)
    7. Examples of a Visual Concept
    8. The Symbolic Meanings of Colours
    9. Fifteen Colours and Their Meanings
    10. Understanding Camera Techniques
    11. Six Film Editing Guidelines
    12. Twelve Film Editing Transitions
    13. The 12 Biggest Mistakes Directors Make
    14. Conclusion
    15. Suggestions, Comments and Feedback 

    DAY EIGHT

   1. Introduction
    2. Movie Sound Clip of the Day
    3. Newton's First Law of Motion
    4. Concepts of Blocking and Rehearsing a Scene
    5. Staging a Scene in Theatre
    6. The Psychology of Film Movement
    7. Script and Scene Analysis
    8. Character Analysis
    9. Finding Your Script Beats
    10. Creating a Backstory for Your Characters
    11. The Director's Shot List
    12. Basic Blocking and Staging Techniques
    13. The 180 Degree Rule
    14. The Five Parts to Blocking a Scene
    15. Ten Questions Director’s Ask Before Blocking
    16. How to Block Actors on the Set
    17. Five Blocking Tips for Directors
    18. Conclusion
    19. Suggestions, Comments and Feedback

    DAY NINE

    An interview on the acting process with actor/director Trilby Jeeves.

    1. Introduction
    2. Movie Sound Clip of the Day
    3. Interview with Trilby Jeeves on Acting
    - Subtext and the actor
    - The actor/director relationship
    - Actors and research
    - How actors break down their scripts (beats)
    - Determining character objectives
    - Tips for director's in the casting session
    - Why actors need to be 'director proof'
    4. Trilby Jeeves' Interview Notes
    5. Trilby's Acting Links and Resources
    6. Recommended Acting Books
    7. Conclusion 8. Suggestions, Comments and Feedback
 
    DAY TEN

   1. Introduction 
    2. Movie Sound Clip of the Day 
    3. The Kuleshov Effect (Russian Actor Story)
    4. Basic Human Needs and Wants
    5. Observing Human Behavior and Emotions
    6. Arrivals and Departures
    7. The Director's Acting Mantra (3 magic words)
    8. Script Breakdown - Character Analysis
    9. How to Choose Character Objectives
    10. Four Types of Actor
    11. Character Personality Traits
    12. The Casting Session
    13. Director Notes on Casting
    14. Rehearsing Actors on the Set
    15. Passion + Soul = Inspirational Moments
    16. Last Words
    17 The Art and Craft of the Director 3 Day Workshop
    18. Suggestions, Comments and Feedback

"I have really enjoyed the seminar and have learned so much from all your experiences and thoughts about the film industry. I recently graduated from college (it was not a "film school") and none of my film classes covered anything like what your seminar taught me. Your real world experience and detailed analysis of the movie-making process covered more ground and made so much sense to me; it was the cake when all I'd had was icing. Thanks for all your time in research and preparation. This seminar was invaluable. You and I will probably never know how your lessons will play a part in my life and career." Lauren Morton, California, USA

Okay...here is a list of everything you will receive when you order
"The Art and Craft of the Director 10-Day Audio Seminar"

A. 162 page down loadable PDF eBook containing:

1) the links to all the 10 daily audio seminar files (mp3 & wav)          
2) the detailed course material for each day's audio seminar
3) links to all the handouts (pdf files)
4) links to all the film resource and reference websites
5) links to all the video references for playback
6) links to all the book recommendations

B. 26 audio files (MP3 or WAV) you can download to your computer

1) each daily audio seminar is divided into two or three audio files 
2) each audio file can be easily downloaded to your computer so you can play back the classes on your audio software program without going Online
3) you can also burn these audio files to a CD (or iPod) so you can listen to this course anywhere
4) in each seminar, I discuss in detail the topics mentioned in the outlines
5) I also tell you personal stories and anecdotes from my years of production experience that help to supplement the content of each class

C. 23 down loadable PDF reports, such as:

1) film directing reference guides
2) excerpts from film books
3) speeches from 3 famous directors
4) a sample one liner and shooting schedule
5) a television director's prep handout sheet
6) the 12 biggest mistakes directors make
7) colours and their meanings
8) five parts to blocking a scene
9) a chapter from the book, 'The Working Director'
10) a beat breakdown sheet using a scene from the movie 'Chinatown'

D. 2 audio interviews with industry professionals (plus transcript notes)

1) writer/script consultant (12 page transcript)
2) actor/director (9 page transcript)

E. 28 links to videos you can watch, such as:

1) an animated version of the film industry's history
2) an interview with director Ingmar Bergman 
3) location scouting techniques
4) an actual script read through
5) camera positioning (shots and angles)
6) The Heroes Journey in film
7) filmmaking techniques
8) fast and slow cutting techniques
9) blocking a scene
10) the 180 degree rule

F. 500 links to useful reference websites, such as:

1) the business: understanding filmmaking
2) learn more about the history of cinema
3) jobs in the film and television industry
4) character personality traits
5) what makes a director
6) free film scripts and screenplays
7) the thirty-six dramatic situations
8) links to over 1500 filmmaking resources
9) DGA rates for motion picture and television
10) list of film studios and production companies
11) screenwriting and script resources
12) learn more about film budgeting

 "I have listened to the audio files and found the information to be confidence boosting and extremely informative. I strongly recommend it to film makers of any level, especially the amateurs, to purchase this course...because it's WORTH a full time film school. Peter thanks for your contribution to the budding film makers. I will be the first person to invest on your forth coming courses." Amar - India

Buy Now

And now... here are all the FREE BONUSES you will receive
when you purchase this 10-day film directing audio course
(the total value of these bonuses is well over $300.00)
1) Upgrades to the Audio Seminar

- for the next few years I will upgrade this 10-day course by checking old links, adding new resources, PDF reports, video links, comments and articles. I will then send you the new PDF ebook with all the upgrades - at no additional cost to you! You will also be entitled to any new bonuses that are added

2) Free 30 minute consultation with Peter D. Marshall

- if you want to discuss a directing project, a film production issue or you just need some guidance, this bonus entitles you to a 30 minute conversation with me using the Internet phone Skype. You just need to email me your questions and then we will set up the best time for both of us to have a Skype chat 

3) Free script review from script consultant Michael Adams

- this complimentary script assessment is designed to let you know if your script is ready to go as is, needs only a few tweaks, or could use extensive polishing, depending on your goals for the story

4) $100.00 off any of my Filmmaking Workshops

- this bonus entitles you to receive US$100.00 off the registration fee for any of my workshops that I design and present myself

5) a 30 minute audio interview with a young filmmaker (11 pages)

- this PDF report includes a 30 minute audio interview (2 mp3 files), transcript notes and filmmaking resource links

6) 18 Bonus PDF reports (total of 94 pages)

- 1 Chapter from the book, 'The Working Director' (8 pages)
- 2 Chapters from the book 'I'll be in My Trailer' (35 pages)
- Movie Magic Scene Order Example (1 page)
- Movie Magic One Liner Example (1 page)
- Movie Magic Shooting Schedule Example (1 page)
- Movie Magic Day out of Days Example (1 page)
- 12 Biggest Mistakes Directors Make (4 pages)
- DGA Agreement: Definitions (16 pages)
- Director Prep List Cheat Sheet (1 page)
- The Script: General Creative Analysis (1 page)
- The Script: Specific Creative Analysis (1 page)
- The Script: Scene Analysis (1 page)
- Other Script Structural Elements (1 page)
- Symbolic Colour Meanings (1 page)
- 9 Questions Actors Must Ask (1 page)
- 7 Days Prep - Reference Guide for Episodic TV (2 pages)
- Copy of the original Call Sheet from the 'Gandhi' funeral scene (2 pages)
- 201 Things You Wouldn't Know Without Movies or Television (16 pages)

7) A 100% risk-free one year money back guarantee (see below)

"Just ordered the course, great price! I liked what you said about passion and truth, that is the crux of the whole thing and it is  what sold me more than anything about buying this course.  Without those two qualities, one might as well sweep floors or do any other job for that matter."
Pete Castellano - Assistant Dean, Finance
College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, University of Arizona

So after all that, here is the total investment required

This 10-day audio seminar is available to you for only US$37.00. That's it. No hidden costs - no upsells - no gimmicks. Just US$37.00. And why is the price for this audio course so low? Because part of my mission is to make this information available to as many filmmakers around the world as possible. And by keeping the price low, I can accomplish that mission.

I am very proud of this audio course and I guarantee that if you listen to the entire 10 day audio course, read all the support material, visit the website links and watch the videos, you will discover many of the insider techniques and secrets a working film director needs to be successful today.

So if you order "The Art and Craft of the Director Audio Seminar" now, you will receive the entire 10 audio lessons, the written support material and the free bonuses - a total of 267 pages of insider film directing tips and tools supported by over 550 filmmaking reference links, videos and audio files - for a total investment of just US$37.00.

Buy Now

Here's my 100% Risk-Free Money Back Guarantee

I believe so strongly in the content of this course, that I'm offering you a one year money back guarantee. If you feel this audio course isn't for you, just let me know within 365 days of your purchase, and I will issue you a prompt and courteous refund.

So who is Peter D. Marshall - and why should I listen to him?  

Good question!

I have worked (and survived!) in the Film and Television Industry for over 34 years - as a Film Director, Television Producer, First Assistant Director and Series Creative Consultant

I have Directed over 30 episodes of Television Drama 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'

As a First Assistant Director, I have worked on 12 Feature Films (including 'Dawn of the Dead', 'The Butterfly Effect', 'Happy Gilmore', 'Look Who's Talking Now', 'Bird on a Wire', 'The Fly II'); 15 Television Movies (for CBS, ABC, Fox, CBC, Disney, USA Network, HBO, Hallmark); 6 Television Series, (including 'Wiseguy', 'Stingray', the pilot for 'Party of Five'); and over 20 Commercials (for companies like Mattel, McDonalds, Toyota, Ocean Spray, Kraft)

I was the Executive Creative Consultant on the Television Series, 'John Woo's Once a Thief'

I have written, directed or produced over 50 hours of documentary and educational programs

My documentaries and dramas have won, or been nominated for, 14 International film awards

I have worked for directors such as John Woo, Phillip Noyce, Ed Zwick, John Badham, Roger Vadim, Dennis Dugan, Anne Wheeler and Zack Snyder

I have worked with actors such as Peter O'Toole, Michelle Pfiefer, Kevin Spacey, Morgan Freeman, John Travolta, Goldie Hawn, Madeleine Stowe, Mel Gibson, Jerry Lewis, Ashton Kutcher, Kathy Bates and Adam Sandler

I am a part-time directing instructor at the Vancouver Film School and I have also been a guest instructor at the Directors Guild of Canada, Victoria Motion Picture School, Capilano College and Gastown Actor's Studio

I have developed several filmmaking workshops and seminars that I have presented over the past 20 years - from Canada to Singapore to Dubai

I talk a lot about PASSION and TRUTH in this 10-day audio course
because these are two of the essential ingredients to fulfiling
your dream as a successful, working film director.

Filmmaking is a universal language, and no matter where we live in the world, we all have our own stories to tell. If you have a story that has UNIVERSAL THEMES, and you have the PASSION and KNOWLEDGE to tell this story, you CAN make a movie, in your own language, and audiences around the world WILL watch it.

Good luck.

Peter D. Marshall

"It was very informative and I enjoyed the odd time out from my usual routine to sit in front of the computer and get away to a place of infinite discovery."  Patrick Wilson - Sydney, Australia

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Peter D. Marshall/www.actioncutprint.com
pdm@actioncutprint.com
All Rights Reserved