Workshop Objective - When this 3 day workshop
is completed, you will see for yourself how any director, even someone
with very little experience, can effectively block a scene and get a
believable performance from an actor!
Overview - for three days, you will
have the unique opportunity to meet other filmmakers like yourself; to
learn and discuss your craft; and to share your experiences as artists
and story tellers.
Day One - a combination of lecture,
class discussion and film clips.
Day Two - a combination of lecture,
class discussion and film clips. You will also get an assignment for
Day Three.
Day Three -
a short lecture on blocking and staging plus the hands-on part of the
workshop. The class will divide into groups. Each group will pick a
theme and determine the situation (story), the scene objectives and the
character objectives. Each group will also pick a director and 2
actors. The director will then block the scene with the actors (with
participation from the group) and choose camera angles that best
portray the scene objectives and the character objectives.
"Very in-depth class with a
great way to express the director's role. The
role playing was a fantastic way for me to learn to compose a scene,
deal with actors and understand what is needed for the story, Peter,
you have obviously put a lot of work into preparing and delivering this
workshop. I learned a lot. Thank you."
Alexandra Pacheco - Burnaby,
Canada
|
"The Art and Craft of the
Director"
DAY 1
1. Class Introductions
2. How to Make a Movie 101
3. What is a Director?
4. Watch Video Clips
5. The Business and Politics of Film
6. How to Work and Survive in "The Business"
7. Educational and Reference Materials
8. Production Categories
9. Comparison of TV and Feature Films
10. The Director's Pre-Production Activities
11. Watch Video Clips
12. The Production Management Team
13. The Director's Top Three Creative Team
14. The Production Team
15. On-Camera Players (The Talent)
16. Watch Video Clips
17. Practical Breakdown of Scripts and Scenes
18. Four Sources of Conflict
19. Script Breakdown Formula
20. The Classic Three-Act Structure
21. General Script and Scene Analysis
22. Script Analysis (Quick Reference)
23. Scene Analysis (Quick Reference)
24. Other Script Structural Elements
25. Director Guidelines - The Script
26. Watch Video Clips
DAY 2
1. Watch Video Clips
2. Subtext / Mise-en-Scene / Subworld
3. The Director's Visual Concept
4. Colours and Their Meanings
5. Understanding Camera Techniques
6. Director Guidelines - Working on the Set
7. Watch Video Clips
8. Classwork - read script, shot list & storyboard
9. Classwork - scene breakdown & character objectives
10. Observing Human Behavior and Emotions
11. Character Analysis and Development
12. Character Objectives
13. Character Personality Traits
14. Watch Video Clips
15. Director Guidelines - Casting
16. Director Guidelines - Working with Actors on Set
17. Classwork - discuss shot list, storyboard & view video
18. Classwork - discuss scene breakdown & character objectives
19. Watch Video Clips
DAY 3
1. Watch Video Clips
2. What is Blocking (Staging)
3. The Five Parts to Blocking a Scene
4. Director Questions for Blocking
5. A Blocking Demonstration
6. Divide into groups - work on themes & objectives
7. Practical - Staging and Blocking a Scene with Participants
8. Watch Video Clip
9. That's a Wrap
"Peter is a great instructor. He is very willing
to share with us his experience in film directing. He creates a very relaxed
and cordial environment for the class and gave us the opportunities to
ask and share ideas in class. He is quite knowledgeable in the subject
and he said many key concepts that left lasting impressions. Its been a
great experience learning from him."
Kevin Peng - Singapore
|
How to contact Peter D.
Marshall
If
you are interested in finding out more about "The
Art and Craft of the Director," contact me to find out the
dates for the next workshop or 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 Testimonials and
Comments from Workshop Participants
"Peter, this was an
absolutely fantastic workshop filled with information,
knowledge, and passion. Thank you" Diego Marquina
Quinzanos - Mexico City, Mexico
"I am a completely self
taught director and coming from that position it has always been
extremely hard, first to find time with another working director
and then to find someone who you can really talk to and listen to. In
skips the unbelievable Peter D. Marshall who takes you on a journey of
self discovery, shows you, arms you and most importantly enhances your
spirit. He encourages you methodically to confidently go out there and
direct. He has really become a mentor to me and I cannot over emphasize
enough how absolutely valuable this course is. I watched, learnt, and
saw seventeen individuals become born into true "feeling directors".
Wow!! This is the magic of film." Jurgen Alan -
Capetown, South Africa
"I
found Peter's workshop very informative. The
workshop was a great opportunity to
open my mind and refresh my ideas. I now have a new perspective on the
power of moviemaking and the realities of the Director's role. Thank
you Peter."
Aaamir Shaikh - Pakistan
"Your
class has taught me that film production isn't as complicated as I
thought it was. Lots of film fans and
students talk about shots. Now I know that shots are overrated.
Directing isn't about cool shots but how simply, efficiently, and
interestingly you tell your story working with the actors. I've also
developed more confidence in talking to actors. I've learned that it 's
not about telling them what to do every step of the way but bringing
out a performance in them with very little directing (words) as
possible." Charles Kim - Singapore
"Great course! Learned more
about directing in Peter's course than working on a set for months as
an assistant director. I recommend it to anyone who wants to really
understand the role of the director on set and for anyone who wants to
expand his skills on set."
Asher M. Isak - Vancouver, Canada
I just wanted to thank you
for your time spent putting this workshop together. I felt that you covered
many facets of what it is to be a director and was quite educational
and fun at the same time. The acting/director workshop was a great tool
for getting the director to not only practice his/her skills in
direction but also for us as directors to understand the importance of
communication from the actors point of view. I thought this to be the
highlight of the weekend course." Riley Walsh -
Vancouver, Canada
"I haven't felt so
intellectually stimulated since college. Thoroughly engaging and
informative. Beautifully taught in balancing logic and creativity.
Whenever the next one is.... I'm there."
Tim Claffey - Chicago Il, USA
"I have taken many
Directing/Editing & Filmmaking courses, all over the world. Peter is an excellent
teacher. He was able to describe directorial feelings and intuition in
a simple manner. Many people can direct, but teaching someone to direct
is extremely difficult. Peter has mastered the sort of teaching. Thanks
for helping me open my mind and unlocking my creative soul." Melissa
Stubbs - West Vancouver, Canada
"Peter's workshop was a
pivotal event in my mostly self taught filmmaking experience. The best 3 days I've spent.
After working with Peter and the other participants in the class, I now
have the confidence and knowledge to work with both actors and
non-actors and help them achieve the best possible performance. In
short, I now feel empowered as a director."
Larry D. Barr - Stephenville, Texas,
USA
"The exercise of the last
day combined with the reality check of the first two makes it a
valuable approach to teaching a trade that can mostly be
learned through time. Thank you for sharing your experience with us."
Pierre Beaudoin - Vancouver, BC
"Thanks
again for offering "The Art Of The Director"...a great
learning experience....for me, there were many
mysteries solved and 1000 assumptions debunked as to the role and focus
of the director: a wonderful confidence builder."
Patrick Stark - Vancouver, Canada
"I am greatful to benefit from Peter's wealth
of experience. The workshop has been very enjoyable and truly
inspirational."
Ian Jarvis - Vancouver, Canada
"I took the course to kick
start the drama side of my directing career. It did more than kick start
it. It gave a tool box to work with. Thank you Peter"
Michael Keeping - Vancouver, Canada
"Peter. You covered an awful
lot of key points. I picked up some great "dealing with actors"
tips. You have a wonderful way of communicating with your pupils. I
also feel a lot more confident with what it is producers are used to
seeing from their visiting directors in the prepping purpose. Thanks
for passing it on."
Ernest Jackson - Vancouver, BC, Canada
"It was rewarding to be able
to put hands on paper and from no experience at all, write a plot, make a script,
make the cartoons, cast actors from our group, place cameras, count the
beats, everything all easy just following the 'Marshall Rules'.
Karyna Barros - Vancouver, Canada
"For me, Dov, McKee, and
Peter are the triumvirate of filmmaking experts that have created "time and
money"- oriented workshops that offer participants a wealth of
practical information that can be applied immediately. Upon completion,
I left Vancouver with everything that I need to go back to Philadelphia
and begin pre-production on my first feature."
Kwami K. Kwami - Philadelphia, PA, USA
"A
very good course explaining the basics of directing. A
great use of film clips to demonstrate the theory. Peter uses his
knowledge and experience to help us understand the theory. A worthwhile
four days."
Sandra Mayo - Vancouver, Canada
"Peter is a very
knowledgeable and engaging instructor. In addition to being a
great learning opportunity (and a lot of fun!) this course and workshop
offered valuable insight into the director's world. Thank you."
Bev White - North Vancouver, Canada
"Fun film clips, great stories and
interesting insight into what the role of the director is.
Loved the last exercise. Thanks."
Jennifer Nelson - Vancouver, Canada.
"Really enjoyed the workshop - lots of all
around in-depth info. Put into a more basic and clearer
overview of the director and other elements of filmmaking."
Cybelle Sarrazin - Delta, Canada
"I found the course inspirational and filled
with great information. Thank you so much Peter. You're
generous and talented and it's a privilege to have attended. Looking
forward to the advanced course."
Tara Cowell-Plain - Vancouver, Canada
"A
powerful, passionate person. A
real pleasure to listen and learn from."
Jennifer Kidd - Vancouver, Canada
"A two month course in 4 days. All
the main points, but in a condensed, comprehensive and understandable
format. Worth it!"
Bonnie Benwick, Vancouver, Canada
"Tons of good information
from a practical, working director."
Ty Haller - Vancouver, Canada
"Other
than the course outline, there are no rules! This
is a layed back, informative look at directing. Experience is a good
teacher and Peter speaks from experience."
Jody Ryan - Surrey, Canada
"I am
greatful to benefit from Peter's wealth of experience. The
workshop has been very enjoyable and truly inspirational."
Ian Jarvis - Vancouver, Canada
"A
very inspiring workshop that leaves me wanting to move onto the next
level. Peter's years of experience
brought many levels of information to the class."
Cindy Smith - Vancouver, Canada
"I
found Peter's course of great value. Give
me more please."
Michael J. Bateman - Victoria, Canada
"The
course was enjoyable and extremely well thought out. I
learned a lot and it reinforced what I already knew. I will recommend
the course to my co-workers."
Mike Atwater - Surrey, Canada
"Well structured workshop. Was quite and eye-opener.
Has changed the way I look at cinema. Lot of information for three
days." Nikalank Jain, Dubai, UAE
"This was an amazing workshop that really inspired
me to go out there and make movies."
Kim Kazi, Dubai, UAE