Students on the course will have a few things to prepare prior to the start date
The group will be split into two: A & B. Each will elect a lead-writer whose responsibility will be to collate the ideas of the group and write a short script. The idea is that the number of scenes in each film will be a multipleof the number in each group. So if a group has 5 members there will be 5,10 or (even 15) scenes, and each member will have a chance to direct 1 or 2 scenes.
Day 1.Getting to know each other. Acting on camera workshop. Compare and contrast acting on stage to acting on camera. Understanding the medium.
PM: Script discussion and plotting. Workshop with a script writer.
Day 2.Acting on camera workshop continued. Workshop with an actor.
PM: Script discussion and plotting.
Day 3.Filming workshop.
Learning basic film skills: Planning. Story-boarding. Rehearsal. Blocking. Cinematography. Continuity. Filming protocols. Learning key filming roles. Practical exercises in acting and filming.
Rehearsal of scenes. Shooting scenes, reviewing, followed by discussion, notes and shooting again and reviewing again
PM: Story discussion, and finessing. Planning the shoot. Assigning of roles for filming.
Day 4.Filming Story 1. Group A will film group B. We would switch roles (camera operator, director, etc.) so students enjoy as broad a range of experience as possible.
PM editing of Film 1 by a film editor
Day 5.Filming Story 2. Group B will film group A (same parameters as Day 4).
PM editing of Film 1 by a film editor
Day 5 eveWe will discuss what we have learnt, or on Saturday pm if everyone can make it.
Watch and discuss the films.
Overview
This is a highly ambitious course and schedule, and the hope is that students will learn a lot in a week.
The key skills in which each student should gain some experience:
Acting: The differences between acting on stage and acting for camera. Learning to act on camera. The power of the close up.
Story creation: Planning a story in a group. Plotting. Turning points, and characters arcs.
Filming: Directing, planning, set discipline, continuity.
About me - Sven Arnstein
I have worked in the TV industry most of mylife. I did a BBC directors course, after which I directed TV drama for 5 years. I have run a few courses for the BBC and the National Film school. I have run this course once before, and this is the new improved version!