CALL FOR CHARACTER-BASED IMPROV WORKSHOP

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CHARACTER BASED IMPROVISATION WORKSHOP with ROB MARCHAND

The Directors & Editors Guild of NZ (DEGNZ) invites applications from proven writer/directors or director and writer teams, and their actors, to attend the Robert Marchand Character-based Improvisation Workshop from 20 – 24 March 2015 (five days).
Rob is an award-winning film director with over 25 years experience who is hailed as Australia’s foremost expert in this process, as used by British Director Mike Leigh. Rob runs his acclaimed workshops in Europe, the U.K. Australia and now in New Zealand.

“Whether you are planning to create work from scratch or you just want to expand your skills in exploring and creating character, using improvisation and generally working closer with your actors in the realisation of your work, this is an invaluable workshop. I highly recommend it.”
– Kate Woods, Director, Looking for Alibrandi

This workshop requires real commitment from teams. The benefits to participating directors, writers and actors are immense:
Directors
• improving communication between actor and director
• providing a new approach to script development—investigate backstory, look
at characters independently of script, build life around the character, create
the whole psychology of character before you start your film
• finessing Performance
• demonstrating how improvisations can really deliver results
• adding detail to scripted material
• exploring the unexpected
• auditions & casting
Writers
• provides an extra dimension to script development
• demonstrates how character detail can be added to the script
• reveals how bringing the character to life in non-scripted scenes throws up
new possibilities for further writing
• illustrates how to create an entire film through on-going collaboration
between filmmakers and actors.
Actors:
• re-affirmation of the actor as artist
• ownership of character
• adding depth and complexity to performances
• accessing spontaneity
• improving communication with the director
• new perspective on texts
• assisting with preparation for auditions

Directors can apply with or without a script, but all must have:
• proven talent in directing drama
• a strong feature project or a strong idea to explore
• strong ideas for casting and bring actors who are willing to explore character
fully
• be available for the full five days (including actors)
NB: This workshop will be most beneficial for those with stories based in a 21st century contemporary, urban world.

To apply, please provide:
• Names, contact details and CVs for all planned participants – director,
writer/s, actors
• 1 – 5 page synopsis of your film/idea
• Examples of director’s previous dramatic work
• A maximum one page letter stating why you wish to participate in this
workshop

Please send your application electronically to admin@deganz.co.nz or by post to Directors & Editors Guild of NZ, Attn: RM Workshop, PO Box 47-294, Ponsonby, Auckland. Applications close 5PM, 4 February 2015.
The four successful candidates (four directors with teams) will be selected by a panel of experienced industry practitioners, with an announcement to be made by end February 2015. Fees would apply to those accepted, and those travelling would need to pay their own costs.

What: Robert Marchand Character-based Improvisation Workshop
Where: Auckland, venue tbc
When: Friday 20th – 24th March 2015 (5 days)
Cost: DEGNZ member director – $60 (including team), DEGNZ non-member
director – $150 (including team).
Application Deadline: 5PM, 4 February 2015

This initiative is brought to you with the financial assistance of the New Zealand Film Commission, and with the support of Script to Screen.

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Director’s Toolkit with Jason Stutter

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Last weekend independent filmmaker Jason Stutter of Tongan Ninja, Predicament and Careful With That… entranced 10 budding drama directors with his practical approach to directing film. Jason is a proponent of the Steven Spielberg-style, and covered the master shot method he uses to get fast, efficient and effective wide shots that deliver coverage with little need for relighting.

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On Day One, Jason spoke at length on his method, reveal tips that work for him to get connection between actors. To illustrate some of his points, he engaged participants in improvisation, and gave his thoughts on rehearsing and how to deal with exposition.

Experienced actors Nicola Kawana and Steven Papps joined the class in the afternoon, when Jason ran through his blocking technique and how he moves actors to final performance using a scene from a highly acclaimed TV drama.

On Day Two, Jason introduced further techniques he uses with actors to develop connection, before moving on to visual effects, technical considerations and the importance of Art Department, Costume, Makeup and other tools that build character.

Having just returned from the American Film market where he pitched his film in post production and his next planned feature, Jason gave everyone the benefit of his market wisdom and knowledge, particularly on the US film making scene.

The afternoon was spent working with talented actors Steven Lovatt, Jeff Szusterman and Rene Lyons as Jason worked through blocking, coverage further techniques on how to get the best performance.

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For the directors attending, the benefits were immense:
“This was a very valuable experience and I learnt a lot. I felt very free to question and participate in the workshop. Jason is a great communicator and can pass on the experience he has has to people in a warm and non-threatening way.”

Day Two ended with a discussion over drinks as the participants questioned Jason and the actors, seeking to draw out as much wisdom as possible. Our first, and highly successful, Directors Toolkit!

This event was made possible through the financial support of the New Zealand Film Commission.

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2 Day Directing Workshop with Jason Stutter- APPLY NOW!

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The Directors & Editors Guild of NZ invites applications for up to 10 DEGNZ members to attend a 2 day Directors Toolkit Workshop run by filmmaker Jason Stutter on Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th of November.

Jason is one of our most innovative and prolific filmmakers, having made more than 20 short films and four features, including the highly successful Careful With That… shorts series. Jason is an inspiration for today’s filmmakers.

During his 2 day workshop topics covered will include:

  • Communicating with actors
  • Getting actors to connect
  • Working with dialogue heavy scenes
  • Making the unreal feel real with your cast
  • Creating dynamic camera blocking
  • How to direct action sequences
  • Lens selection for best results

What: Directors Toolkit Worshop with Jason Stutter
Where: Auckland University, Pat Hannan Room, 18 Symonds Street, Level 5, Room 501 (Arts 2, Building 207)
When: Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th November 2015, 9AM – 5PM both days.
Refreshments and Lunch provided. DEGNZ
Cost: FREE for DEGNZ members. Non-Members $100.

TO APPLY:

Please provide no more than one page that outlines where you are at in your directing career and what benefit you will gain from attending the workshop.

Application Deadline: 5pm Thursday 20 November 2014 to lucy@deganz.co.nz.

This event is brought to you through the financial support of the New Zealand Film Commision.

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2014 International Editing Mentor

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Earlier this month, DEGNZ was pleased to welcome Justine Wright to New Zealand as our 2014 International Editing Mentor.

Over the course of her stay, Justine spent time working with NZ editor Cushla Dillon who was the selected 2014 mentee. Here’s what Cushla had to say of the experience:

“I felt hugely privileged to share time and conversation with Justine, to talk about editing and being an editor. For those who don’t know, Justine is a NZ film editor who lives in London and has edited Last Day in September, Into the Void, The Last King of Scotland, The Iron Lady and recently, Locke. She was a very warm, intelligent woman who laid her work life open for me to dissect.  I had specific areas I wanted to address for this mentorship. One in particular was to see how I could up-skill in order to work on bigger film projects. But of course the process is always the same, and it was interesting to hear how in the UK, most key creative crew depend on agents for their work. Her agent vets her projects and puts her forward and basically negotiates her fees and conditions. She discusses the merits and weaknesses of the script with her agent so when she meets the director she knows what she needs to discuss. But what I also wanted to explore with her was the ‘how, why and what if’ of editing. I had the incredible experience of watching several versions of scenes from one of her films, from assemble to fine cut. The editing within the film was a masterful feat, and the coverage enabled them enormous latitude in the edit room. The week since she left, I have felt the ‘ghost of Justine’ at my side as I have been editing a documentary, feeling her words and experience keeping me focused on the right questions to be asking as I edit. The mentorship raised the bar for me to aim for with my editing skills, and ultimately I am responsible for keeping that bar high. I am extremely grateful to the Directors and Editors Guild for making this mentorship possible.”

DEGNZ was also lucky enough to have Justine run a one day editing masterclass during which eight lucky editors viewed the rushes and cut together a scene from scene footage Justine supplied.

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Here’s what they said was the best thing about the masterclass:

“Material I would never encounter otherwise, and experiencing how other people think and work.”

“Having footage of top rate actors and first class coverage together- awesome!!”

It has been an immensely rewarding experience to have someone as kind, open and knowledgeable as Justine here willing to share what she has learned with us all.

We again acknowledge and thank the NZ Film Commission for making this mentorship possible.

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Editing Workshop with Justine Wright. Apply Now!

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DEGNZ is pleased to call for applications from members for a one day editing workshop with acclaimed UK editor, Justine Wright (Locke, Touching The Void, The Last King of Scotland, The Iron Lady).

The eight selected editor participants will cut scenes from one of Justine’s recent films and discuss their editing choices. Justine will talk about her own challenges and decisions in editing the same material.

The focus of the workshop is drama editing, however Justine is also an accomplished documentary editor, and will talk about her transition from documentary to drama (and back again).

The workshop is free of charge and is aimed at editors with a level of industry experience, and who are fully experienced working with Avid.

When: Saturday 04 October 2014
Where: Ponsonby, Auckland
Travel: DEGNZ will assist with travel for participants from outside Auckland

APPLICATIONS CLOSE WEDNESDAY 10 SEPTEMBER

TO APPLY:
Please send a one page CV and a covering note (less than one page) explaining why you should be selected and how you feel the workshop will benefit you professionally.

Email your application to lucy@deganz.co.nz by 5.00pm Wednesday 10th September.

This initiative is for DEGNZ members only

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