Training
OC2 Directing Foundation Workshop: DIRECTING ACTORS FOR SCREEN
- About Directing Actors for Screen
- OC2 Advanced Diploma Foundation Program
- Commencement Dates 2008
- Course Structure
- Tutor
- Workshop Actors
- Units
- Assessment
- Entry Requirements
- Cost & Enrollment Form
- Student Information
- Testimonial
This workshop is nationally accredited training issued under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).
About Directing Actors for Screen
Directing Actors for Screen is an intensive two-week course whereby emerging Directors workshop a script with professional actors under the guidance of acclaimed Australian director Alkinos Tsilimidos (Em 4 Jay, Tom White).
This accredited workshop is aimed at students who wish to further their professional career in directing film and television drama. You’ll learn how to work with actors to produce the most convincing performances in this high level and intensive workshop that focuses on the craft of directing drama for the screen.
On completion of this workshop, students will have a clear understanding of what is expected of a director when working with actors, including the casting and audition process. Students will prepare and conduct their own rehearsal of a scene. In the simulated environment of a film shoot, participants will learn what is expected of directors on set, and how to direct actors to elicit the performance they envision. All participants will receive constructive criticism from the actors and the tutor on their direction of the scene, as well the opportunity to watch the performance on playback.
This workshop will:
- provide skills and knowledge to rehearse and direct actors prior to and during filming for film, television or drama
- provide accredited training for people pursuing a career in film and television
OC2 Advanced Diploma Foundation Program
OC2 is OPEN CHANNEL’s Advanced Diploma of Screen program (CUF60101), developing new independent feature film projects. Participants completing an OC2 Foundation Workshop may apply to the OC2 Extension Program to complete an Advanced Diploma of Screen. The extension program involves working in the capacity of Writer, Director or Producer during the making and marketing of a teaser film for an independent feature project.
Students in this workshop may also apply for OPEN CHANNEL’s innovative OC2 Advanced Diploma Foundation Program offering the chance to learn while working on a real independent drama or comedy project. Whether working independently and wanting to form a creative team, this unique blend of training and production support will give your project the kick start it needs. This initiative supports the making of a teaser to sell an independent feature film project - a model used for the horror film ‘Saw’ which spawned a multi-million dollar franchise.
Commencement Dates 2008
OC2 Directing Foundation Workshop – Directing Actors for Screen
Start Date: 21 July
Finish Date: 31 July
Duration: 2 weeks
Time: Monday to Thursday - 9.30am to 4.30pm
Course Code: DAS108
All applicants will be interviewed.
Course Structure
The OC2 Directing Foundation Workshop – Directing Actors for Screen is full-time (Monday to Thursday) taught over 2 weeks with a total of 48 contact hours.
Directing Actors for Screen begins with discussions on methodologies behind the casting, rehearsal and directing processes, as well as the Director's tools of the trade. Participants will discuss script analysis and creating character profiles which lead to the casting process, working through casting agencies, auditioning actors, and how to work with actors through rehearsals and on-set directing to facilitate the best possible performances.
On Day Two, the tutor will engage in an in-depth discussion with professional actors to gain an understanding of their approach to screen performance. The tutor will workshop these actors in different scenes and students will observe these work methods. A camera operator will be filming this workshop to simulate an on-set environment. The aim of this session is to understand what both the Director and the actor can bring to a script.
On Day Three, all participants have a chance to "read" an assigned scene (or the participant's own scene where accepted by the Tutor) and workshop it with professional actors to achieve an authentic & convincing performance.
On Day Four, the group will cast a scene from their film. The group will also watch the edited scenes from the Day Two tutor session, to discuss the on-screen results.
In Week Two, students will individually rehearse, block and direct their cast actors in the selected scene under the guidance of the tutor. This process will be observed and filmed by fellow classmates.
Tutor
ALKINOS TSILIMIDOS – Biography
Born in Melbourne, Australia 1966. Alkinos has been described as one of Australia’s most important contemporary film directors. He has a reputation for being an actor’s director and is renowned for his uncompromising approach to stories of social relevance.
He graduated from Swinburne School of Film and Television (now VCA) in 1988. His début feature film Everynight…Everynight (1994) won international critical acclaim. It was awarded Best First Film (Prix D’Montreal) at the Montreal World Film Festival and was in Official Selection at the Venice International Film Festival.
His second feature Silent Partner (2001) was nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay at the AFI and Film Critics Awards and was in Official Selection at the Toronto, Montreal, Newport, US Arts Comedy, Athens, Singapore and Bangkok International Film Festivals.
In 2004, Tom White was released to extensive critical acclaim. It received thirty-one Australian feature film award nominations, Colin Friels winning the FCCA and the IF AWARD for Best Actor. Tom White was invited to participate at many international events including Montreal, Hof, and Pusan International Film Festivals.
Em 4 Jay (2006), his fourth feature, participated at Melbourne, Brisbane, Athens, Mostra De Valencia – Spain, Newport Beach – US, Titanic - Hungary and New Zealand International Film Festivals. Variety said: “Authenticity makes EM 4 JAY a Down Under low budget TRIUMPH.”
Alkinos is currently working on his fifth feature, Rambles.
Workshops Actors
Alyce Platt - view CV
Samuel Johnson - view CV
Sarah Hallam - view CV
John Brumpton - view CV
Units
Directing Actors for Screen Foundation Workshop utilises 3 units from the Advanced Diploma of Screen (CUF60101). Selected from the Film, Television, Radio & Multimedia Industry Package CUF01. Endorsed by the National Training Quality Committee 2004.
Units include:
CUFDRT02A - Conduct selection of the performers
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to audition and select suitable performers for a variety of character roles within a production for film, television and multimedia.
It comprises of three elements:
- Prepare for the audition
- Audition performers
- Select performers
CUFDRT03A - Conduct rehearsals of the performers
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to rehearse performers prior to starting production for film, television and multimedia.
It comprises of three elements:
- Plan the rehearsal
- Direct the first rehearsal or read-through
- Direct subsequent rehearsals
CUFDRT04A - Direct the performers
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to direct performers throughout a scenic action during a screen production for film and television productions.
It comprises of three elements:
- Prepare performers for filming
- Facilitate performers
- Wrap up filming
Assessment
Students will be required to provide evidence, within duration of the workshop that demonstrates a high level of skills as a Producer, including preparation of:
- casting, rehearsal and directing of a select scene from their own script
- a written self-assessment on the process, which can be submitted one week after the end of the workshop
Entry Requirements
This workshop is open to all Australian residents 18 years and over. Applicants must have completed a Certificate III in Screen qualification or have equivalent filmmaking experience.
All applicants are interviewed.
Once an application form is completed and a deposit is paid an interview time will be given. The interview is an opportunity to clarify any issues about Accredited Training at OPEN CHANNEL and to determine applicants’ suitability for enrolment.
Cost & Enrollment Form
The course fee is $1600.
A $1000 deposit is payable on enrolment to secure an interview, and fully refundable if you are not selected for the workshop.
Accredited Training Enrollment Form
Student Information
Please read the Student Information page
For more information contact the Accredited Training Coordinator
Phone: (03) 8610 9304
Email: accredited@openchannel.org.au
Testimonial
"In 2005, I completed the Specialist Directing course at OPEN CHANNEL with
Alkinos Tsilimidos. I cannot articulate enough how valuable and
informative my experiences with him were, and how much resonance his
teaching and expertise imparted upon me, not only as a filmmaker, but also
as a film patron. Because of his knowledge and compassionate humility, I
learnt how to extract the best performances from my cast, whilst remaining
sensitive to their individual idiosyncrasies and acutely aware of the
appropriate boundaries a director must be aware of when dealing with
people and often, emotionally perilous subject matter."
SPECIALIST DIRECTING Graduate, 2005
