CALENDAR OF EVENTS

OCTOBER 2010

 


DIRECTING

Mark Ruffalo - Actor/Director: Sympathy for Delicious, Actor: Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

"I had the pleasure of working with Joan before directing my first feature. It was a crash course in directing done quietly and lovingly with humor and meaning. I had been working on the film for ten years and in that time become too close to it. I asked her to help me, "know that I know what I know", and she did just that. Joan lead me to the structure of the story. She led me to understand the logic of the film emotionally. Helped me find the tools that I needed to walk onto the set with confidence and joy. Consequently I always knew where I was and what I wanted. I was always able to let the Actors play and be free in the structure that I knew so well from the work I had done with Joan in preparation. I was able to communicate with my DP and crew what I wanted and why. Everything was funneled into the story. I highly recommend Joan for Directors and Actors alike. She really knows what the hell she is doing. She has spent years doing it. There are very few people out there that have such a clear handle on material and the trick of getting that material to a screen."

What is it?

Joan develops Films with Directors and their Teams from script and rehearsal through shoot and post. The First Step is the Initial Consultation Series.  Once you've done that, Directing Consultation may be designed on a case by case basis to support the specific ongoing needs of  your project.

WHO GOES?

Directing Consultation typically begins with the Director, Writer and/or Producer.  Sessions may be attended individually or by the entire Film Team.

  • Directors
  • Writers
  • Actors
  • Producers
  • Cinematographers
  • Editors
  • Production Designers

Joan has consulted on over 200 films. See Films, Community and Quotes for Artists she has worked with and their thoughts.

WHAT DOES IT COVER?

Directing Consultation is specifically designed to provide ongoing support for your film. Work may include any or all of the following:

  • Screenplay:
    Joan works as a Writer, Co-writer, Script Doctor or Consultant.  She collaborates with the Writer and Director at any stage of the process from the initial idea to the polish. Script work is designed to support the Director's vision through theme, structure, world, character, relationship, dialogue, tone and visual style. See Writing for more details.
  • Workshop:
    Stage a reading of your film and put the keys scenes on their feet. Workshops can be designed to Investigate your movie with your entire Film Team.
  • Technique:
    Hone your craft with hands-on exercises.  Learn tools to strengthen your relationship to your material. Practically apply these tools to: script, prep, rehearsal, blocking, performance, pacing, music, edit, rhythm and visual style.
  • Pitch:
    Create and rehearse a successful pitch.
  • Casting:
    Learn casting techniques to maximize your time in casting sessions and spot the best actors for your film. Joan also provides actor recommendations and casting assistance.
  • Rehearsal Prep:
    Design your day-by-day rehearsal schedule. Design rehearsal techniques to quickly and effectively invite the best performance. Tailor rehearsal for specific cast (stars, children, ensemble, non-actors, etc)
  • Shoot Prep:
    Break down your script. Prep key scenes. Prep crib sheets. Prep camera blocking and visual style wtih your cinematographer.
  • Rehearsal/Shoot:
    Joan may be in rehearsals, on set or on call.
  • Post:
    Ongoing support as needed
  • Marketing/Press:
    Marketing advice. Prepare and rehearse for Interviews. Self distribute your film.
  • Festivals/Release/Awards:
    Ongoing support as needed

WHEN, WHERE, HOW MUCH?

Joan conducts ongoing Directing Consultation periodically throughout the year. She works in Los Angeles, New York and Worldwide on Skype. Fees and Credit are negotiated on a case-by-case basis. Joan is also available to Executive Produce.  Please contact us for details.