CALENDAR OF EVENTS

OCTOBER 2010

 


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Miranda July - Writer/Director/Actor: Me and You and Everyone We Know

"It can be so scary to really look at what you are making - the desire is to shut your eyes and hope for the best. Joan is a warrior against this impulse, and powerful enough that you definitely want to be on her side.  With this incredibly thoughtful, playful, generous ally, the process -- the clear-eyed looking -- is so engaging that the old fear quickly dissolves."

1. I'm not a director, can I still take the Filmmaking lab?

Yes. The Filmmaking Labs are designed for all film and theatre professionals who are ready to take their work to a new level. Writers take the lab to workshop scripts. Producers take it to become more proficient in script development, and to improve their working relationships with writers, directors, and actors. Cinematographers take it to find the emotional angle of their work. Editors take it to deepen their approach to storytelling. Many professionals in one area often want to stretch creatively or make a switch from one form to another. The lab is perfect for those considering a move. I encourage a mix in the labs because it brings us closer to the experience we have on set.

2. What's the experience level in the lab?

All levels are welcome to apply for the lab. By virtue of its intensity, this is not a "beginner" class. Some directors in the lab will have made many films, and others will be preparing for their very first short. Everyone will be challenged in their own way.

3. Do I have to act in the lab?

Yes. It is the single best thing you will ever do to deepen your connection to directing, writing, or shooting a film. You will not have to get up and "perform" scenes. The acting is in the form of structured exercises and improvs. We all learn by doing, otherwise our knowledge is simply intellectual, a theory. Theory will not help you work more confidently and creatively with human beings.

4. Do I need a full script?

No. Artists often come to the lab with just a seed of an idea, and use the lab to jump-start writing. You can use a scene from a script you're working on or any film script (produced or not) that interests you.

5. How often does the lab meet?

The labs typically meet 3 times a week-- 1 weekday evening and Saturday and Sunday days. Filmmaking 1 and Filmmaking 2 are 16 sessions of 4-8 hours each. 

6. At what stage should my project be? What if my material isn't finished?

Some directors do the lab before pre-production. It's a very nice ramp into the film. Others take the lab in between projects. When a new idea is germinating it's a great time to explore in a protected environment. Many directors and writers say to me "But it should be further along! It's not ready to be shown!" Absolutely. That's why it's a workshop. We don't have enough forums to explore our ideas in a highly creative, supportive context.

7. Who does the casting?

If you know actors that you feel inspired to work with, I encourage you to use them in the lab. It may develop a dialogue that will be useful to you after the lab is over. If you don't wish to bring your own actors, I will cast from my own network of talented professionals. They all have chops, experience, and love to play. I want you to have actors you can be very free with, so there is time for you to experiment with new tools and ideas without a lot of resistance. You'll get that later. The lab is the time to build confidence and adeptness so you can more easily deal with what naturally comes up in the creative process.

8. Do we shoot and edit the scenes?

All rehearsals are filmed. You provide your own camera. Filmmaking 1 is not about a finished, polished scene. It's about tools, performance and opening up the depth and creativity of the scene. Some directors do edit the scenes on their computers, which is also very useful. But editing is not a focus or a requirement for the lab.

9. How much homework is there?

There is some outside preparation, though most of the work is done during class-time. Homework assignments will be emailed to you after class. There is no outside rehearsal required. Most participants are working other jobs and the lab is designed for that reality.

10. What is the difference between stage and film acting?

From my perspective there isn't any during the preparation. There are different technical aspects to be aware of in each medium, but the key elements of preparation are the same. A good performance is good because it's free, and because it's true. How do we gain the confidence and the skill to recognize and encourage such performances? This is our investigation.