Film performance

Overview

35 hours – 26-30 August 2019

In France, most performance classes are oriented toward live shows. Our workshop teaches performers how to adapt their skills for film and how to act for a camera. Using scenes from a variety of film genres, performers will practice different techniques in different roles and genres.

The workshop is led by a director of feature films and includes role-playing, casting sessions, script reading, and table reads. Participants will also film scenes, analyse rushes, and watch edited clips.

Target Audience

Performers
10 participants

Prerequisites

Applicants must have French intermittent du spectacle status, be able to show at least 2 years of work experience, and be AFDAS-eligible.

Workshop Objectives

Develop and refine skills
Acquire the tools and skills that a performer needs for feature films
Work with an experienced filmmaker
Practice working in different roles and genres
Prepare a role
Improve participants’ skills through practice and critical analysis of their own work.

WORKSHOP PROGRAMME

Morning 1: Introduction to Performance for the Camera

The instructor will show well-known scenes, as well as scenes from other films and projects (existing film clips, audition and rehearsal scenes) to illustrate the theory behind performing for the camera, including specific concerns based on genre, character, understanding of the script, the director’s influence, and the work methods that are used depending on what the director is looking for.

Afternoon 1 & Days 2-4: Practice and Analysis

The instructor, a working director, will show participants scenes from existing but not immediately recognisable films. Scenes will come from many genres, may or may not feature dialog, can have one or more characters, and may be highly scripted or allow room for improvisation. Scenes are arranged so that all participants get to play multiple roles throughout the week based in part on their personalities.

Each scene begins with a table read, followed by a discussion of how characters are portrayed, how the scene is understood, preparations for roles, and the director’s intentions.

Scenes are then filmed in a professional setting with performers playing the roles and using cinematographic choices provided by the director.

After each scene is filmed, the director and participants will provided feedback and analyse what took place on set.

Afternoons are spent viewing rushes. In this portion, participants are able to take a step back from their work and cast a critical eye on the rush.

Four technicians (2 video and 2 audio) will be on hand to film scenes. Set dressings are selected on site or near CinéFabrique.
CinéFabrique’s technical crew handles negative cutting of the rushes and viewings. After the rushes have been viewed, a professional editor will edit two versions of each scene.

Day 5: Screening, Discussion, Evaluation

On the morning of the last day, participants will screen the edited scenes and analyse them as a group.

They will also discuss their experience and share their impressions. The instructor will offer some perspective, and everyone will suggest work methods and ways to improve.

The workshop will end with a discussion, followed by a self-assessment and an evaluation of the workshop by the participants.

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For more information:
Site AFDAS

Contact CinéFabrique
Hélène Suzé : helene.suze@cinefabrique.fr – 06 44 18 42 90