Acting with Melissa Leo

Online · 26–29 January 2027 · 14:00–18:00 London time (16 hours).

MELISSA LEO ACTING WORKSHOP

WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION

This four-day acting workshop with Melissa Leo is a one-of-a-kind opportunity for those who are serious in acting as well as those with some theatre experience looking to brush up on their skills in front of the camera. The workshop is also suitable for directors wishing to understand the actor’s process in preparation for a project.

In this four-day intensive course, you will learn from the experience of Melissa Leo who will introduce you to the several techniques she uses in acting for screen, while giving you an insight into what goes on behind the camera. Melissa Leo will also share the works and methodologies she has developed during Covid lockdown, and address new methodologies of film work.

By the end of the workshop you should have a clearer insight on:
– Confidence in acting for the screen
– Have an understanding of how to use voice and movement effectively
– Gain a clear understanding of key methodologies
– Have in-depth knowledge and understanding of the film industry
– Have clear career goals and the confidence to pursue them
– The Do’s & Don’ts of the Audition Process
– Recognize the importance of the actor/director relationship
– Effectively breakdown and analyze every scene in your script
– New ways of honing your skills and continuing practicing in contemporary days will also be addressed.

Although the workshop takes place online, active participation is expected. The course consists of four consecutive four-hour sessions, for a total of 16 hours, combining discussion, practical work and feedback.

Melissa Leo will address real-life challenges faced by actors. Participants will have the opportunity to discuss experiences from their own careers and ask questions about their work and the actor/director relationship.

ABOUT MELISSA LEO

Melissa Leo is one of the most in demand actresses in the world, Winner of an Oscar for her performance on “The Fighter” Melissa will surely be one of the great actresses of our time.

Melissa Leo was born on September 14, 1960, in New York City. Leo starred as the mother of boxer Mickey Ward in the 2010 film The Fighter, also starring Mark Wahlberg. The role garnered her both Golden Globe (best supporting actress) and Oscar awards. Other accolades include award nominations for the film Frozen River and the HBO series Mildred Pierce.

Leo’s breakthrough role came in 1993, when she began playing Detective Sergeant Kay Howard on the NBC series Homicide: Life on the Street.

Melissa rose back to prominence with an impressive performance as a wife of an addict in the 2003 film 21 Grams. Her role garnered an award nomination for best supporting actress from the L.A. Film Critics Association. Many film opportunities followed, including The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada (2005) with Tommy Lee Jones, Hollywood Dreams (2006) and Black Irish (2007).

Leo went on to win acclaim for her performance as a struggling mother in the heralded film Frozen River (2008), most notably Independent Spirit Award, Screen Actors Guild and Academy Award nominations—all in the best actress category.

More films followed, including Everybody’s Fine (2009) with Robert De Niro, Conviction (2010) with Hilary Swank and The Fighter (2010) with Mark Wahlberg. In the latter film, she garnered wide acclaim for her performance, including a Golden Globe and an Academy Award, both in the best supporting actress category.

Moving back to TV in 2011, Leo showcased her talent in the HBO series Mildred Pierce, starring alongside Kate Winslet; she earned an Emmy nomination (outstanding supporting actress in a miniseries or movie) for her role as Lucy Gessler in the series.

Leo went on to work on several projects, including “Oblivion” (2013), with Tom Cruise and Morgan Freeman, which show us Melissa in a different genre, but always keeping it faithful to her choice for strong and captivating women, who immediately jump from the screen. Also in 2013 Melissa Leo went on working in The Butler, also featuring Forest Whitaker, Jane Fonda and Oprah Winfrey. That same year, she won an Emmy Award for her guest appearance on the sitcom Louie.

Later in 2013 she premiered the highly praised film “Prisoners” starring along with Hugh Jackman and Jake Gyllenhaal, she has also starred alongside Denzel Washington in “The Equalizer” and The Equalizer 2, having previously appeared in a 1985 episode of the original series. She also appeared in “The Angriest Man in Brooklyn” alongside Robin Williams.

She starred in the 2015 Fox event series Wayward Pines as Nurse Pam. She then starred in the 2017 Netflix film The Most Hated Woman in America as American Atheists founder Madalyn Murray O’Hair. She also appeared in the miniseries I Know This Much Is True (2020), an adaptation of Wally Lamb’s 1998 novel.

WORKSHOP LOCATION

The workshop will take place online. FEST FILM LAB brings together high-level knowledge sharing, networking and interaction with leading film professionals.

• The group will be limited to 20 participants.
• We will maintain the tailored approach, with opportunities to discuss projects and challenges participants are facing.
• The workshop takes place over four half-days, allowing time to absorb and reflect on the learning outcomes.

PROFILE OF PARTICIPANT

The workshop is designed for actors who are serious about their career, or prospective actors who seriously want to enter the film business. The workshop is also suitable for directors wishing to understand the actor’s process in preparation for a project.

16 hours · Duration: 4 days
Dates: 26–29 January 2027
2PM–6PM GMT (London)
3PM–7PM CET (Brussels)
9AM–1PM EST (New York)
6AM–10AM PST (Los Angeles)
6PM–10PM Gulf Standard Time (Dubai)
10PM–2AM CST (Beijing; ends the following day)
7:30PM–11:30PM IST (New Delhi)
Location: Online
Price: 599 EUR
Maximum number of participants: 20

By registering for the workshop you agree to the FEST FILM LAB Terms and Conditions.

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