Writing your Characters for Film and TV Workshop with Ritesh Batra - 6-7 & 13-14 April
STUART DRYBURGH CINEMATOGRAPHY WORKSHOP 8-9 June 2024 Berlin
ABOUT RITESH BATRA
Ritesh Batra is widely known for his debut feature film The Lunchbox a touching portrait of the lunchbox delivery system in Mumbai, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival. Nominated for 33 international awards, the film won the Rail d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival. Additionally, it also won the Toronto Film Critics Association Award for Best Feature Film in 2014, and a BAFTA in the category “Film Not in the English Language”, in 2015. The Lunchbox has been called the highest grossing foreign film in North America, Europe and Australia for the year of 2014 grossing over 25 Million USD. Ritesh has since directed star-studded films, such as The Sense of an Ending (2017), an adaptation of a Booker Prize-winning novel, with Jim Broadbent and Charlotte Rampling; Our Souls at Night (2017), a romantic drama starring Robert Redford and Jane Fonda; and Photograph (2019). Batra began his career by writing and directing shorts, such as Café Regular, Cairo (2012), which screened at over 40 international film festivals and won over 12 awards, including a FIPRESCI prize. In 2009, his treatment for Story of Ram was selected by the Sundance Screenwriters Lab. He was then made the Time Warner Story Telling Fellow at Sundance Film Festival, and Annenberg Fellow at Sundance Film Academy. Story of Ram would later turn into The Lunchbox. In 2014, Batra founded his own production company: PoeticLicence Motion Pictures. He is currently in pre-production of his next film, Little Bee, billed as drama-thriller about the intersecting lives of a 16-year old Nigerian orphan and a British couple, Julia Roberts is expected to be starring in the lead. WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION
The WRITING YOUR CHARACTERS - screenwriting workshop will focus specifically on the skills to create your characters while developing your script and concept. The workshop will demonstrate how films are about relationships, and how the characters arcs transform You will have the chance of not only receive this knowledge from Ritesh Batra, but also interact in a very strong way, as the group will have up to 25 participants, making it extremely interactive. You will also have the opportunity to assess the issues you encountered on your films, and receiving the feedback in order to solve those problems in the future. The topics covered on the workshop will be: - character introductions - character descriptions - archetypes - protagonists, antagonists, supporting characters - likable and unlikable characters - backstory and relationships - flaws, strengths and vices - clear objectives - unresolved relationships - character arcs and transformation - outer and inner journey / external and internal conflict - wants & needs PROFILE OF PARTICIPANT
The workshop is designed for Scriptwriters, Writers, Directors, Film Students, or anyone interested in entering the Film Business in the area of scriptwriting. WORKSHOP LOCATION The workshop will take place online 16 hours Duration: 4 days Dates: 6, 7th & 13, 14th April 2024 2PM - 6PM GMT (London) 3PM - 7PM CET (Brussels) 9AM - 1PM EST (New York) 6AM - 10AM PST (Los Angeles) 5PM - 9PM Gulf Standard Time (Dubai) 10PM - 1AM CST (Beijing) 7:30PM - 11:30PM IST (New Delhi) Location: Online Price: 599EUR (349EUR with 35% Discount until the 14th of March) Maximum number of participants: 25 By registering to the workshop you agree with FFL terms and Conditions Please add our address to your email safe senders list, address book or contact list to avoid FEST e-mails in spam. REGISTER FOR THIS WORKSHOP ON THE LINK BELOW:
ABOUT NINA HARTSTONE Nina Hartstone is an Oscar-winning Sound Editor with over 25 years of experience in the film industry. Her illustrious career includes work on feature films such as “Evita,” “The Hours,” “Gravity,” “Everest,” “Beauty and the Beast,” and “Mowgli.” Notably, her exceptional skills were instrumental in the sound editing of “Bohemian Rhapsody,” for which she received both an Oscar and a BAFTA award, highlighting her as a leading figure in her field. Recently, Hartstone has worked on “Moonage Daydream” and “I Wanna Dance with Somebody,” both of which have already been released to critical acclaim. Additionally, Nina has worked on the recently released and highly acclaimed film “Saltburn,” directed by Emerald Fennell, further cements her reputation for excellence in sound editing. Nina Hartstone has contributed her skills to an impressive array of feature films, working alongside some of the most distinguished directors in the industry such as Alan Parker, Stephen Daldry, Alfonso Cuarón, Baltasar Kormákur, Bryan Singer and many more Residing in Windsor, U.K., with her husband, three children, and two cats, Hartstone remains at the forefront of her profession, consistently demonstrating her expertise and passion for sound editing in feature films. Nina Hartstone experience speaks for itself and guarantees the high standards our participants have come to expect from FEST FILM LAB. WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION The Sound Editing workshop will focus on a diversity of topics in the art of editing sound for a film. You will have the chance of not only receiving this knowledge from Academy Award Winning Sound and Music Editors John Warhurst and Nina Hartstone, but also to engage with a group that will have up to 25 participants, making it extremely practical and interactive. In addition you will have the opportunity to assess any issues you have encountered in your own work and get helpful tips for any future projects you might work on. Pre-Production Planning - testing workflow - liaising with the Sound Mixer - logistics for sound on set including music playback if required - director’s vision for final sound track Production Sound: Making the Most of Every Opportunity - making the most of unique opportunities on set - Wild Tracks - SFX - Location ambiences Director’s Cut: beginning Post Production - handover from Production Sound Mixer - supplying sounds to editorial - supplying music to editorial - improving production sound for the Avid tracks - temp ADR - workflow with Editorial - turnover elements First Temp Mix / Test Screening - crewing up - target audience - screening location and sound quality - managing expectations - how to mix (Avid or stage) - Avid tracks or all mics - temp Foley - temp SFX - temp ADR - temp Music - how they can become the finished product - stems to go back into the Avid - workflow of Avid tracks moving forward Finding the Cut - managing new cuts - improving the sound throughout picture edit - editing production dialogues - planning for ADR / Crowd / Foley / FX and Music recordings - source music requirements - sound editorial track lays - ADR tips and tricks - making choices for the mix - preparing alternatives Preparing for the Mix - liaising with the Re-recording mixers - Track layout - Separation of stems - Mixing in Atmos - Score recording Premixing and Mixing - planning your premixes - maintaining flexibility with the tracks - Getting the overview of all the sound and music elements - Mix reviews Deliverables - planning time for all versions - QC ing - M+E - TV Airline Version Politics - different roles and their responsibilities - managing different personalities - being open to other creative ideas - talking through logistics and problem solving - working as a team - building up a client base/securing the next gig - coping with long hours PROFILE OF PARTICIPANT The workshop designed for, Sound Editors, Music Editors, ADR Editors, Directors, Sound Mixers, Film Students, or anyone interested in entering the Film Business on the area of Sound. WORKSHOP LOCATION London UK Duration: 2 days 10:00 - 18:00 Dates: 1st - 2nd of June 2024 Location: London UK Price: 599GBP (349GBP Until 11th of March) Maximum number of participants: 25 By registering to the workshop you agree with FFL terms and Conditions Please add our address to your email safe senders list, address book or contact list to avoid FEST e-mails in spam. REGISTER FOR THIS WORKSHOP ON THE LINK BELOW
ABOUT ANDREW McALPINE Andrew McAlpine is a renowned production designer whose visionary work has left an indelible mark on the landscape of contemporary cinema. Over the years, McAlpine has crafted some of the most memorable and visually striking film environments, earning him acclaim and recognition within the industry. His expertise will be shared with participants in the FEST FILM LAB workshops, offering a rare opportunity to learn from one of the best in the field. With a career that spans several decades, McAlpine has collaborated with a roster of illustrious directors, bringing their cinematic visions to life with his design concepts. His work with Jane Campion on the critically acclaimed film "The Piano" is a testament to his ability to create deeply immersive and emotionally resonant spaces. For his work on "The Piano," McAlpine was honored with the BAFTA Award for Best Production Design, showcasing his talent for crafting visually compelling narratives that enhance the storytelling of a film. McAlpine's portfolio is diverse, encompassing a wide range of genres and styles. His collaboration with Lone Scherfig on "An Education" demonstrated his skill in recreating historical periods with authenticity and detail, transporting audiences to the 1960s with elegance and precision. His work on "An Education" further solidified his reputation as a master of production design, capable of seamlessly blending historical accuracy with artistic innovation. Not limited to historical dramas, McAlpine has also worked on films such as "Me Before You " directed by Thea Sharrock. Among his other notable collaborations is with Danny Boyle on "The Beach," where McAlpine's design contributed significantly to the films' visual storytelling. Whether creating whimsical, fantastical landscapes or grounding stories in detailed, realistic settings, McAlpine's designs always serve to deepen the narrative impact of the films he works on. In addition to his film work, McAlpine's influence extends to television and advertising, highlighting his adaptability and broad range of skills within the field of production design. His ability to mentor and inspire others through his work makes his participation in the FEST FILM LAB workshops an invaluable opportunity for production designers and filmmakers to gain insights from a seasoned professional. Andrew McAlpine's enduring passion for storytelling through visual design, combined with his extensive experience and numerous accolades, makes him a relevant figure in the world of production design. Workshop participants can look forward to an enriching experience, learning from McAlpine's wealth of knowledge and expertise in creating captivating cinematic worlds. Andrew's experience speaks for itself and guarantees the high standards our participants have come to expect from FEST FILM LAB. WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION This two-day workshop, led by acclaimed Production Designer Andrew McAalpine, is designed for film professionals seeking an in-depth exploration into the art and science of production design. McAlpine's illustrious career, marked by visually stunning and narratively compelling film environments, serves as the foundation for a workshop that covers the entire spectrum of production design. Day 1: Theoretical Foundations and Pre-Production Essentials Defining Production Design: A deep dive into the role of production design in cinematic storytelling, examining how visual environments contribute to the narrative and emotional depth of a film. Script Analysis for Design: Techniques for extracting visual and thematic elements from scripts, facilitating design that is intrinsically tied to the story. Visual Conceptualization: Developing a coherent visual strategy that encompasses set design, locations, and the integration of special effects, with a focus on creating mood and atmosphere. Collaborative Dynamics: Strategies for fostering productive collaborations with directors, DPs, and other department heads, ensuring a unified vision from pre-production through to post-production. Design Research and Mood Boards: Utilizing historical research, location scouting, and mood boards to conceive and communicate the visual palette and stylistic approach of the film. Technical Drawing and Model Making: An overview of the tools and techniques for creating detailed plans, elevations, and models that guide construction and set dressing. Q&A: Interactive Session Day 2: Practical Implementation, Post-Production, and Industry Navigation From Concept to Set: Managing the translation of designs into physical spaces, including practical considerations for set construction, prop sourcing, and on-location modifications. Digital Design Tools: Incorporating digital tools and software in production design, from pre-visualization to CGI and virtual sets, and how they are changing the landscape of physical set design. Sustainability in Production Design: Implementing green design practices, focusing on materials, construction methods, and set strike, to minimize environmental impact. Navigating Post-Production: Ensuring the integrity of the production design in the final film, including collaboration with VFX teams and consideration for color grading. Mastering the Business of Design: Building a personal brand, portfolio development, effective networking, and understanding the financial and contractual aspects of production design. Career Longevity and Adaptation: Discussing the evolution of the production design role, anticipating future trends, and strategies for career growth and adaptation in a rapidly changing industry. Case Studies: Case Study Analysis: McAlpine will present case studies from his notable projects, detailing the challenges faced and creative solutions implemented, encouraging participant discussion and analysis. PROFILE OF PARTICIPANT The workshop designed for Production Designers, Art Directors, Costume Designers, Set Designers, Directors, Art Directors, DP's, or Film Students WORKSHOP LOCATION London UK Duration: 2 days 10:00 - 18:00 Dates: 1st - 2nd of June 2024 Location: London UK Price: 599GBP (349GBP Until 21st of March) Maximum number of participants: 25 By registering to the workshop you agree with FFL terms and Conditions Please add our address to your email safe senders list, address book or contact list to avoid FEST e-mails in spam. REGISTER FOR THIS WORKSHOP ON THE LINK BELOW
ABOUT YORGOS MAVROPSARIDIS
Yorgos Mavropsaridis is a highly acclaimed film editor, renowned for his distinctive editing style and significant contributions to the film industry, particularly in European cinema. Born and raised in Greece, Mavropsaridis has built a career marked by a series of successful collaborations and critically acclaimed films. Yorgos Mavropsaridis early career was marked by work on various short films and independent projects, where he began to make a name for himself with his meticulous and innovative editing techniques. Mavropsaridis' breakthrough in the international film industry came with his collaboration with the celebrated Greek director Yorgos Lanthimos. Their partnership started with the critically acclaimed film "Dogtooth" (Kynodontas, 2009), which won the Prix Un Certain Regard at the 2009 Cannes Film Festival and was nominated for Best Foreign Language Film at the 83rd Academy Awards. This film was notable for its unsettling atmosphere and precise editing, elements that Mavropsaridis masterfully crafted. Following the success of "Dogtooth," Mavropsaridis continued his collaboration with Lanthimos on several other projects, including "The Lobster" (2015) and "The Killing of a Sacred Deer" (2017). "The Lobster," a dystopian dark comedy, earned widespread acclaim and won the Jury Prize at the 2015 Cannes Film Festival. It was also nominated for Best Original Screenplay at the 89th Academy Awards. Perhaps his most notable work to date came with "The Favourite" (2018), again directed by Lanthimos. This historical period drama showcased Mavropsaridis' exceptional talent in handling complex narratives and multiple character arcs. The film was a critical and commercial success, receiving ten nominations at the 91st Academy Awards including Best Editing for Yorgos and winning the Grand Jury Prize at the Venice Film Festival. He has recently edited the highly acclaimed "Poor Things" one os the most expected films of the year, and once again teaming up with his collaborator Yorgos Lanthimos. Yorgos Mavropsaridis is known for his bold editing style, often characterized by its rhythmic precision and ability to create tension and dark humor through pacing and juxtaposition. His approach to editing is often seen as integral to the storytelling process, actively contributing to the narrative and thematic depth of the films he works on. Throughout his career, Mavropsaridis has collaborated with numerous notable figures in the film industry, including actors like Olivia Colman, Rachel Weisz, Emma Stone, and Colin Farrell. His work with Yorgos Lanthimos, in particular, has been a defining aspect of his career, placing him among the most innovative film editors of his generation. Yorgos Mavropsaridis continues to be a prominent figure in the world of film editing. His influence extends beyond the specific films he has worked on, inspiring a new generation of film editors and filmmakers. Mavropsaridis' career, marked by both critical acclaim and influential collaborations, establishes him as a key figure in contemporary cinema, particularly in the realm of innovative and thought-provoking film editing. full list of credits on https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0561430/ WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION
Day 1: Crafting the Narrative Getting acquainted: Participants meet Yorgos and dive into an exploration of his portfolio, unearthing the choices behind his acclaimed edits. Character Development in Editing: How to sculpt characters and performances for maximum impact, supported by tangible examples. Story Arcs & Tension Building: Techniques to craft a gripping narrative and maintain audience engagement. Editing Essentials: Achieving fluidity in storytelling and embracing optimal processes. Genre-Specific Editing: Dissecting how the craft varies across genres, and the intrinsic impact of genre on editing techniques. Cinematic Influences: A deep dive into iconic films that have shaped the art of editing, drawing insights that can be applied to contemporary projects. Day 2: Hands-on Editing & Industry Insights Analyzing Actor Performances: Gaining a comprehensive understanding of performances to make informed editing choices. The Nitty-Gritty: A walkthrough of technicalities, contrasting workflows across different budget films. Sound & VFX: Strategies to seamlessly integrate sound, music, and effects into the edit. Practical Editing Exercise: Participants present their pre-workshop edits, facilitating a constructive group critique session. Yorgos offers his seasoned perspective, enhancing participants' confidence in their choices and broadening their understanding of alternative edits. Dynamics of Film Collaboration: Unpacking the editor's relationship with other key crew members, emphasizing the collaborative essence of filmmaking. Navigating the Industry: Insights on carving a niche in the market, agent partnerships, understanding remunerations, and strategies to secure projects. Note: This workshop emphasizes the cerebral aspect of editing, prioritizing decision-making over software proficiency. WORKSHOP LOCATION Athens, Greece PROFILE OF PARTICIPANT The workshop designed for Editors, Directors, Sound Editors, Film Students, or anyone interested in entering the Film Business on the area of Editing 16 hours Duration: 2 days Dates: 24-25 February 2024 Location: Athens, Greece Price: 599EUR (399EUR until 15th of February) Maximum number of participants: 25 By registering to the workshop you agree with FFL terms and Conditions Please add our address to your email safe senders list, address book or contact list to avoid FEST e-mails in spam. REGISTER FOR THIS WORKSHOP ON THE LINK BELOW:
ABOUT PAUL MILLER
Paul Miller is an independent producer working in the United States, Europe and the Middle East. From May 2012 until October 2013 Miller was Director of Film Financing at the the Doha Film Institute in Qatar. Miller oversaw a regional education training programme, a global grants fund and managed an international film financing fund. Prior to this Miller produced The Birder’s Guide to Everything directed by Rob Meyer, Babygirl, written and directed by Macdara Vallely, produced with Samson Films and the Irish Film Board. During this period Miller produced a feature length documentary, Poor Consuelo Conquers the World, with Les Films d’Ici for ARTE in 2011. Miller also Exec-Produced the feature length documentary, The Man Who Drew the Future with Una Films and ARTE. From 2002 - 2009 Miller was Head of Film Production at Crossroads Films, where he produced Snow Angels, which was released by Warner Independent Pictures in 2008. The film was written and directed by David Gordon Green and stars Sam Rockwell and Kate Becksinale and Golden Globe nominated, and A Love Song For Bobby Long starring John Travolta and Scarlett Johansson, released by Lionsgate Films in 2006. Previous films include John Sayles’ feature The Secret of Roan Inish (1994), the Academy Award nominated Lone Star (1996) and Golden Globe nominated Men with Guns (1997). Miller also produced Prozac Nation, directed by Erik Skjoldbaerg’s (“Insomnia”) and starring Chistina Ricci, Jessica Lange and Anne Heche. The film was released by Miramax. Miller was educated in England and is a graduate of the National Film and Television School in the U.K. He is a member and consultant with Paris based Ateliers du Cinéma Européen, (A.C.E.) Europe’s premiere producer’s association and a member of the Director’s Guide of America and the Producer’s Guild of America. WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION
The Film Financing workshop will focus on the art of producing a film in our entrepreneurial age, where the means of manufacture and distribution are in flux and where finding your audience is key. The workshop will look at the how to develop, finance and complete a movie from the viewpoint of a creative producer. The workshop won’t be looking so much at the making of a movie more about setting off on the right track and finishing ahead of the game. The workshop will be practical and interactive, with participants also having the opportunity to assess the issues they encountered on their own films, and receiving the feedback to help similar situations in the future. Participants should be prepared to discuss an unproduced project that has been previously developed by them to the point of a first draft screenplay. The project doesn’t have to be an active project, just an idea that the participant can use in the workshop. The scripts will not be read or shared during the workshop. If the participant doesn’t have one, then an idea that has been developed to treatment stage is also sufficient. For each film idea, the participants should also think of a director, lead cast, location, budget range and core audience.In addition, each participant should be prepared to informally pitch a recent idea based on a recent news article or event. These pitches will involve other participants role playing as potential buyers. The topics covered in the workshop: A. THE BEGININGS: Ideas: Auteur vs. Industry/Art vs. Culture/Writer-Directors, Budget/Audience Developing your Pitch: the Elevator Pitch/Longer Pitch Pitching to a writer and director, pitching to investors Partnering with another producer Logline Synopsis B. FIRST STEPS Assembling a Creative Team and making a few Key Decsions: Commissioning a Writer Choosing a Director The Filmmaking Triad: Director/Writer/Producer Hollywood vs. Europe Packaging of Talent: agents, managers and lawyers and casting directors Location of the Filming Screenplay Rights and Collaboration Agreements: Property Rights: Copyright/Chain of Title Screenplay Rights: Option/Purchase Agreements Underlying rights: articles, books, life rights, etc. Creative Team Agreements: Short Form/Long-form Contract: Director Agreement Producer Agreement Writer Agreement Producing Partnerships Development Budget Casting: Cast Lists, Casting Directors Securing Cast Actor Agreements: Major Deal Points (Upfront/Contingent Compensation, Deferments, Profit Participation: Gross vs. Net The Glory of Schedule ‘F’. C. MARKETING AND DISTRIBUTION RESEARCH AND BOX OFFICE COMPARABLES Box Office Comparables: including budget, domestic, overseas and worldwide revenue and any known ancillary revenue, year of release, distributor and maximum # of screens Marketing and Distribution Plan, Film Festivals, Distributors and Sales Agent D. FINANCING Revenue Flow -Theatrical and Ancillary Rights: Domestic and Foreign BO, Domestic and Foreign Ancillary Rights Revenue Projections ‘The Waterfall’ Estimating revenue based on Box Office: low, medium and high Budget/Financing - Financing Sources: Equity, Pre-sales, gap financing, loans and soft money E. BUSINESS PLAN How to Create a Business Plan for Your Film: Executive Summary Overview of Industry Investor Return/Deal Comparables Projections Revenue Stream ROI F. MAKING YOUR FILM BETTER AFTER THE SHOOT Post-Production Decisions: Improving the picture edit Composer, Music and Music Rights: Sync and Master Use Licenses, Rights Clearance for Publicity and Festivals, Royalty-free Music, Composer/Score, Cutting Edge) Test Screenings (friends, film professionals and NRG screenings) Deliverables G. INTO THE WORLD: MARKETING AND DISTRIBUTION Who is your audience? Precedents/Box Office Comparables Demographics: age, race, location, gender, socio-economic class, religion, education, consumer tastes, musical tastes, sports identification, hobbies, politics, occupation, exercise habits, food habits, etc. Influencers How will you reach the potential audience for your movie? Promotion: P & A Fund, Producer of Marketing and Distribution, Supporting Materials Marketing: Social Media, Press, Publicist, Website, Blogs, Word of Mouth Release Plan Film Festivals Film Markets Theatrical: Distributor or DIY Non-theatrical VOD Community Screenings Direct Selling PROFILE OF PARTICIPANT
The workshop designed for, Film Producers, Film Financiers, Directors, Film Students, or anyone interested in entering the Film Business on the area of Film Production. WORKSHOP LOCATION Athens, Greece 16 hours Duration: 2 days Dates: 24-25 February 2024 Location: Athens, Greece Price: 599EUR (399EUR until 23rd of February) Maximum number of participants: 25 By registering to the workshop you agree with FFL terms and Conditions Please add our address to your email safe senders list, address book or contact list to avoid FEST e-mails in spam. REGISTER FOR THIS WORKSHOP ON THE LINK BELOW: