ABOUT PETER WEBBER
Peter Webber has had a diverse career as a director of film, television and documentaries including the critically renowned ˜Girl with a Pearl Earring™ and the HBO series "Six Feet Under".

Peter is perhaps best known for his film directorial debut ˜Girl With a Pearl Earring", the film adaptation of Tracey Chevalier's bestselling novel. The film tells the story of the creation of the famous painting by Dutch master Johannes Vermeer of the same name. The film saw Peter directing Scarlett Johansson and Colin Firth as the films leads. Released in 2004 the film went on to be nominated for no less than 3 Academy Awards, 10 BAFTA nominations as well as numerous other honours.

Webber was then tapped by Dino de Laurentis to direct "Hannibal Rising". Based on Thomas Harris upcoming new book of the same name, and starring Gaspard Ulliel, Li Gong and Anthony Hopkins,

In 2012 Peter directed the Feature Film "Emperor", Starring Tommy Lee Jones, and Mathew Fox. Peter has also directed the Netflix Original Pickpockets (2018).

His documentary work includes the award-winning environmental feature documentary Ten Billion (2015) and Earth: One Amazing Day (2017), narrated by Robert Redford and Jackie Chan.

Webber's productions include the "Kingdoms of Fire" (2019), television series, which takes viewers back to the past as the Ottoman Empire seeks to conquer Cairo, as well as the documentary "Inna de Yard" (2019), a portrait of the pioneers of reggae music in Jamaica

Peter Webber is currently directing DRAGN, an action-horror film that follows a group of colleagues on a team-building retreat in a remote forest, where they become prey to a rogue AI-driven drone. The film is now in post-production.

Peter Webber's experience speaks for itself and guarantees the high standards our participants have come to expect from FEST FILM LAB.


WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION

This workshop is designed to equip directors, cinematographers, and film professionals with essential blocking techniques for film. Under the guidance of Peter Webber, participants will combine theoretical knowledge with hands-on practical exercises using live actors, learning how to stage scenes that enhance narrative and visual storytelling.

Day 1 – Foundations and Practical Application

Welcome & Introduction
Introduction of participants and an overview of the workshop objectives.
Brief presentation of Peter Webber’s career and his approach to blocking in film.

Fundamentals of Blocking
Theoretical discussion on the principles of blocking:
The importance of spatial arrangement and movement.
How blocking contributes to character dynamics and narrative pacing.
Analysis of selected film clips to illustrate effective blocking techniques.

Practical Exercise: Initial Scene Work
Hands-on session with live actors on set.
Guided exercises focusing on:
Positioning and movement of actors.
Adjusting blocking to complement camera angles and narrative flow.
Immediate feedback and group discussion on the exercise outcomes.

Day 2 – Advanced Techniques and Collaborative Practice

Recap & Q&A
Brief review of key insights from Day 1.
Open forum for questions and discussion regarding challenges encountered.

Advanced Blocking Techniques
In-depth exploration of:
Adapting blocking strategies across various genres.
Integrating the director’s vision with technical considerations.
Discussion on how subtle adjustments in blocking can dramatically alter a scene’s impact.

Practical Exercise: Live Scene Blocking
Peter Webber to block a scene using live actors.
Selected participants stage a scene, followed by a analysis.
Peter Webber provides critiques and suggestions for improvement.

Final Group Discussion & Wrap-Up
Sharing experiences and insights from the day’s exercises.
Discussion on how to incorporate blocking techniques into larger film productions.
Concluding remarks and key takeaways from the workshop.

Workshop Outcomes:

Develop a solid understanding of how effective blocking enhances storytelling.
Hands-on experience in staging scenes with live actors.
Learn to adapt blocking techniques to different narrative styles and production contexts.
Receive direct, personalized feedback from Peter Webber.


PROFILE OF PARTICIPANT
The workshop designed for Directors, Film Students, or anyone serious about a career in the Film Business on the area of Directing.


WORKSHOP LOCATION
Lisbon, Portugal


Duration: 2 days
10:00 - 18:00
Dates: 29th - 30th of November 2025
Location: Lisbon, Portugal
Price: 599EUR (399EUR Until 25th of May)
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: