DIRECTING ACTORS FOR FILM WORKSHOP WITH PETE TRAVIS

ABOUT PETE TRAVIS

Established director and BAFTA winner Pete Travis actually had a late start in his filmmaking career: before becoming a director, Pete Travis was a social worker. However, inspired by Alan Clarke and Costa-Cravas, he decided to take a post-graduate course in filmmaking. Soon after graduation he acquired the rights of “Faith” (short story written by Nick Hornby) and presented his first short film at the London TV Festival (1997). Later, he directed episodes of “Cold Feet” (1999) and the TV series “Other People's Children” (2000), as well as “The Jury” (2002) mini-series and the TV movie “Henry VIII” (2003), featuring Helena Bonham-Carter and Mark Strong. Impressed with his work, Paul Greengrass, “Captain Phillips´” director, sent Travis a script that he co-wrote with Guy Hibbert – “Omagh”. The film premiered in 2004 at the Toronto International Film Festival, where it won the Discovery Award. The film also won the 2005 BAFTA Award for “Best Single Drama”. “Vantage Point”, was his first major motion film, starring Dennis Quaid and Matthew Fox. It was released in the USA, in 2008. Just one year later, in January of 2009, Pete Travis took to Sundance to premiere “Endgame”, which dramatizes the last days of Apartheid in South Africa and stars Chiwetel Ejiofor, William Hurt, Jonny Lee Miller and Mark Strong. Later, Travis directed a film adaptation of the popular UK comic book series, “Dredd” (2012). In Travis' feature film, Karl Urban takes on the role of judge Dredd with Olivia Thirlby playing his young accomplice. The film quickly gathered a cult following. Pete Travis recent work stars Riz Ahmed and Billie Piper: “City of Tiny Lights” (2016) - a crime thriller film, written by Patrick Neate and based on his own novel of the same name and "Project Blue Book" with Aidan Gillen and Michael Malarkey WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION

The Directing Actors for Film workshop will focus on a diversity of topics of the art of directing actors, you will have the chance of not only receive this knowledge from Pete Travis, but also interact in a very strong way, as the group will have up to 25 participants, making it extremely practical and interactive. You will also have the opportunity to assess the issues you encountered on your films, and receiving the feedback to unblock situations in the future. The workshop will also cover the following structure: PRE-PRODUCTION Introduction to “acting” / How to actors work? The Actor/Director relationship Letting the actors to build their own characters The Actor’s tools and methodologies The director in a casting What is a character? The importance of the story through the eyes of the character Planning Rehearsal - What to Rehearse and Why. Rehearsal Tools Directing The Character ON SET How to communicate with actors Staging the Scene and Blocking the Action How the camera affects performance. Business and endowment Keeping performances dynamic and the actors engaged. Keeping the set as a creative environment. What to ask for in a new take. Maintaining Continuity - Emotional and Physical WORKSHOP LOCATION London UK PROFILE OF PARTICIPANT The workshop designed for Directors, Assistant Directors, Film Students, or filmmakers serious about a career in the Film Business on the area of Directing Actors Duration: 2 days 10:00 - 18:00 Dates: 5th - 6th of October 2024 Location: London UK Price: 599GBP (349GBP Until 11th of September) 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:

INTIMACY COORDINATION FOR FILM TV WORKSHOP WITH DAVID THACKERAY

ABOUT DAVID THACKERAY David Thackeray is an experienced Intimacy Coordinator. After training as an actor for five years and graduating from The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, David transitioned into directing for stage, with one of his productions receiving critical acclaim and a transfer to London’s West End. His passion for storytelling soon led him into film and television, where he directed and produced an episode of Amazon Prime's Silent Eye. In 2017, David became one of the pioneering Intimacy Coordinators, a field that was still emerging at the time. He quickly established himself in the industry, working on a diverse range of high-profile productions across major platforms including Netflix, Disney, HBO, BBC, and Sky. His expertise has been integral to ensuring safe and respectful environments during the filming of intimate scenes, making him a sought-after professional in this area. David’s notable projects include the acclaimed TV series Sex Education (2020–2023), where he worked as an Intimacy Coordinator across 24 episodes, helping to navigate the show’s complex and sensitive themes. He also contributed to the global phenomenon Heartstopper (2022–2023), ensuring the portrayal of intimacy was both authentic and considerate across 16 episodes. His work on The Crown (2022) further cemented his reputation, bringing his expertise to one of the most watched and critically acclaimed series of the decade. David's recent projects include high-profile productions like The White Lotus (2022), The Continental (2023), and Kaos (2024). He has also worked on upcoming titles like The Radleys (2024) and 3 Body Problem (2024), demonstrating his ongoing commitment to elevating the standards of intimacy coordination in the industry. His work is a testament to the importance of safety, respect, and collaboration in film and television, making him an invaluable asset to any production. David Thackeray experience speaks for itself and guarantees the high standards our participants have come to expect from FEST FILM LAB. WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION This intensive 2-day workshop on Intimacy Coordination for Film and TV offers a thorough exploration of the essential practices and techniques required to effectively manage intimate scenes on set. The workshop aims to equip participants with the knowledge and skills to ensure the safety, comfort, and creative freedom of all involved, while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism. Throughout the workshop there will be practical exercises for us to explore best practice of intimacy coordinating. Day 1: Understanding Intimacy Coordination Morning Session: Fundamentals of Intimacy Coordination Introduction to Intimacy Coordination: Learn about the role and responsibilities of an intimacy coordinator and why this position is crucial in today’s film and television industry. Creating a Safe Environment: Techniques and best practices for establishing a secure and respectful environment for actors during intimate scenes. Pre-Production Planning: How to integrate intimacy coordination into your pre production processes, including script analysis, casting, and rehearsals. Risk Management: Identifying and mitigating risks associated with intimate scenes, including legal and ethical considerations. Working with Actors: Techniques for building trust and ensuring actors feel safe and respected. Afternoon Session: Analysis of case studies Communication Strategies: Exploring effective communication strategies to ensure clear consent and comfort levels among actors and crew. Tools and Methodologies: Introduction to the various tools and methodologies used to ensure realistic yet safe portrayals of intimacy. Case Study : "Sex Education" Analysis of Intimate Scenes: An in-depth look at how intimacy coordination was crucial in the production of "Sex Education," examining the processes and challenges faced in choreographing intimate scenes. Lessons Learned: Discuss the outcomes and feedback from both the cast and crew on the implemented intimacy protocols. Case Study 2: "Industry HBO" Behind-the-Scenes: A breakdown of the intimacy coordination for "Industry," focusing on specific scenes and the strategies employed to address challenges. Impact Assessment: Evaluating the positive impact of intimacy coordination on the actors' performances and the overall production quality. Case Study 3: "3 Body Problem" Scene Analysis: Analyzing the intimate scene in "3 body problem" and the meticulous planning and coordination that ensured their success. Coordinator’s Perspective: Insights from the intimacy coordinator on the set about the complexities and solutions implemented. Day 2: Implementing Intimacy Coordination Morning Session: Practical Implementation Choreographing Intimate Scenes Detailed insights into choreographing intimate scenes, including the physical, emotional, and psychological aspects to consider. Live Demonstrations: Practical demonstrations of choreographing intimate scenes, allowing participants to observe and understand the coordinator's role in real-time. Interactive Exercises: Hands-on exercises where participants will develop and present their intimacy coordination plans for hypothetical scenes. Afternoon Session: Review Feedback and Discussion: Group discussions and feedback sessions to refine participants’ plans and address any questions or concerns. Conclusion: Moving Forward with Confidence Integrating Practices: Strategies for integrating intimacy coordination into your future projects to enhance actor safety and production quality. This workshop is an invaluable opportunity for producers and directors to deepen their understanding of intimacy coordination, ensuring that their projects are conducted with the highest levels of professionalism and respect for all involved. PROFILE OF PARTICIPANT The workshop designed for, Directors, Producers, Actors, Intimacy coordinators, Movement coordinators or filmmakers serious about a career in the Film Industry on the area of Intimacy coordination WORKSHOP LOCATION London UK Duration: 2 days 10:00 - 18:00 Dates: 11th - 12th of January 2025 Location: London UK Price: 599GBP (349GBP Until 17th of September) 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

MUSIC SUPERVISION FOR FILM AND TV WORKSHOP WITH KLE SAVIDGE

ABOUT KLE SAVIDGE Kle Savidge is one of the UK’s most distinguished music supervisors, with an impressive portfolio that includes two Oscar®-nominated films and several BAFTA-winning productions. Her career in music began in Toronto, where she spent her teenage years working in record shops, immersing herself in the sounds that would later define her professional path. A holiday in London quickly turned into a permanent move, driven by her desire to engage more deeply with the British music scene that had shaped her youth. Over the years, Kle has collaborated with a wide range of iconic artists, including Oasis, Snow Patrol, Michael Kiwanuka, Primal Scream, Teenage Fanclub, Ride, My Bloody Valentine, and Jesus and Mary Chain, gaining extensive experience in all aspects of recorded music. Her successful career as a music supervisor has seen her seamlessly blend her passion for music and film, establishing herself at the top of her field. Kle’s work in film, TV, and advertising is marked by her ability to create unforgettable soundtracks that elevate the storytelling. She has lent her expertise to notable films such as Ridley Scott's House of Gucci (2021), starring Al Pacino, Jeremy Irons, Jared Leto, Lady Gaga, and Adam Driver, and Operation Mincemeat (2021), featuring Colin Firth and Matthew Macfadyen. Her credits also include The Courier (2020), with Benedict Cumberbatch and Rachel Brosnahan, Tomb Raider (2018), starring Alicia Vikander, and the critically acclaimed Brooklyn (2015). Her earlier work includes the beloved film An Education (2009), directed by Lone Scherfig and starring Carey Mulligan and Peter Sarsgaard. Throughout her career, Kle has consistently demonstrated her ability to enhance a film’s narrative through music, making her a sought-after collaborator in the industry. Kle Savidge experience speaks for itself and guarantees the high standards our participants have come to expect from FEST FILM LAB. WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION The Music Supervision for Film workshop will focus on a diversity of topics in preparing the right soundtrack for a film or tv show. You will have the chance of not only receiving this knowledge from Kle Savidge, 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. Music Supervision for Film: From Script to Screen with Kle Savidge" Day 1: Integrating Music into the Filmmaking Process Implementing collaborative strategies for directors, editors, producers, and music supervisors to work cohesively. Understanding the impact of music choices on a film's narrative and thematic elements. Pre-production - identifying music needs at script stage Production - working in conjunction with other departments (art, casting, set design, props). Analyzing the interplay between script, direction, and music. Day 2: Practical approaches to selecting and securing the ideal soundtrack including organising rights holders and budget information Navigating complex legal and budgetary aspects of music in film. Maintaining artistic integrity while managing logistical challenges. Composer relationships and the scoring process Music deliverables - from audio to contracts. Understanding legal, logistical, and financial aspects of music in film. PROFILE OF PARTICIPANT The workshop designed for, Directors, Producers, Music Supervisors, Post Production Supervisors or filmmakers serious about a career in the Film Industry on the area of Music Supervision WORKSHOP LOCATION London UK Duration: 2 days 10:00 - 18:00 Dates: 11th - 12th of January 2025 Location: London UK Price: 599GBP (349GBP Until 29th of August) 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

TELLING THE STORY WITH SOUND: A WORKSHOP WITH MARK ULANO AND PATRUSHKHA MIERZWA

ABOUT MARK ULANO, CAS, AMPS Mark Ulano has been recording sound for film professionally since 1976 and has mixed over 150 film and television projects. He is a four times Oscar nominee, most recently for ONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLLYWOOD, AD ASTRA and INGLORIOUS BASTERDS. His work on TITANIC won him an Academy Award for Sound Mixing as well as the Cinema Audio Society Award for Best Sound mixing for a Feature Film. Most recently, his work can be heard on WHITNEY HOUSTON: I WANNA DANCE WITH SOMEBODY and in 2023 on the new Martin Scorsese spring release: KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON, staring Robert DeNiro and Leonardo DiCaprio. He has had a 28 year collaboration with Quentin Tarantino. With many articles published, Mark is very active in the cinema mentoring world as a teacher of workshops and speaker at sound symposiums internationally; including Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Gold Program, American Film Institute, Digital Video Expo, AES and Cinema Audio Society and many others. Mr. Ulano has long been involved in leadership within the creative film sound community. He sat 30 years as a board member for the Cinema Audio Society and served the full two terms both as President and Vice President of the CAS. He also has served five terms as president of IATSE Local 695 (the film sound union in Los Angeles) and also served nine terms on the Sound Branch Executive Committee of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences as well as various AMPAS subcommittees. ABOUT PATRUSHKHA MIERZWA Patrushkha Mierzwa is one of the first women boom operators in Hollywood. She has worked on 80+ movies and television shows for major directors including Robert Altman, James Gray, Quentin Tarantino, and Martin Scorsese. She has also been a judge for the Emmys and was a Director on the Board of the sound union - IATSE Local 695. Patrushkha has spoken on multiple panels and given workshops at universities in China, Ireland, Norway, England, France, Los Angeles, and New York City on the duties and responsibilities of Boom Operators and Sound Utility Technicians. She has lectured on the performance work skills necessary to succeed under a fast production schedule with A-list talent. Patrushkha wrote the multiple award-winning best-selling book on sound, “Behind the Sound Cart: A Veteran’s Guide to Sound on the Set” and has contributed to film retrospectives and books, including “Nope, Nothing Wrong Here: The Making of Cujo” and is featured in “1000 Women in Horror.” She is currently writing a book on boom operating.

WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION OVERVIEW AND OBJECTIVES-Sound for storytelling: The tools are not the artist, they are passive instruments until played by the creative practitioner. We do not come to the project with a preconceived ideology; We come to the project to discover, to learn, to interpret. We hope to create something new. This workshop is conducted primarily as a conversation and is fully interactive. We use case studies to teach a solution-based creative use of sound. Topics covered in the workshop will include: Using the sound palette for directorial intent. What is being transmitted to the audience at this specific moment? Connecting the characters to the audience Sound as a tool for emotional connection/truth/communication Character perspective, 1st person vs 3rd person, Like lenses and frame composition but not visible. Every shot is hand made by a team of artists Absence of understanding of the sound process on the set and beyond can limit the reach of the director Brief historical survey Not the Jazz Singer, but 40 years of evolving before the late 1920’s, when dialogue and sound-scape emerge. The creation of a film’s sound-scape begins in pre-production. The production sound team lays the bed of performance and most often are the primary liaison or decision maker of approach from pre-production through production. Including sound artists in the circle of trust. The production sound team performs the essential foundation in the creation of your film’s soundtrack. Capturing performance in collaboration with the artists in front of the camera in tandem with those behind the camera What is “good sound”? What does “technical” mean on a film set? Linking with the other departments PROFILE OF PARTICIPANT The workshop designed for, Sound Mixers, Sound Editors, Music Editors, Boom operators, ADR Editors, Directors, Film Students, or filmmakers serious about a career in the Film Industry in the area of Sound.

LOCATION OF THE WORKSHOP Berlin, Germany Duration: 2 days 10:00 - 18:00 Dates: 18th - 19th of January 2025 Location: Berlin, Germany Price: 599EUR (399EUR Until 3rd of September) 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.

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN FILM AND TV INDUSTRIES WORKSHOP WITH SAMI ARPA

ABOUT SAMI ARPA Sami Arpa is the Founder and CEO of Largo.ai, that integrates artificial intelligence into the filmmaking process. Sami holds a Ph.D. in Computational Aesthetics and Computer Vision from the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) in Switzerland, where his research focused on the intersection of AI and artistic expression. His academic pursuits laid the groundwork for his later innovations in AI applications within the film industry. Before founding Largo.ai, Sami gained experience as a filmmaker and producer, directing short films, including "Les bruits des pas" (2014) and "L'évasion" (2015). His firsthand understanding of the challenges faced by filmmakers fueled his desire to develop tools that would streamline and enhance the filmmaking process. He also founded the Ouchy Film Awards, a film festival in Lausanne, further cementing his commitment to nurturing creative talent and promoting independent cinema. Largo.ai, established in 2018 as a spin-off from EPFL, quickly gained recognition for its innovative approach to using AI in film production. Headquartered at the EPFL Innovation Park in Lausanne, with additional offices in Los Angeles, London, and Istanbul, Largo.ai has grown into a global enterprise. The company's SaaS platform, launched in 2020, offers data-assisted intelligence to filmmakers, providing comprehensive analysis of content, characters, casting, and financials. This platform has been instrumental in reducing risks and optimizing decision-making for producers and directors, leading to the successful release of numerous films in theaters and on major streaming platforms. Some of these films have even garnered Oscar nominations, highlighting the effectiveness of Largo.ai's technology. Under Sami's leadership, Largo.ai has earned multiple accolades, including the Best Start-up Award at the San Sebastian Film Festival, recognition at EFM Horizon Start-ups at the Berlinale, and placement in the Top 100 Swiss Start-up Awards. These honors reflect the company's impact on the industry and its potential for future growth. Sami Arpa continues to drive Largo.ai’s mission to revolutionize filmmaking through AI, helping filmmakers make more informed decisions, reduce risks, and enhance storytelling. His work represents a significant leap forward in how technology can be harnessed to serve the creative arts, making him a pioneer in the fusion of AI and cinema. Sami Arpa 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 AI and film industry expert, is designed for film professionals seeking a comprehensive understanding of the transformative role of artificial intelligence in the film and television industries. With a focus on practical applications and real-world case studies, this workshop offers an in-depth exploration of how AI is revolutionizing everything from script analysis and casting to production and post-production processes. Participants will gain valuable insights into the possibilities AI presents, and how to effectively integrate these technologies into their projects to enhance creativity, efficiency, and overall production quality. Day 1: Introduction to AI and Its Applications in Film and TV Morning Session: Understanding how AI works? This session will begin with an overview of AI, covering its fundamental concepts, history, and significance in the film and TV industry. Participants will learn about the various AI ecosystems, including machine learning, natural language processing, and computer vision, with a specific focus on how large language models (LLMs) and decision models (DMs) function. The session will also address the challenges faced and the benefits realized when incorporating AI into the script development process, providing a comprehensive understanding of the foundational aspects of AI and its potential applications. Afternoon Session: Practical AI Applications in Film and TV Development Pre-production Stages In the afternoon, the workshop will focus on practical applications of AI in the pre-production stages of film and TV projects. Participants will explore how AI can assist in script analysis, casting, and audience predictions using specific AI tools like Largo.ai. The session will include two detailed case studies: one for a TV project and another for a film project. Each case study will cover story analysis, character and casting analysis, and audience predictions, illustrating the tangible benefits of AI in real-world scenarios. Day 2: Practical Applications of AI in Film and TV Morning Session: Audience design through Simulated Focus Groups and Financial Planning This session will focus on the use of AI for audience design and financial planning in film and TV projects. Participants will examine case studies demonstrating how AI simulates focus groups to test potential audiences and predict awards outcomes. Additionally, the session will cover the creation of financial plans using AI-generated forecasts, providing insights into how AI can help in making data-driven financial decisions and optimizing project outcomes. Afternoon Session: Practical applications on Production & Post production The afternoon session will showcase the use of AI in production and post-production stages. Participants will learn about various AI applications in production, such as scheduling, special effects, and efficiency enhancement. The session will also cover post-production processes, including automated editing, color grading, VFX, and sound design, with real-world examples highlighting the impact of AI. The workshop will conclude with a discussion on future trends in AI technology and its ethical implications, addressing issues such as bias, data privacy, and the responsible use of AI in filmmaking. This final session aims to equip participants with a forward-looking perspective on AI's role in the entertainment industry. Conclusion: Future Trends and Ethical Considerations By the end of this workshop, participants will have a thorough understanding of how AI can be leveraged to enhance various stages of film and TV production. They will be equipped with practical knowledge and strategies to effectively incorporate AI into their workflows, ensuring their projects are more efficient, innovative, and competitive in the evolving landscape of the entertainment industry. PROFILE OF PARTICIPANT This workshop is designed for Directors, Producers, or filmmakers serious about a career in the Film Business on the area of Film Production or Directing using AI tools Whether you're looking to enhance your understanding of AI's capabilities or seeking to incorporate cutting-edge technology into your filmmaking process, this workshop will provide valuable insights and practical knowledge for professionals. WORKSHOP LOCATION Gerlin Germany Duration: 2 days 10:00 - 18:00 Dates: 18th - 19th of January 2025 Location: Berlin, Germany Price: 599EUR (399EUR Until 25th of September) Maximum number of participants: 25 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 By registering to the workshop you agree with FFL terms and Conditions

MELISSA LEO ACTING WORKSHOP

WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION This 4 days acting Workshop with Melissa Leo is an 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 actors process in preparation for a project. In this 4 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 doveloped 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 it is an online format, it is expected that you will actively participate. The workshop will be done during 2 periods, 4 hours each day (total 16 hours). In the week between you will be asked to do that some self -filming (smartphones can be sufficient), to be shared and reviewed in the last 2 days. During that week you will be able to have feedback from Melissa Leo. Real life problems of actors will be addressed by Melissa Leo, an during the workshop you will also be able to discuss problems you faced in your own career and ask for feedback from Melissa Leo. During the week between both workshop slots you will be able to communicate and receive feedback from Melissa 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. Leos 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 Everybodys Fine (2009) with Robert DeNiro, 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 her most recent film the highly praised "Prisioners" 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 has recently appeared in the miniseries I Know This Much Is True (2020), an adaptation of Wally Lamb 1998 novel. WORKSHOP LOCATION The workshop will take place online, FEST FILM LAB has always been a project of high level knowledge sharing and networking, on the next few months we will be hosting the workshops online, however we will maintain not only the standard of quality you came to expect with the best experts available, but also the networking and interactivity of the workshops: -The workshop group will have a limited number of participants, we will not host more than 20 participants. - We will maintain the tailor made aspects, with the possibility of troubleshooting projects you have been involved or challenges you are facing. We will introduce new tools to enhance the interactivity between participants. - We have rearranged the session of the workshop that will take place on 4 days instead of the typical 2 days, so that the workshop is less overwhelming, as the typical two full days online would impact the capacities of the participants to absorb the content. 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 actors process in preparation for a project. 16 hours Duration: 4 days Dates: 28th -31st of January 2025 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) 7:30PM - 11:30PM IST (New Delhi) Location: Online Price: 599EUR (325EUR with 45% Discount until the 23rd of September) Maximum number of participants: 20 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:

TECHNIQUES FOR DIRECTING NON-ACTORS WORKSHOP

WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION Techniques for directing non-actors: Singular Drama Throughout the two-day practical workshop, participants will learn and experience the technique that Scandar uses during the preparations of his actors and non actors as well as during the shooting. Participants will get hands-on insight into the process of creating drama in a film using the human capacity to respond emotionally to fictional situations. The Singular Drama method is applicable on professional actors as well as non-actors. Filmmakers often use the element of surprise to direct actors for certain scenes to get authentic emotional responses. The directors of AJAMI based their film entirely on this principle. Unlike other forays into improvisation, AJAMI had a very precise screenplay and a well-constructed plot that demanded specific emotional responses from its actors. The actors ended up acting out a story, without being aware that they were being directed according to a pre-written script. The film is a work of fiction which shows “real” people acting in situations that are orchestrated by the directors, but very “real” to the performers, resulting in the actors projecting emotions on camera that they actually experienced at the time. This was achieved over specialized workshops, in which the actors were brought to each character’s emotional and psychological state as written in the script. Workshop learning objectives: 1. Participants will learn techniques to liberate their non-actors from the fear of the camera. 2. Participants will learn how to prepare their actors/non-actors for filming. 3. Participants will learn and experiment with improvisation techniques. 4. Participants will experience the method as actors in order to get a better understanding of the involved processes. 5. Participants will get insights on pre-production, production and shooting techniques when applying the method. 6. Participants will learn how to direct actors and non-actors using the Singular Drama method. Participants are encouraged to bring scenes they would like to direct. ABOUT SCANDAR COPTI Scandar Copti is an Oscar-nominated filmmaker and an acclaimed visual artist. His first full-length feature film 'Ajami' won the Camera d'Or Special Mention at the Cannes Film Festival and was nominated for the 82nd Academy Awards in the Best Foreign Film category. Copti is the only Arab filmmaker ever to receive the prestigious Sutherland Trophy. He is also the recipient of the Human Rights Film Award of the Council of Europe in 2010. Copti's video art projects were exhibited worldwide at venues such as the Herzliya Museum, Nachum Gutman Museum, NYU gallery at Abu Dhabi, The Israeli Center for Digital Art, b_tour Foothold Festival, Beit Ha'Gefen, and the Oslo Kunstforening Art Gallery, among others. Copti was on the jury of dozens of film festivals, including the Tribeca film festival, Thessaloniki film festival, FEST, AFAC, ON, and many more. He also served as the President of the Human Rights Award at the Istanbul International film festival 2011. Copti was part of the team that launched the Doha-Tribeca Film Festival and the Doha Film Institute (DFI), where he headed the DFI's Education department until 2011. Scandar has been teaching at NYU Abu Dhabi since 2013, where he headed the Film and New Media program from 2014 to 2017. He is currently in production for his next feature film, 'Happy Holidays,' with the support of funds such as Eurimages (the European Council Cultural fund), Doha Film Institute, Aran Fund for Arts, and Culture (AFAC), Filmförderung Hamburg Schleswig-Holstein as well as worldwide presales and distribution deals. PROFILE OF PARTICIPANT The workshop is designed to Directors, 1st AD, Producers, Film Students, and filmmakers interested in developing the skill of directing non actors. 16 hours Duration: 2 days Dates: 6-7 February 2025 Location: Dubai, UAE Price: 649USD (449USD until 5th of September) 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: