ASK & DISCUSS
INDEXWriter/director wanting to work with actors
8 years, 11 months ago - Rob Munday
I'm a writer/director with a bunch of shorts under my belt but not much experience of working with real live actors. I want to change this and learn more about directing performance, rehearsals and developing scripts in collaboration with the performers.
The Actors Centre have an Associate Membership, which seems like a good option. What are your views on them and any other good options that aren't too pricy and based in London.
Thanks,
Rob
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8 years, 11 months ago - Rahul Nag
Hi Rob,
Why don't you try this Directing For Actors Weekend Course from Raindance on Saturday and Sunday, 19th and 20th November? It is in London and sounds ideal for what you are looking for:
www.raindance.org/london/course/directing-actors/
Best,
Rahul
8 years, 11 months ago - Rob Munday
Hi Rahul,
Thanks for the suggestion, will look into it although ideally I'm after something more long term where I can see rehearsal techniques and meet actors.
All the best,
Rob
8 years, 11 months ago - Lynwood Shiva Sawyer
Check out London Comedy Writers. Great opportunity to meet actors and writers, and the best part is that the meetings are free!
8 years, 11 months ago - Rob Munday
Hi Lynwood,
Actors, writers, free? - sounds good! - thanks
8 years, 11 months ago - Dan Selakovich
The best advice I ever got about working with actors was from Sandy Mackendrick (director; The Lady Killers, Man in the White Suit, Sweet Smell of Success), was to take an acting class. Good on you, Rob, for thinking this way. By taking an acting class yourself, you learn how an actor thinks. And if you write, it helps your character work immensely. Take a class.
8 years, 11 months ago - Rob Munday
Thanks Dan, always worth listening to Mackendrick (there's also a brilliant bit in his book on the process of Clifford Odets re-writing Sweet Smell of Success)
8 years, 11 months ago - Dan Selakovich
Ha! I know! I was interviewed by the author. That book was made from Sandy's handouts he gave us in class. That book represents about a third that we got as students. I think Paul is writing another book, but not sure.
8 years, 11 months ago - Amy Barnes
I'm sure there are some productions and drama schools that wouldn't mind you sitting in on rehearsals, if you ask them nicely :)
8 years, 11 months ago - Naomi Adeline
I'm an actor that's done some directing and it's great you're so worried about the actor side of directing! I think you just need to practice with actual actors, and many would be up for doing some free filming (I would!) - every actor rehearses in a different way, maybe throwing yourself in the deep end would be a useful learning experience!
8 years, 11 months ago - Alvaro Flores
Hello Rob,
I am an actor and director, acting teacher and acting coach. I´ve worked in English, Spanish and Portuguese in over 12 countries so have had a chance to work quite a bit and get to know the actors process in different countries and cultures.
I´m interested in working and if you´re up to it, we can get together. That way you can practise your directing for film, I practice my acting, and I can help you out with working out how to communicate well with actors.
Here´s me: http://www.spotlight.com/7557-8940-3895
You can have a look at my profile on SPOTLIGHT or on CASTINGCALLPRO. I´d be interested in working together as I want to update my showreel.
8 years, 11 months ago - Emmeline Hartley
Hi Rob,
I'd be really up for having a coffee with you to have a good old chat about this. I feel like my experiences could help. Let me know if you'd be up for it.
Em
8 years, 11 months ago - Rob Munday
Thanks for all the replies and suggestions. I'll try and get back to everyone who's been kind enough to offer their help. Very jealous of your student days Dan (it's like when I see scorsese getting advice from Michael Powell)
8 years, 10 months ago - Guy Remy
Check this: http://www.mondayclub.co.uk !
8 years, 10 months ago - Maria Chandler
Hi Rob - I'm an actor and would be happy to help so do get in touch when you are ready to get a bunch of actors together - I'd love to do more script reading practise.
Thanks
Maria
8 years, 7 months ago - Robert Law
Hi Rob
I would very much like to be a part of this. I have connections to other actors also that have done great work in the past with some notable credits.
8 years, 7 months ago - Nicole Harvey
Hi Rob
I'd be delighted too.
There's lots of us actors who get excited about Directors interested in collaborating and even in actors (especially in this digital age the process can end up being so tech focused) As actors we always know actors as you've seen above. If you're in London yes maybe observing certain classes at the Actors Centre and Raindance courses are excellent. There's a free scratch night with writers and actors including myself this Thursday 7pm - E&C Writers New Writing Scratch night on Thursday 23rd February.
Doors 7pm The Horse & Stables 124 Westminster Bridge Road, SE1 7RW
If you fancy a giggle (it is also free/ donations)
Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1705192663143974
Free tickets at Eventbrite https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/e-c-writers-night-tickets-31…