OVERVIEW

During the Prep, Production and Post Production Module (PPPM) held at The Banff Centre, participants receive coaching and mentorship from seasoned professionals while they explore aspects of working with actors, cinematographers, editors, designers and crews, practice casting, rehearsing, leading and communicating through hands-on production experiences.

Participants are expected to have a working knowledge of the prep, production and post production process however, in the safe learning environment at WIDC, there is room for all questions and mistakes are considered learning opportunities.

Each Participant emerges with a DVD of her MAIN SCENE  work-in-progress* for personal promotion and analysis and a new network of professional associates.

*The MAIN SCENES are considered works-in-progress and for the protection of the learning process and the volunteers agreements  these works are not for broadcast or festival screening.

WEEK ONE

Director participants attend classroom sessions led by program Mentors with the objectives of determining and filling skills and knowledge gaps and exploring story-telling styles. Classroom sessions are followed up with practical hands-on exercises that simulate the professional setting.  These exercises are designed to build confidence and develop working relationships with actors, editors, cinematographers and designers.

Sessions and Exercises include:

Mentor Director's Overview: leadership, vision, creative style, casting, problem-solving, shot-listing

Mentorship Sessions: directors meet with mentors to discuss vision for MAIN Scenes, learning goals and

Aspects of Working with Actors: eliciting dynamic performances, communication, scene breakdown

Aspects of Working with the Cinematographer: lenses, lighting, depth of field, eye-line, blocking for camera, shot-listing

Aspects of Post Production: finessing emotional arcs, compressing/stretching time, style choices

Aspects of Working with Designers: production, costumes, music and sound (topics may vary)

WEEKS TWO AND THREE

Directors and mentors are joined by professional (ACTRA) actors and crews (IATSE, DGC) and volunteers to engage in hands-on exercises leading to the prep, production and post production of eight original short films (the MAIN SCENES) directed by the eight director participants.

Sessions and Exercises include:

Blocking For Camera: a

Crew Department Mini-workshops:

Casting / Audition Simulation:

Guerrilla Shoot Exercise:

MAIN Scene Exercise:

Camera Assistants Workshop:

Director Mentorship Sessions: Individual meetings with mentors are arranged to discuss learning goals, director's vision for the MAIN SCENE Exercise and program exit plans.

Landscape for Women Directors: In a group session director participants and mentors explore the current landscape of the film and television industry in Canada.  The session includes a discussion of director participant assets, what skills still need to be honed and the identification and commitments towards next steps for participants after the program.