LT227-5-SP-CO:
Directing Actors for Film
2023/24
Literature, Film, and Theatre Studies
Colchester Campus
Spring
Undergraduate: Level 5
Current
Monday 15 January 2024
Friday 22 March 2024
15
14 February 2023
Requisites for this module
LT122 or TH141
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)
A crucial aspect of fiction filmmaking is working with actors. This 15 credit module is an introduction to directing actors in film, learning how to build trust and creatively collaborate with them as well as learning about different approaches to directing based on the examples of famous film directors.
Students explore creatively and critically the whole process from script analysis to casting, rehearsals and finally film production. The module is ideal for second year Film, Film and Creative Writing and Drama students.
The module will combine theoretical perspectives with practice-based sessions, allowing students to explore directing in a 'hands on' environment. Lectures will focus on different directing approaches, from working with actors that use different acting methods and use of improvisation to working with non-actors. In order to understand what an actor requires from a director, students will fulfil the roles of both actor and director during the module, reversing roles with their fellow students.
The aims of this module are:
- To provide a supporting learning environment for understanding the process of directing actors for film from auditions to film shoot.
- To introduce students to important tips and exercises that will help them communicate successfully their ideas while supporting the actors and building an atmosphere of trust and mutual respect.
- To focus on different directing approaches, with case studies of specific film directors . Help the students understand the actors' perspective by taking part in acting exercises themselves.
- To enhance analytical and self-expression skills through practical exercises, research and writing.
On successful completion of the course, students should have:
- Thorough understanding of the process behind directing actors and the important steps from casting to film shoot.
- Critical perspectives on the different approaches to directing.
- Practical skills necessary to build trust, clear communication and a collaborative atmosphere.
- Knowledge of script analysis and textual interpretation and how to support and guide the actors to give the best performance they can.
This module is taught mainly through seminars and workshops which involve a range of creative and practical exercises, group work and discussions which absolutely require the physical presence and participation of all of our students. Students taking LT227 are therefore required to achieve a minimum of 70% attendance over the entire module in order to pass the module.
Students who do not satisfy the attendance requirement for the module because their attendance falls below the 70% attendance threshold, and whose extenuating circumstances are not accepted, must undertake supplementary assessment before the summer in order to pass the module.
Anticipated teaching delivery: Weekly 2-hour seminar with a final screening.
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Cassavetes, J. (1977) ‘Opening Night (1977).’ Available at:
https://essexuk.kanopy.com/node/113100.
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Weston, J. (1996)
Directing actors: creating memorable performances for film and television. Studio City, CA: M. Wiese Productions. Available at:
https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/universityofessex-ebooks/detail.action?docID=6188351.
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Weston, J. (2003)
The film director’s intuition: script analysis and rehearsal techniques. Studio City, CA: Michael Wiese Productions. Available at:
https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=nlebk&AN=2469039&site=eds-live.
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DeKoven, L. (2006)
Changing direction: a practical approach to directing actors in film and theatre. Amsterdam: Focal Press. Available at:
https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/universityofessex-ebooks/detail.action?docID=286661.
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Mackendrick, A. and Cronin, P. (2005) On film-making: an introduction to the craft of the director. New York, NY: Faber and Faber.
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Spolin, V., Sills, C. and Sills, P. (1999)
Improvisation for the theater: a handbook of teaching and directing techniques. 3rd ed. Evanston, Ill: Northwestern University Press. Available at:
https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/universityofessex-ebooks/detail.action?docID=6223788.
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Johnstone, K. (1999)
Impro for storytellers: theatresports and the art of making things happen. [New ed.]. London: Faber. Available at:
https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/universityofessex-ebooks/detail.action?docID=1602138.
The above list is indicative of the essential reading for the course.
The library makes provision for all reading list items, with digital provision where possible, and these resources are shared between students.
Further reading can be obtained from this module's
reading list.
Assessment items, weightings and deadlines
| Coursework / exam |
Description |
Deadline |
Coursework weighting |
| Coursework |
Filming auditions and rehearsal (edited version) Total: 6 minutes (3 minutes each) *Submit via link on Moodle by 10am on Monday 18th March 2024* |
|
25% |
| Coursework |
Final Performance (two-hander scene) Total: 5 minutes long - one shot *Submit via link on Moodle by 10am on 10am on Monday 18th March 2024* |
|
35% |
| Coursework |
Essay (2,500 Words) |
|
35% |
| Practical |
Participation |
|
5% |
Exam format definitions
- Remote, open book: Your exam will take place remotely via an online learning platform. You may refer to any physical or electronic materials during the exam.
- In-person, open book: Your exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer to any physical materials such as paper study notes or a textbook during the exam. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, open book (restricted): The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer only to specific physical materials such as a named textbook during the exam. Permitted materials will be specified by your department. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, closed book: The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may not refer to any physical materials or electronic devices during the exam. There may be times when a paper dictionary,
for example, may be permitted in an otherwise closed book exam. Any exceptions will be specified by your department.
Your department will provide further guidance before your exams.
Overall assessment
Reassessment
Module supervisor and teaching staff
Dr Eirini Konstantinidou, email: ekonstb@essex.ac.uk.
Dr Eirini Konstantinidou
Lifts Admin Team, liftstt@essex.ac.uk, 01206 872626
No
No
No
Dr Andrew Birtwistle
Canterbury Christ Church University
Reader in Film and Sound
Available via Moodle
Of 57 hours, 0 (0%) hours available to students:
54 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
3 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s), module, or event type.
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