Master Classes are in-depth, interactive learning experiences focused on craft and career building and led by renowned industry experts. Topics include fiction and documentary filmmaking, TV writing and production, and navigating and succeeding in the entertainment industry.

Most filmmakers know that a productive collaboration with actors will define the environment on set and the success of the project on screen. And yet, directors have many questions about gaining the actors’ trust. In this three-hour Master Class, internationally-known directing and acting coach Judith Weston goes deep into key strategies of building a meaningful connection with your actors, the steps to break down a scene, how to prepare for casting sessions and the best practices for rehearsing. This event is ideal for all directors, writer-directors and actors alike.

Judith is the author of Directing Actors 25th Anniversary Edition. Her students include Alejandro G. Iñárritu, (The Revenant, Birdman) Ava DuVernay, (When They See Us, Selma), Taika Waititi (Jojo Rabbit, Thor: Ragnarok), Steve McQueen, (12 Years a Slave, Small Axe), Hanelle Culpepper (Star Trek Picard, The Flash), Christina Choe (Nancy, Queen Sugar, Handmaid’s Tale).

Resources:

Download the list of resources from Judith Weston and Sundance Collab

Scene from Face to Face 

Scene from Dog Day Afternoon

Topics Covered Include:

00:00 - Welcome and Introduction from Sundance Collab

03:30 - Introduction from Judith Weston

06:40 - How to Find the Right Actors in Casting

20:00 - Creating Relationships With Actors During Rehearsals

31:34 - Q&A

43:25 - Warm-up Acting Exercise

54:30 - Working with Non-Actors and Child Actors

01:24 - Q&A

01:29 - Script Analysis Exercise

01:57 - Q&A

02:14 - Pacing and Blocking Before Getting to Set

02:22 - Script Analysis Exercise

02:43 - Q&A

02:52 - Closing Announcements