On-Camera Scene Study Intensive with Seamus McNally

Seamus McNally is a New York/Berlin-based filmmaker. He coaches/teaches actors and advises directors for feature films and television. Recent projects include : Orange is the New Black, The Night Of, Roots, Black Mirror, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, American Rust, Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare (Guy Ritchie), Book of Clarence (Jeymes Samuel). He recently co-directed the feature film Nothing with Trine Piil, nominated by The Danish Film Academy for Best Youth Film and Best Adapted Screenplay.

Day 1 - Text Analysis 
Exploring four 2-character scenes(with eight active participants),we begin to investigate each story and character. We begin to gain a clear sense of what each scene is really about. We start to build backstory, adding detail to character histories, character relationships. We mark up the scenes for beats and actions, opening possibilities and laying the groundwork for the process ahead.
10am - 7pm (1h break)

Day 2/3 - Inhabit Analysis
On the second and third days, we further explore character thinking while bring a deeper truth to our choices. We are continually sinking deeper into the actions which define each beat. These are more physically challenging days, as we address any obstacles that the actor may personally face while fully embracing what is at risk for each character.
10am - 6pm (1h break)

Day 3: 11am - 3pm (this is a softer day, which you will welcome!) It’s a chance to ask questions and give time and space to work on your own. 

Day 4/5 - On Camera
Our understanding of these stories and characters continue to evolve, but now with the added element of the camera and monitor. We gather all we’ve learned, we do all we can to remain grounded and present, allowing our receptiveness and spontaneity to inform our experience. We begin to see how our choices register onscreen, and learn how to see our work with a kind and critical eye. At the end of day five, we leave enough time top layback the scenes and review.
10am - 6pm (1h break)
10am - 7pm (1h break)

ALL MATERIAL IS DELETED AT THE END OF DAY 5.
Please send CV and/or a note about yourself ASAP to: smn.acting.workshop@gmail.com

REQUIREMENTS - Active Participants at least 2 years of acting training. Observers open to anyone. Observers don't watch just from the sidelines, they are engaged in the process from beginning to end.