Day 1: The "Unturndownable" Script

Day 2: Visual Storytelling

Day 3: Film Producing Fundamentals

Day 4: Your Light and The Shoot

Day 5: The Shoot Continued and Post

Detailed Content

Day 1: The "Unturndownable" Script

  • Introductions: Meet John Boorman and your fellow attendees

Intensive study in:

  • Genres
  • Structure
  • Final draft
  • Working alone
  • Working with a writer
  • How to attract a lead actor
  • Group discussion on a scene selected by John Boorman for the shoot
  • Social Programme: group welcome dinner in city centre (optional)

Day 2: Visual Storytelling

Intensive study in:

  • Storyboarding
  • Number of set ups
  • Film: The art of the possible
  • The creative solutions arising from limitations
  • Group discussion on scenes from "The Making of Zardos" and "Deliverance"

Day 3: Film Producing Fundamentals

Sources of funding:

  • Public schemes
  • Awards
  • Film & TV financing

Film finance:

  • Co-productions
  • Pre-sales
  • Private equity
  • Gap financing

Budgeting:

  • Key budgetary issues
  • Key budgetary challenges

Legal elements of film production:

  • Talent management
  • Rights clearance

Taxation and tax relief

Insurance bonds:

  • Errors and omissions
  • Production insurance

Sales and distribution:

  • Issues and strategies

Social Programme: Irish Film School Networking Event 

Day 4: Your Light and The Shoot

Students will have the opportunity to try different filmmaking techniques with John Boorman and Oscar-winning Philippe Rousselot, whose work includes Fantastic Beasts, Hope and Glory, Interview With The Vampire and A River Runs Through It, including:

  • The Camera
  • Use of digital camera
  • Breaking down a scene
  • Set ups
  • Movement
  • Lighting
  • Framing

The Shoot will commence in the morning when actors will be brought into the studio and will be directed in the test scene by John Boorman. Students will get an opportunity to view John at work and there will be Q&A with him at the end of the demonstration.

An outstanding stage and screen actress, Lia Williams will give an overview of the working relationship between the Actor and the Director on a film. Lia has been nominated for a Tony Award on Broadway, and 3 Olivier Awards in the West End.

Day 5: The Shoot Continued and Post

On the final day students will get the opportunity to step into the film industry and direct the actors in the test scene. Students will also work with John Boorman and an experienced editor on various elements of post- production with an intensive study in:

  • Complete editing of the test scene
  • ADR
  • How a movie finds its shape
  • Previews
  • Connecting with the audience

These practical exercises will be followed by:

  • Group discussion and review of the week
  • Distribution of John Boorman’s essay “The Film Process”
  • Presentation of Certificates by John Boorman
  • Social Programme: networking drinks