Wrap Party - Final Day

Image: Directing Actors students Jemma, Rubin, Marcella and James

After a full-on two weeks, we relax over drinks with Alkinos and the actors. We agree that the course has surpassed our expectations. Alkinos has just blown us away with his command of his craft, his 'director's' philosophy; his commitment to his students is such that he taps into each student's unique voice, empowering us to be directors in our own right, to find our own style and vision. The experience of working with Alkinos has been very liberating.

Student James Robertson:
"I couldn't be more delighted with the OPEN CHANNEL course 'Directing Actors'. Alkinos cut through the muddling haze surrounding the art and craft of directing with a philosophy of integrity and honesty.

"Through the two weeks of the workshop we got a clear, precise insight into the role and responsibility in a Director's hands. Without fuss, without gloss and without hype. This was truly a wonderful experience. One I doubt will be equaled. All thanks to Alkinos."

(I mean every word of it too. It was a fantastic course. Thanks to everyone at OPEN CHANNEL for getting it organised. I'm telling everyone that OC is THE destination for filmmakers! - JR)


Student Marcella Bidinost:
"You can talk all you like about the theories of directing, but to be given the space, the teaching and the actors who can help realise what works and what doesn’t in live situations is the best way to learn. Not everyone can spend years doing a degree course in filmmaking, and with several film courses already teaching all angles of the filmmaking process, it’s been a privilege to spend two weeks honing in on directing alone. Highly recommended!"


Actor Alyce Platt:
"It was an absolute honour to be one of the participating actors in the OPEN CHANNEL ‘Directing Actors for Screen' course with Alkinos. It was like an intensive emotional workout! Not only were the directing students put to the test, but the actors also were placed on the firing line and together we all took a massive leap into the abyss. I can’t recommend this highly enough for up and coming directors. It is an invaluable opportunity to work with professional actors and be guided by one of the best directors I’ve ever met."

Directing Actors for Screen - Day Eight

Today we learned the importance of describing characters to the actors instead of merely plot.

The final day and the final script, Ruben directed two scenes from his script Sniperwolf. Acting in Ruben's scenes is Samuel as assassin Wolf, Sarah as damsel in distress Xatia and John as Operator.

Set in Uzbekistan, just as Wolf is about to shoot an enemy sniper, he finds out from the shifty Operator that the target is Wolf's partner. The information is a relief to Wolf, but things complicate when he looks up and hostage Xatia is holding the detonator to an explosive strapped to Wolf's vest.

An exciting, action packed day!

Directing Actors for Screen - Day Seven

Today two scenes from Jemma's script Flesh Wounds was acted out by Sarah, Alyce and John.

The first scene was played by Alyce as Lisa and Sarah as her daughter Cailee. A large argument stemming from Lisa's suspicion of Cailee using drugs leads to Lisa driving Cailee away to meet up with older friend Tomo, a heroin addict.

Following is a scene with Tomo and Cailee in a park as they shoot up heroin and talk about knocking off a milk bar.

Alkinos emphasizes the importance of putting realistic elements into rehersals, such as music in a scene that requires it- making the scene feel more real to the actors.

Jemma said that directing the scenes has "given me confidence" and has "demystified the directing process."

Alyce Platt describes the value of the 'Alkinos' experience as an actor: "Being a part of this workshop with Alkinos has been like doing 'emotional gymnatics' ".

Directing Actors for Screen - Day Six

Day Six, and participant James directs Samuel Johnson, Alyce Platt and John Brumpton
in his own script, Home Movie.

Samuel plays psychopath Ed whose marriage is on the rocks, who abducts Jack (John) and Mia (Alyce). When Ed attempts to kill Mia, Jack jumps at them in the nick of time, taking the bullet and saving Mia's life.

Alkinos emphasizes that it is important to work against the emotion in the scene. If a scene reads as if it should be acted with great emphasis, many times it will have greater impact if played in a less obvious emotional way.

(Below) After an emotionally exhausting day, the actors relax for some happy snaps!

Directing Actors for Screen - Day Five

On Day Five, we began the process of rehearsal and direction practice, with each student having a whole day directing their own script with the support of Alkinos, and observed by other participants. Actors (Kym Krejus, Rob Alec and John Brumpton) rehearsed performed Walking to Avalon, written by acclaimed playwright and screenwriter Daniel Keene, and directed by student Marcella.

Kym Krejus plays a woman shunned from her family many years ago after falling pregnant with her son, Eddie (Rob Alec). Drunk in a pub at her father's wake, she takes her anger out on her brother (John Brumpton).

With the least amount of dialogue, the scene revolves around Eddie who finds himself caught between two polar opposite personalities. A highlight was the sense of real emotions achieved by the cast.