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Workshop – Working with actors

Led by Doug Rollins

April 5 @ 7:45 pm 10:00 pm

Doug Rollins is an experienced professional director and screen acting/filmmaking tutor. He has vast experience working with actors. Currently, he is a visiting project director at The International School of Screen Acting and brings with him two students from the school who will have pre-learned a short scene for this evening’s workshop. 

The workshop will deal with the power of subtext.

In film, subtext and inner monologue drives an actor’s journey through the complex landscape of cinematic storytelling..

Doug Rollins
Working with actors

Through giving director notes, and with the skill and emotional agility, of screen actors, Doug will set out to demonstrate techniques that can alter the speed, intent,  outcome, consequences and indeed perception of a scene. 

What is subtext and how is it utilised when working with actors?

Subtext refers to the underlying meaning or message that is conveyed through a film’s dialogue, actions, or visuals but is not explicitly stated. It can be seen as the unspoken motivations, desires, fears, and conflicts that drive the characters and the story.

In filmmaking, subtext plays a crucial role in the director’s and actor’s understanding of the characters and their relationships with one another. It allows them to create a rich and complex inner life for their characters, which in turn drives the story forward and creates a deeper emotional connection with the audience.

For actors, subtext is an essential tool in creating a believable and nuanced performance. It allows them to explore the unspoken thoughts and emotions of their characters and to convey them through subtle actions and expressions. This requires a deep understanding of the character’s backstory, personality, and motivations.

The director’s role in shaping subtext is equally important. They work closely with the actors to develop a shared understanding of the characters and their relationships, and to create a cohesive vision for the film. The director must also carefully consider the visual and audio elements of the film, as these can also contribute to the subtext and the overall message of the film.

Ultimately, subtext is an integral part of the storytelling process in filmmaking. It allows for deeper and more meaningful connections with the audience, and helps to create a more engaging and memorable cinematic experience. By understanding the power of subtext, directors and actors can create films that resonate with audiences on a profound level.

£5 for members £8 for non members

Sutton FilmMakers Club – Parochial Rooms

42 The Broadway
Cheam, Surrey SM3 8BL United Kingdom
Member Benefits

Development of skills

Help and support members

Interesting workshops

Networking with other members

Community Services

Helping not-for-profit organisations

Helping new filmmakers

Offering advice on filmmaking to local businesses and organisations

Contact us here

Sutton Filmmakers
Parochial Rooms,
42 The Broadway,
Cheam, Surrey,
SM3 8BL,
United Kingdom