Workshop
On-Camera Scene-Study Workshop with Séamus McNally
Séamus McNally
Aside from being a seasoned filmmaker, Séamus McNally has worked as a professional acting coach and teacher for over twenty years. He coaches actors and consults directors internationally for a wide array of film and television productions, with recent credits including Roots, Orange is the New Black, Black Mirror, Too Old to Die Young, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds and Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare.
As a filmmaker, Séamus has directed numerous short films and recently co-directed the feature film Intet, based on the classic young adult novel. His films have premiered at festivals like Cannes, Montreal, Woodstock and Mill Valley.
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With his unique approach to script analysis, Seamus helps actors explore stillness and presence while also introducing a special technique for inhabiting beats and actions. The goal is that course participants will solidify and elevate their connection to the craft and leave with a refreshed confidence in their ability to deliver exceptional work.
First, participants are guided through scenes which have been chosen in advance, applying a system of script analysis which emphasizes psychological actions.
The next step, inhabiting the analysis, further explores character thinking and motivation by vigorously sinking into the individual causal thinking behind each action – which in turn defines each beat. At this stage participants will also begin applying a working tool known as pic-pressions (pictures infused with sense-data), which help fortify their choices, often with profound results. With the first two days being as dense as they are with new, layered and detailed input, participants work privately on the third day. They process all they’ve taken in, often meeting with scene partners or synthesizing new working tools with those they already have.
On the two final days the scenes are rehearsed as new working elements are strengthened within the group – now with the added element of the camera and monitor. The scenes are captured under Seamus’ direction and then played back and given constructive, incisive feedback.
All material is deleted at the end of the workshop.
NB. Wednesday (Oct. 29th) is a a private work day for the actors to digest what they have learned and what they must still prepare for, maybe get together with their scene partners etc. It is not a day off.