Tag: Professional Education

Directing Workshops

“Blocking and Shotlisting for Film and TV” – 2 Day Workshop

Film and TV are visual mediums, and one of the  Director’s main tools in effective storytelling is their blocking. Blocking is a choreographed dance between actor and camera…where should the actor move? When? How will it be filmed? What shots are needed for the final product? Every choice should serve to tell the story visually in a way that supports the words and fills in where the words cannot. Blocking should be dynamic, and must also be efficient for camera and lighting, as time on set is often very limited. This hands-on workshop will provide a deep dive into blocking, prepping, shotlisting and rehearsing a scene from script to screen. 

“Directing Actors for Camera” – 2 Day Workshop

A story is told through its characters, and a director must understand the craft of the actor, and have the tools and language to coax them into their most compelling performances. This workshop will ask the director to experience the actor’s craft before diving into proven tactics and language that will respectfully enhance an actors performance to deliver dynamic, nuanced and honest performances. We will also explore the relationship between actor and director, ways to establish trust, collaborate and run a blocking rehearsal on a set.

Voice Acting Workshop

Join us for an exciting hands-on workshop where you’ll dive into the world of voice acting! Guided by a seasoned sound department expert, you’ll learn the essentials of voice acting, from vocal techniques to capturing the emotional essence of a character. Participants will also get the unique opportunity to step up to the mic and record themselves in short scenes, practicing the craft of voice performance in a supportive and fun environment. Whether you’re curious about the industry or eager to enhance your acting skills, this workshop is the perfect place to start!

What You’ll Get:

  • Insider’s Tips and Tricks (all levels) to make your Animation Voice Over (VO) Demo Reel stand out.
  • A recording of your VO performance to add to or start your own demo reel
  • Improve your auditioning skills
  • Get Insider’s feedback on your performance and skill level

Sketch Comedy Writing with Dad’s Garage

Unlock your creativity, hone your comedic instincts, and dive into the world of sketch comedy with this exciting and dynamic course offered in collaboration with Dad’s Garage Theatre. Whether you are an aspiring comedian or just looking to have a blast while learning acting or screenwriting, this class will take you on a journey through the art of improvisation and sketch comedy development. Dad’s Garage, a renowned comedy institution, brings its expertise to your fingertips in this hands-on, laughter-filled experience. Students will participate in weekly group writing sessions outside of class to further develop the skill of pitching ideas, how to give and take critical feedback, and how to work with others in a writing room scenario. Students create their very own scripts that can be recorded at the end of the course.

Course Note: No Prerequisite Required.

Questions? Check out our FAQ page.

What You Will Walk Away With

  • Sketch materials for your own reel.
    • Developed thanks to the expertise of Dad’s Garage, a renowned comedy institution and filmed by the professionals at Trilith Institute.
  • The opportunity to present your work at our student showcase.
    • Students, alone or in groups, can submit original works to be screened, table read, performed, etc. in front of school and industry professionals.
  • Qualification to apply for Trilith Institute’s Creative Excellence Fellowship Grant. 
    • Complete 3 of our professional education courses, and you will receive a “Trilith Institute Outstanding Achievement in Film Arts.” In addition, if you have completed 3 courses and our Mastering Self-Marketing Workshop, you will be qualified to submit an original project for our Creative Excellence Fellowship Grant, with a potential award of up to $10,000.
  • A tour of Trilith Studios
  • Discounts to Trilith Institute workshops while enrolled.

Introduction to TV and Film Production

Introduction to TV and Film Production provides foundational knowledge about working conditions, jobs, and professional expectations in film and television. Students will learn industry-specific terminology and processes related to above- and below-the-line positions, how a creative project moves from script to screen, and how to start and build a film or television career. With an emphasis on industry standards, practices and procedures, on-set safety protocols, and the realities of the job market students will be prepared to take further coursework in any number of more focused areas covered in this course. Want to know how a project is made from start to finish? This is the course for you.

This class is perfect for anyone with a passion for film and television who is eager to delve into the industry. Whether you are a creative enthusiast, aspiring filmmaker, or simply curious about the world of entertainment, Introduction to TV and Film Production is designed to equip you with the essential knowledge and skills to embark on a rewarding career. It is an ideal starting point for individuals looking to grasp industry-specific terminology, understand the script-to-screen process, and prepare themselves for various roles within the dynamic film and television field.

Course Note: No Prerequisite Required.

What You Will Walk Away With: 

  • Fundamental knowledge about working conditions, jobs, and professional expectations in film and television. 
  • Eligibility to apply for Trilith Institute’s Creative Excellence Fellowship Grant.*
  • 15% off Trilith Institute workshops for 6 months after course enrollment.

Questions? Check out our FAQ page.

Cinematic Storyboarding

Cinematic Storyboarding is for artists looking to strengthen their boarding skills and get a better understanding of how the process works in actual television/film production. Attendees who complete the course will gain the skills needed to competently work as a board artist in the industry.

The course will be offered in person with all the access to tools and materials of the trade including Storyboard Pro, Cintiq, and workstations. The course will be taught by an industry professional with over a decade of experience in storyboarding and art direction, most recently Archer.

Course Note: This course is designed for artists who already have skill sets in drawing fundamentals (constructive figure drawing, perspective drawing, composition, etc.) and are familiar with working digitally. A basic understanding of Storyboard Pro is highly encouraged for this course.

Course Prerequisite: Evidence of digital drawing ability is required before acceptance into the course. 

What You Will Walk Away With

  • A complete understanding of where Storyboarding fits into a typical production pipeline and how that work affects the production overall.
  • Knowledge of the common terminology used in Storyboarding as well as a practical understanding of these terms.
  • An understanding and practical application of the tent poles of Storyboarding such as composition, perspective, and constructive anatomy. 
  • A heightened drawing skillset that allows students to execute storyboards at a professional level.
  • A better grasp on the tools of Storyboarding through instruction and use of Toonboom Storyboard Pro.
  • Overall students will learn how to take the written word and visualize it using Storyboards.
  • A tour of Trilith Studios
  • Discounts to Trilith Institute workshops while enrolled.
  • A step toward qualification to apply for Trilith Institute’s Creative Excellence Fellowship Grant. 
    • Complete 3 of our professional education courses, and you will receive a “Trilith Institute Outstanding Achievement in Film Arts.” In addition, if you have completed 3 courses and our Mastering Self-Marketing Workshop, you will be qualified to submit an original project for our Creative Excellence Fellowship Grant, with a potential award of up to $10,000.

    Questions? Check out our FAQ page.

    Narrative Directing for Screen

    Focus your creativity and vision in this immersive directing course. Acquire the tools necessary to bring your project vision to life on the screen.

    This course is designed for aspiring directors seeking to master the intricate process of directing for short films. Through a blend of lectures, practical workshops, and hands-on exercises, participants will delve into the fundamental principles of storytelling, effective communication with actors, and the essentials of visual storytelling.

    From script interpretation to character development, participants will learn how to weave compelling narratives that resonate with audiences. Moreover, the course explores the intricacies of the director-actor collaboration process, providing students with the knowledge, skills, and techniques needed to elicit powerful performances on screen.

    Through rehearsal techniques, on-set decision-making, and communication strategies, students will create a collaborative and supportive environment that empowers actors to deliver authentic, nuanced, and emotionally resonant performances. By the end of the course, participants will be equipped with the tools and confidence to bring impactful short film stories to life.

    Questions? Check out our FAQ page.

    WHAT YOU WILL WALK AWAY WITH

    • The class will culminate in a series of student workshops wherein each student, utilizing professional actors, will be given the opportunity to direct a scene of their choosing in front of their peers and industry professional instructor.
    • Qualification to apply for Trilith Institute’s Creative Excellence Fellowship Grant. 
      • Complete 3 of our professional education courses, and you will receive a “Trilith Institute Outstanding Achievement in Film Arts.” In addition, if you have completed 3 courses and our Mastering Self-Marketing Workshop, you will be qualified to submit an original project for our Creative Excellence Fellowship Grant, with a potential award of up to $10,000.
    • A tour of Trilith Studios
    • Discounts to Trilith Institute workshops while enrolled.

    Course Note: No Prerequisite Required.

    The Business of Independent Filmmaking

    This course offers a holistic approach to the filmmaking process, encompassing both project development and film distribution –the Producer’s Journey. Students will embark on a journey from initial ideation to audience engagement, gaining the skills and knowledge needed to bring their cinematic visions to life, and successfully navigate the complex industry landscape.

    In the project development segment, participants will immerse themselves in the transformative process of turning creative concepts into compelling pitches ready for presentation to industry professionals. Through hands-on workshops and practical exercises, students will explore every stage of development, honing their pitching skills and crafting polished pitch materials.

    Transitioning to film distribution, students will delve into the various distribution channels available to filmmakers alongside essential marketing strategies crucial for maximizing audience reach and commercial success. From understanding distribution deals to targeting specific audiences and executing promotional campaigns, participants will gain insights into the intricacies of navigating the distribution process in today’s competitive film market.

    Course Note: No Prerequisite Required.

    What You Will Walk Away With

    • Essential skills and insider knowledge to successfully develop, produce, and market an independent feature-length film outside of the major studio system.
    • Qualification to apply for Trilith Institute’s Creative Excellence Fellowship Grant. 
      • Complete 3 of our professional education courses, and you will receive a “Trilith Institute Outstanding Achievement in Film Arts.” In addition, if you have completed 3 courses and our Mastering Self-Marketing Workshop, you will be qualified to submit an original project for our Creative Excellence Fellowship Grant, with a potential award of up to $10,000.
    • A tour of Trilith Studios
    • Discounts to Trilith Institute workshops while enrolled.

    Questions? Check out our FAQ page.

    Acting for Camera with Alliance Theatre

    Is your dream to perform on the big screen? This course is designed to help you dive into the unique skill of acting for a camera. You’ll perform on-camera acting exercises, sharpen your acting skills take after take, and receive individual feedback for your work. You’ll learn about close-ups, continuity, auditioning, and workshop scenes together while discovering what it takes to advocate for yourself on the job, how to work with your crew, and how to hit your mark.

    This course takes place on the grounds of Trilith Studios, where you’ll not only have the opportunity to brush shoulders with the world’s top talents but also to feed off of the energy that ignites the creative passion in the Trilith ecosystem. At the culmination of this course, you’ll have the chance to showcase your talent in front of industry-leading casting directors, directors, talent agents, and more!

    The silver screen is waiting for you and this course is your stepping stone to personal growth and development in the acting world!

    Course Note: No Prerequisite Required.

    What You Will Walk Away With

    • The opportunity to present your talent in front of- leading casting directors, directors, talent agents, and more!
    • Qualification to apply for Trilith Institute’s Creative Excellence Fellowship Grant.
      • Complete 3 of our professional education courses, and you will receive a “Trilith Institute Outstanding Achievement in Film Arts”. In addition, if you have completed 3 courses and our Mastering Self-Marketing Workshop, you will be qualified to submit an original project for our Creative Excellence Fellowship Grant, with a potential award of up to $10,000.
    • Headshots
    • Short Film Audition Opportunities
    • A tour of Trilith Studios
    • Discounts to Trilith Institute workshops while enrolled.

    Introduction to VFX and Animation

    This class is perfect for aspiring visual storytellers, creative minds, and anyone passionate about bringing digital worlds to life. Whether you are a beginner looking to explore the exciting realm of VFX and animation or a budding artist seeking a comprehensive understanding of the entire production process, this course is tailored to empower your artistic journey.

    Students will attain an essential understanding of the fundamentals of VFX and computer-generated animations. Students will be introduced to the major aspects of the VFX/Animation process, from start to finish. Students will learn at a high level each of the following disciplines and how they are interrelated to each other: match moving, modeling, rigging, animating, texturing, lighting/rendering, FXs, layout, compositing, and editing. They will be given the opportunity, tools, and guidance to create their own computer-generated media.

    Course Note: No Course Prerequisite Required

    What You Will Walk Away With

    •  Materials for your reel.
      • Developed using the provided professional software.
    • The opportunity to present your work at our student showcase.
      • Students, alone or in groups, can submit original works to be screened, table read, performed, etc. in front of school and industry professionals.
    • Qualification to apply for Trilith Institute’s Creative Excellence Fellowship Grant. 
      • Complete 3 of our professional education courses, and you will receive a “Trilith Institute Outstanding Achievement in Film Arts.” In addition, if you have completed 3 courses and our Mastering Self-Marketing Workshop, you will be qualified to submit an original project for our Creative Excellence Fellowship Grant, with a potential award of up to $10,000.
    • A tour of Trilith Studios
    • Discounts to Trilith Institute workshops while enrolled.

    Questions? Check out our FAQ page.

    Screenwriting Essentials

    Alfred Hitchcock said you need three things to make a film: a script, a script, and a script. Many professional creatives also subscribe to the philosophy that you can make a bad movie from a good script, but you can’t make a good movie from a bad script.

    The objective of this class is to acquaint you with the fundamentals and foundational techniques of screenwriting, with an emphasis on three-act structure and characterization. Each student will complete a narrative outline and a script for a short film. Students will learn about professional standards and best industry practices through table readings, one-on-one conferences, and peer revision techniques.

    This class is perfect for aspiring screenwriters, storytellers, and anyone with a passion for crafting compelling narratives. Whether you are a novice writer eager to explore the world of screenwriting or a seasoned writer looking to refine your skills, this course is designed to provide a solid foundation in the fundamentals of storytelling, structure, and character development. It is an ideal choice for individuals aiming to create engaging short films and learn the art of effective screenwriting.

    Course Note: No Prerequisite Required.

    Questions? Check out our FAQ page.

    What You Will Walk Away With

    • The opportunity to submit your original work to be read in front of industry professionals at the end-of-semester showcase.
      • End of Semester Showcase -Students, alone or in groups, can submit original works to be screened, table read, performed etc. in front of school and industry professionals.
    • Qualification to apply for Trilith Institute’s Creative Excellence Fellowship Grant.
      • Complete 3 of our professional education courses, and you will receive a “Trilith Institute Outstanding Achievement in Film Arts.” In addition, if you have completed 3 courses and our Mastering Self-Marketing Workshop, you will be qualified to submit an original project for our Creative Excellence Fellowship Grant, with a potential award of up to $10,000.
    • A polished original script, marketing materials, and a plan to produce the film as well as a submission for public dissemination
    • A tour of Trilith Studios
    • Discounts to Trilith Institute workshops while enrolled.