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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.
Instructor: Lauren Petzke
Born in Austin, TX, Lauren fell in love with stories at a young age. Her passion first took the form of performing, leading her to college at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City. After graduating, Lauren headed out to sunny Southern California where she performed in musicals with Moonlight Amphitheater and began acting in small independent films. This introduced her to a whole new world of possibilities.
She fell into Set Lighting and worked as an IATSE technician on films such as The Avengers, True Grit, Let Me In, and many others.
Lauren then tried her hand at directing, and her first 3-minute short film, “The Audition” won best comedy at the Santa Fe 3-Minute Film Festival. Galvanized, Lauren began assisting directors and producers and eventually landed as Julie Plec’s Producer and Development Exec. She continued to make short films and began her foray into professional directing with Legacies.
Lauren has since gone on to direct multiple episodes of Legacies, Roswell, and Sweet Magnolias on Netflix, as well as The Endgame, Walker, and Gotham Knights.
As a director, Lauren ascribes to have her work follow the 3 E’s – Effective, Efficient, and Effusive. Inclusive and communicative, Lauren loves to bring out the best in the cast and crew to create honest, dynamic visuals that elevate the story and bring the audience deeply into the world of the show.
On the side, she loves spending time with her daughter, husband, and their little French Bulldog. Hobbies include travel, cooking, long walks, yoga, and home remodels.