film training courses raindance winter 2010 · writer's foundation certificate 5 wednesdays...

Welcome to Raindance Film Training The original pioneer of independent filmmaking in the UK, Raindance courses have inspired a whole generation of filmmakers including: Christopher Nolan (writer/director Memento) Julian Fellowes (writer Gosford Park) Guy Ritchie (writer/director Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels) We combine the best filmmaking traditions with new digital technology – a policy that works. In the last 12 months, over 3,000 filmmakers - writers, directors, producers, actors, agents, film and media students - attended our courses. Raindance tutors are all working industry professionals who will teach you how films are really made. You will have access to insider information, and most importantly you will meet other filmmakers, all working towards similar goals. So what are you waiting for? If you want to Write, Produce or Direct a film – look at our course catalogue now, search these pages or call 0207 287 3833, and launch your career. Today. The Raindance Guarantee If you decide to attend and find that any Raindance course is over-hyped, unsuitable or simply does not meet or exceed your expectations, let a member of Raindance know by noon on the first day for an instant, no-questions-asked refund Please let us know at the time of booking if you have any special requirements with respect to your attendance

What is Raindance? Since 1992 Raindance has been offering advice and support for independent filmmakers. We started the Raindance Film Festival in 1993, and the British Independent Film Awards in 1998. We also have a training programme that has had remarkable success. And all this without public funding. Presently there are nine of us working out of our office in Soho, London. Although we are London-based we are on the look-out for anyone who might like to work with us in another city or country. We are always looking for new ideas, or your stories about your movie. To contact us, call +44 (0)20 7287 3833, or send an email to [email protected]

The Fine Print Refunds Please note that unless the course is cancelled by Raindance, a 20% processing fee will be incurred. Within 7 days of the course start date, or non-attendance, refunds will not be given. Rescheduling Unless the course is rescheduled by Raindance, a 10% processing fee will be incurred. Courses may not be rescheduled by the attendee within 5 days of the course start date. This is at the discretion of Raindance.

Open House Monday 11 January, 6:30-9pm FREE Event, but book your place by email to [email protected] Come and meet the faces behind the names at Raindance. Listen to presentations and watch demonstrations on writing, directing and producing. Speak directly to our tutors, and ask as many tough questions as you can think of. 99 Minute Film School Wednesday 13 January, 6:30-9pm Just £13 Members: FREE You can't learn filmmaking in one evening, can you? Let Raindance founder Elliot Grove try in this fun and information-packed evening. Perhaps you have heard about Raindance and our courses but have never taken the leap. Here's your chance. Filmmakers Foundation Certificate Five Tuesdays starting 19 January 2010 6:30-9pm £165+ 17.5% VAT = £193.88 Members 15% discount Five Tuesday nights designed to take the fear out of filmmaking and give you an overview of writing, directing, producing and marketing a first short or feature film. Week 1: Writing for Low Budget Films Writing your first movie but have a low budget? Learn how to get the most out of your script, locations and actors and how to make sure these elements will be in line with a low budget. Week 2: Essentials of Lo-to-No Budget Filmmaking Making movies can be very expensive, but debut films are usually made on miniscule budgets. A successful filmmaker will make the ordinary seem extraordinary, thus enhancing the film's production values. Week 3: Director's Toolkit Actors, cinematographers and directors form one of the most exciting relationships

on a movie set. New directors need to learn to communicate their vision to their crew in order to get the best results on screen. Week 4: Introduction to Production The computer and camera companies have developed a bewildering array of low-cost editing and camera equipment. Choose the right equipment and maximise its potential for the edit of your movie. Week 5: Selling Your Film: Creating a Press Kit An essential task for filmmakers is to create a marketing plan for your film. Learn how to utilise the trade press, consumer press and film festivals to turn your film (and yourself) into this year's cult classic.

This course is one of 5 Foundation Certificate courses on offer.

Writer's Foundation Certificate 5 Wednesdays starting 20 January 2010 6:30 - 9:30 pm £165+ 17.5% VAT = £193.88 Members 15% discount Raindance founder Elliot Grove has developed a simple and practical introduction to the art, craft and mechanics of screenwriting. The Writers' Foundation Certificate is for anyone who is interested in writing for the screen. It is not necessary to have a prepared project for this class - but it is necessary to want to learn how to write! Week 1- Tools of the Beginning -Getting started. What is an idea? -Where do they come from? -How do you create compelling ideas? ALSO: -How to copyright and protect your ideas. -How to properly format your script and style guide. Week 2 - Casting your Movie/Story -How to create compelling characters that zoom out of the screen and stay with you. -Magnification, traits and other tools. -Case study: a character from a current movie will be analysed. Week 3 - Building Your Story -Scene writing and story structure. -Creating a page turner.

Week 4 - Writing Compelling Dialogue -The 14 tricks and traps of writing dialogue. -The 3 tracks for recording dialogue. -Honing and mixing effective dialogue. Week 5 - Pitching Skills Workshop Pitching is one of the most essential skills needed for a successful career in the film industry. It is also one of the least considered by new entrants to the industry. THINGS YOU'LL LEARN: -How to run a pitch meeting. -The goals of a pitch meeting. -Using visual aids. -Finding your hook. -Pitching tools explained and demonstrated

Directors Foundation Certificate Five Thursdays starting 21 January 2010 6:30-9:30 pm £165+ 17.5% VAT = £193.88 Members 15% discount One of our most popular courses designed to take you through the basic elements of directing and prepare you for directing your first short or feature. Week 1: The Director and the Script The director's job is to read and interpret the screenplay. Discover how a good director translates the written word into the visual elements on the screen. Week 2: The Director and the Rehearsal Learn how to run a rehearsal and create mood and tension by inspiring the actors and using the tool of staging. Week 3: The Grammar of Directing Directors use a variety of shots and lenses to compose their scenes and create a

vocabulary of cinematic techniques and processes. Directors must learn the do's and don'ts of film grammar. Week 4: Directing the Shoot Using professional actors and a DV camera, we will shoot a short scene to demonstrate the techniques used by professionals. Week 5: Directing the Edit In the edit, the audiovisual material collected during the shoot is reorganised to tell the film's story in the best possible way. The director must thoroughly understand the editing process

Producers Foundation Certificate Five Tuesdays starting 23 February 2010 6:30-9:30 pm £165 + 17.5% VAT = £193.88 Members £161.29 This five-part evening course is comprised of classes which answer specific questions and opportunities producers have, and during each class you will learn skills essential to getting a movie made. Week One: Creating A Business Plan This evening workshop will run through the basic essentials you will need, both to present your project to industry investors, as well as how to present your project to private investors. Week Two: Marketing And Selling Your Film The essential task for filmmakers is creating a marketing plan for your film. Learn how to utilise the trade press, consumer press and film festivals to turn your film (and yourself) into this year's cult classic. Learn how to approach film festivals and film markets with a strong press kit that will enhance the commercial potential of your film. Week Three: Basic Legal Contracts Once your film is finished and ready to be sold, you will have to show the “chain of title” to any prospective film buyer. If you fail to do this you will never be able to sell your film.

Week Four: Budgeting and Scheduling Always considered the boring bit by film producers and directors, the budget and schedule are the spine of any production. If you get the budget (the money part) wrong, your film will stall half-finished without cash. Get the schedule (the time) wrong, and your film will suffer – either from loss of quality, or remain unfinished because you have run out of time (and budget!) Week Five: Movie Money You have a great idea for a movie. You've met your writer and had meeting after meeting about the script. You've attended a film festival or two and found a hot director and a couple of actors. Now you need some cash to make your short or feature. This evening workshop will run through the basic financing tools available for any business, not just the film business. These tax-efficient finance structures make the UK one of the most attractive places in Europe to raise money for film production. Find out how they work and how to utilise them.

Documentary Foundation Certificate Five Wednesdays starting 14/21/28 April 5/12 May 2010 6:30 - 9:30 pm £165+ 17.5% VAT = £193.88 Members 15% discount This foundation course in documentary film-making will give you the skills required to:

• Develop a distinctive documentary idea • Test its effectiveness as an engaging film • Decide the appropriate way to film it • Find the right people to appear • Choose the best things to film • Shoot and edit your film in the most effective way • Pick the right music or sound • Shape your finished film into a story that works dramatically and emotionally.

Week 1: How Good Is Your Idea? You think you’ve got a great idea for a documentary but will it really make a film? It’s not enough to just find a subject that interests you. This evening explores how you can find out whether what you’ve got will really make a film and how you can work on your idea to ensure that it does. Week 2: Interview Style and Technique Having built the all-important foundations of your film in Week 1 it’s time to search for the people to inhabit your film. Is it better to use normal people or professionals? How do you know who will be right to interview? And how do you convince people who’ve never been in front of the camera to bare their soul in front of a potentially intrusive camera? Week 3: Camera, Lights and Style The lighting and camera style will affect the story you are telling. And to decide that

style you must first know the story you are telling. Once decided you have to be able to realise that vision on an appropriate budget Week 4: Editing & Sound Story telling is an art. I often see well-shot documentaries with interesting characters that are dramatically a mess with no real sense of vibrant story-telling. Once in the cutting room it may be too late to salvage a badly thought-through film. But then again, with a little additional filming, it could be the making of a film. It all depends.. Week 5: Sell Your Documentary So you think your film is ready to send out into the big wide world of documentary exhibition? But is it really? What have your test screenings told you? Is it time to invite a broadcaster in to view a rough-cut? Should it be entered to film festivals before you try to sell it to broadcasters?

How to Make a Short Film with Simon Hunter Sat/Sunday 30/31 January, 9.30-6pm £250 + 17.5% VAT = £293.75 Members £249.69 inc VAT There has never been a better time to make a short film. Director Simon Hunter has proved the merit of making a series of short films. Discover how to improve your filmmaking techniques, learn the art and craft of visual story-telling, and then, learn how to leverage your shorts and show-reel into feature film production. This intensive weekend course takes you through a step-by-step process from script to screen and shows you how to kick-start your career with a series of short films designed to develop your filmmaking skills and demonstrate your expertise as a director and as a filmmaker. Director Simon Hunter has created an award-winning and distinguished career through short films - both dramatic shorts, and more recently as one of Europe's leading commercials directors. His feature film career came from his experience from making shorts, and the theories and ideas he tested with short films have turned him from a novice wannabee into a respected and sought after expert in digital technology as well as a feature film director. The class will be part lecture, part demonstration, and illustrated with video clips and scenes from Simon's work. How To Articles We have literally hundreds of how to articles at www.raindance.co.uk Check them out – they are free

Lo-To-No Budget Filmmaking with Elliot Grove Sat/Sun 6/7 February, 9:30am-6pm £250 + 17.5% VAT = £293.75 Members £249.69 inc VAT Fewer European filmmakers have more experience in shooting, producing and marketing micro and no-budget films than Raindance founder Elliot Grove. Day One: Learn over 50 money saving filmmaking tips, and learn how to put value for money on the screen. Day Two: Learn how to finance, market and sell your movie and how to turn your movie into this year's cult classic by utilising film festivals and film markets. Learn how films can earn money. Directing Performance with Chris Thomas Sat/Sun 20/21 February 2010 9:30-6:30 pm £250 + 17.5% VAT = £293.75 Members £249.69 inc VAT Directing Performance introduces directors to the acting process and demonstrates proven techniques to enable directors to promote strong performances. By developing the inner and outer worlds of the characters through their relationships with their environment, other characters and themselves, a great story can be given further depth and will create a greater involvement for the audience.

Working with professional actors, Chris Thomas will demonstrate how the director can gain clues from the text, think creatively about casting, and together with their cast, create rich characterisations and relationships no matter what the film is about.

Participants will gain insight into how actors prepare and explore ways to use rehearsal and direct actors during the shoot. The course will be illustrated through examples, demonstration and review of scenes shot during the class.

The Power of Lighting with Chris Thomas Monday 22 February 6.30-9.30pm £40 Members £34

Light is the most important tool available to you when enhancing the atmosphere and mystery of your story on camera. On the shoot, the Director of Photography will spend the greater part of his or her time getting the lighting set-up to best represent the scene's aesthetic and emotional needs. Using a digital camera and a simple lighting kit, this workshop will introduce you to the basics of lighting for moving pictures, with emphasis on working on the low-budget digital formats.

Cannes Survival Guide Wednesday 24 February 6:30 – 9pm pm £20.00 Members £10 Come and have a glass of rosé with Raindance and learn how to attend the Cannes Film Festival and discover the best ways to blag party invites and to set up meetings that could change your career.

Live!Ammunition! Thursday 25 February 6.30 – 9pm £13 Members Free This is it! Your chance to pitch your movie idea directly to a panel of top British film executives. These are the people who matter. They are the people who buy scripts - they are the people who decide what will be made and what won't. To pitch, just drop a fiver in the hat, and the floor is yours. You have two minutes to convince the panellist to read your script or make your film. They can and will gong you off if you are boring. Write the Sitcom, Sell the Sitcom, with Dave Cohen Saturday 27 February 10:00 - 6:00 pm £145+ 17.5% VAT = £170.38 Members 15% discount British comedy is booming - there are now more ways than ever for writers to enter the profession. And producers love new writers, especially women (why are there so few women comedy writers?). However, budgets haven't risen in proportion so there are also more people chasing less money. Sitcoms and movies take forever to get commissioned, even longer if your name isn't Richard Curtis. But it is possible to make a living as a comedy writer while trying to sell your own ideas to producers. This intensive and practical one day course is designed to help all aspiring professional comedy writers find their way into the business and to develop the kind of skills required to create sitcoms, panel shows and movies. So as well as finding out the best people to sell your ideas to, there'll be plenty of time for actual sketch writing exercises. If you're already selling jokes or sketches, then the course will help you take further steps down the road to earning full-time. TV Writers' Lab 7 Nights starting 3/4/10/11/17/18/24 March 6:30-9:30 pm Only £195 + 17.5% VAT = £229.13 Members £194.76 inc VAT Clive Bradley has written extensively for television. Most recently he was the lead writer for City of Vice (Channel Four). His drama about the July London bombings, That Summer Day (Children's BBC) won the BAFTA for best children's drama. Other work includes A Harlot's Progress (Channel Four), Last Rights (Channel Four), and The Vice (Carlton/ITV). His film, W∆Z, was recently released, and another, Amini, is in production this autumn. He is currently developing a number of projects. Previous writing experience is advised, but not necessary.

Hands-On-Directing for Film and Television with Patrick Tucker Saturday/Sunday 6/7 March 10-6:30 pm £250 + 17.5% VAT = £293.75 Members £249.69 inc VAT Everyone wants to be a director. If you can create a 'look' for your film, your career will skyrocket. But why do so many British feature films, especially those by first-time directors, fail to achieve this important artistic success? When the technique needed for visually pleasing single-camera direction is so basic, why do so many directors fail to make the right choices? And when actors can add so much to a production, why don't directors take the time to ensure that their actors perform to the best of their abilities? This intensive seminar teaches the secrets of maximising performance from the cast while realising the importance of the ultimate audience: the camera. Learn how to direct on-time and on-budget, get the results you want and keep the producers happy. Single camera shooting techniques are explored in depth. Students will be given a number of exercises to undertake, including the opportunity to participate in directing a short dramatic scene critiqued by Patrick Tucker. Patrick also teaches an advanced course: Hands-On Directing for Film and TV Part 2 with Patrick Tucker Saturday/Sunday 27/28 March 10 - 6:30 pm £250 + 17.5% VAT = £293.75 Members £249.69 Part two of the Hands On Directing for Film and Television workshop continues where Part One left off-and is very much for the many of you who have already done the first workshop. The course covers advanced screen acting, auditions and interviews, advanced staging, screen composition, the single developing shot, different styles of directing and the pluses and minuses of high definition. Write and Sell the HOT Script with Elliot Grove Sat/Sunday 13/14 March, 9:30-6pm £250 + 17.5% VAT = £293.75 Members £249.69 inc VAT Need some help getting that great idea for a movie out of your head and onto a piece of paper? And then, need to organise a plan of attack so you can get it sold? Raindance founder Elliot Grove has built a solid reputation for devising and presenting the best introduction to screenwriting in Europe. This class has been called ‘the most valuable introduction to screenwriting and storytelling in Europe.

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Directing Actor’s Workshop with Chris Thomas Sat/Sunday 20/21 March, 9.30-6pm £325 + 17.5% VAT = £381.88 Members £324.59 inc VAT This practical weekend expands upon the Directing Performance masterclass. Each attendee will be assigned 2/3 actors and be able to use either a short scene of their own or choose one from a selection provided in advance. Day One: Pre-Production Preparation for any shoot is crucial, and the first day will examine how to create a mutual understanding and vision of the film and its characters for the director and actors. Day Two: Production Knowing how to work with the actors under the pressure of the production phase can make or break a movie. Day 2 will focuses on working with the actors on set and in front of the camera. We will shoot and review each scene. A copy of the rushes will be later sent by post. The course is only available to attendees of Directing Performance or for experienced Directors wishing to expand upon their own experience of working with actors for the camera. The Short Film Project with Martin Gooch Three Evenings " 13/14/15 April & One Day 17 April 2010, 6:30 pm-9:30 pm " £325 + 17.5% VAT = £381.88 Members £324.59 inc VAT

Nowadays there is no excuse not to make the short film you have been telling your friends and family you are going to make for the last five years. With the rise of digital camera and editing, and the amount of actors out there, it is actually easier to make a short film, than explain to people why you haven’t made it. The only way to learn about film making is to make films. This course will take away all the confusion about shooting short films and complications that you might think exist.It takes place over three evenings and then a one-day shoot. The three evenings will cover planning and pre-production of the short film, and the day will be spent completely shooting the short film. A script, locations and actors will be provided. NB. Editing etc, will take place after the course has finished. Basic Cinematography with Zoran Veljkovic Three Evenings " 20/21/22 April 6.30-9pm & Weekend 24/25 April 2010, 6:30 pm-9:30 pm " £375 + 17.5% VAT = £440.63 Members £374.53 inc VAT

This is the course for future Lighting Cameramen and Directors of Photography as well as for anyone else who wants to learn how to create right visuals to support the screenplay emotionally. What happens after extensive talks with Director about his project? Where to start technically? What is the best format for your film? How to choose right equipment? What do you need and how to prepare for the job? Film making is a team work, how to become a team player? Here you can learn, if you have the visuals of the film in your head, how to transfer them successfully to film stock or a tape.

Beyond Structure with David Freeman Sat/Sunday 24/25 April, 9:30-7:45pm £250 + 17.5% VAT = £293.75 Members £249.69 inc VAT “Beyond Structure” is the most popular screenwriting workshop in Los Angeles, and this is David’s only U.K. appearance this year.” The 200 powerful techniques taught in Beyond Structure will advance the experienced screenwriter, fiction writer, or development exec to the next level, and shave years off a beginner's learning curve. The use of film clips, together with hands-on, in-class writing exercises give you practice and confidence in all these new skills. Additionally, each student will receive an extensive,100-page handout pack filled with valuable writing tools. The Raindance Guarantee If you decide to attend and find that any Raindance course is overhyped, unsuitable or simply does not meet or exceed your expectations, let a member of Raindance know by noon on the first day for an instant, no-questions-asked refund. The Fine Print: Let us know by lunchtime on the first day of a weekend course or at the first break on an evening course and we will make a full refund

Discounts Raindance offers the following discounts: [The fine print: Discounts can not be combined]- students/OAPs/UB40 - 10% - members of Raindance - 15% - 50% repeater fee (if you have taken the course before)

- call 020 7287 3833 for details of group booking discounts - 10% out-of-town discount

Raindance Festivals Ltd | 81 Berwick St | London | W1F 8TW | United Kingdom | VAT 882 1749 96

A few words about Raindance ‘Raindance has supported our films since it began because to find films which are so genuinely independent is quite rare. Raindance has done a very useful and very good job in promoting independent British cinema.’ Ken Loach Director: Kes, The Wind That Shakes The Barley ‘I like that it’s young. I like really new ideas coming up all the time and I think Raindance, particularly, reflects that.’ Mick Jones Musician: The Clash ‘Raindance is one of the most energised and exciting organisations around. We have absolutely nothing else like it.’ Sarah Radclyffe Co-Founder:Working Title Films ‘The Raindance Film Festival and the British Independent Film Awards make a unique and very special contribution to independent film in the UK. They should be taken extremely seriously.’ Mike Leigh Director: Naked, Secrets and Lies, Vera Drake