Past Workshop Descriptions

Visual Metaphor and Expressive Directing Techniques: Two Days

This two-part workshop offers an intensive study of visual metaphor, shot composition, and expressive directing in fiction filmmaking. It moves beyond the practical mechanics of production or art design (props, costumes) and what appears inside the frame, to focus strictly on how the director places and moves the camera to create meaning in their films. It is a deep study of how master filmmakers use expressionistic camera techniques to elevate stories into art.

Students will undertake a close analysis of scenes, primarily within the Western classical narrative tradition, comparing them with works from poetry, painting, and music. They will develop a fluency in sophisticated visual design strategies. The ultimate goal is for students to reimagine the potential of the frame—moving away from simply "covering" a scene to "expressing" it—bringing its essential drama, emotion, and poetry to life.

The Introduction to Independent Filmmaking and Camera Theory workshops are recommended as prerequisites. This course is recommended as a companion to the Short Film Writing, Advanced Script Studio, Producing Dramatic Films on a Shoe String Budget and Directing Dramatic Film workshops.

Location: 1137 Dupont Street, Toronto, Ontario M6H 2A3
Category: Directing
Maximum Capacity: 12
14 hours of instruction in 2 parts$225 /member$250 /nonmember

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