Workshop Registration

Directing Actors for Narrative: Part II

This advanced workshop expands on Part I by shifting the focus from performance to directing actors for the camera. Participants will learn how to translate strong performances into visually compelling scenes, exploring the relationship between actor movement, camera placement, and storytelling.

Key elements include: how to block actors effectively for both dramatic and comedic scenes, how to adjust performances for different shot sizes, and how to maintain continuity of emotion and action across multiple takes. Participants will also gain tools for communicating clearly on set, balancing technical requirements with the needs of the actors, and shaping a scene collaboratively while keeping the camera in mind. In this workshop, participants will work hands-on with actors to block and rehearse scenes for camera, experimenting with coverage, staging, and shot composition. The class emphasizes practical strategies directors can use to bring performances to life on screen, whether in close-up or wide shot, while maintaining authenticity and emotional truth. 

By the end of Part II, participants will have a deeper understanding of how to integrate performance and cinematic language, developing the skills to guide actors confidently in a professional on-set environment.

part 1: Mon 10 November 2025, 6 - 10 pm   
part 2: Wed 12 November 2025, 6 - 10 pm   
(Registration deadline is Mon 10 November 5:00 pm)

Instructor: Eric Bizzarri

Eric Bizzarri is an award winning Canadian director and producer based in Toronto. Primarily interested in the nuances of human relationships, Eric's work investigates toxic masculinity, male-male abuse, friendships and intimacy. His films have been distributed by CBC, Super Channel, Revry and Amazon Prime (US, UK, Germany). His most recent producing credits include Dispora (TIFF, Palm Springs International ShortFest), Desi Standard Time Travel (Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival, Tallgrass Film Festival, Canadian Film Fest) and Great Seeing You (Miami International Film Festival, Cinefest Sudbury International Film Festival). His most recent directing credits include Mea Culpa (Toronto Black Film Festival, Reykjavik International Film Festival), Pressure Play (Canadian Film Fest, Halifax Black Film Festival), I Wanna Make a Movie, or I Wanna Die Trying (TIFF Next Wave, Whistler Film Festival) and a commercial for Ben and Jerry's, with Label 428. In 2023, he was recently selected for the Reykjavik International Film Festival Talent Lab, an incubator for emerging filmmakers making their debut feature film. Eric is the Co-Founder and CEO of the Future of Film Showcase, an annual film festival based in Toronto fostering the future of emerging Canadian filmmakers, and sits on the Board of Directors for the Breakthroughs Film Festival. He is a graduate of York University with a Bachelors Degree of Fine Arts in Film Production with Honours. https://www.ericbizzarri.com



Location: 1137 Dupont Street, Toronto, Ontario M6H 2A3
Category: Directing
Maximum Capacity: 12
8 hours of instruction in 2 parts$125 /member$150 /nonmember
Registration opens
Tue 16 Sep at 10am