About the course
Who should take this course?
Filmmakers seeking a better understanding of working with actors on a film set. Writers and producers will also benefit from learning about directing screen actors.
What you’ll learn
To equip you with the skills and techniques to elicit great performances. To teach you professional preparation techniques for great performances. To give you confidence to talk to your actors with knowledge and insight.
Session 1: Casting and Rehearsals
Discover the techniques professional directors use to unlock the potential of casting and finding actors using a variety of casting techniques
- Street casting: How to cast members of the public right off the street
- Working with a casting director
- Table reads and how to conduct them
- How to create a dynamic and creative first reading of your screenplay
- Rehearsals and how they work
Session 2: Performance on Set
Learn how to gain the confidence of your actors on the set and draw out performances they didn’t even know they were able to deliver.
- Working with actors on set
- How to communicate with your most important element in film making
- Quick tips for better performance
- Practical exercise – evaluating / preparing a scene for actors and performance
- Thorough guide to preparation of scenes and scripts
About Simon Hunter
Simon Hunter is a highly accomplished director and show-runner known for his strong visual storytelling, particularly in the realms of outdoor and travel themes. His debut feature film, *LIGHTHOUSE*, a $2.5 million British thriller, garnered critical acclaim and won multiple awards at European film festivals. It was lauded by the *New York Post* for its intense suspense.
Following the success of *LIGHTHOUSE*, Simon joined the renowned London-based commercials company Infinity, where he directed high-profile commercials for major brands like British Airways, Coca Cola, and the British Heart Foundation. His ability to bring captivating visual stories to life was further demonstrated in his 2005 science fiction film *MUTANT CHRONICLES*, starring Thomas Jane, Ron Perlman, and John Malkovich.
In 2017, Simon pursued his passion project, *EDIE*, starring Sheila Hancock. The film became one of the most successful independent British films of the year, receiving numerous awards and theatrical releases worldwide.
Simon’s recent work includes the 2022 World War One love story *CAN YOU HEAR ME?*, featuring Peter Facinelli, Sir John Standing, and James Cosmo. The $5 million film is currently in post-production. In 2023, Simon expanded his expertise into television as the show-runner for *COLD MIND*, a TV series centred around a series of gruesome murders on the Portuguese Algarve. The series, currently in post-production, is set to be previewed at MIPCOM in October 2024.
Simon is represented by United Talent Agency in Los Angeles for his work in feature films and television.
Simon also teaches the Film Directors’ Foundation Certificate and Kickstart Your Filmmaking Career with Commercials and Branded Content, and in person the Hands On Directing Masterclass and the Advanced Hands On Directing Masterclass
Did you know?
- Raindance members save 30% on this course? You can join online >HERE<Â and start saving immediately
- This course is FREE for our HND and Postgraduate/MA/ students
- You can book a free 1-1 consultation about our full-time degree courses HERE
- The Raindance Guarantee: If this course fails to meet your expectations, let us know at the break and we will make a full, 100% no-questions-asked refund
- We don’t teach ‘filmmaking’ at Raindance. At Raindance we make filmmakers.
Angel Constantinou –
This is a great online course that really focuses on different types of directors which is very useful!
Igor Ismail (verified owner) –
this course is very informative and useful! the presenter is amazing director! I take all his courses theory and practical and I highly recommend him ! thanks a lot!
Thomas Utsch –
This course is very interesting, I learn very much about directing, which I didn`t know since now, although I am experienced in directing. But like my motto: Never stop to be curious I am happy to learn more about directing and to increase my skills . And with this course I do that definitely.
I don’t regret signing up for this course – I would regret it more if I hadn’t done it. And the presenter is doing a great job and explains is very well.