Precision in Performance: Directing Actors

This intensive workshop will help you develop the clarity, discipline, and practical tools required to:

This course is designed for directors who:

• Have directed short films or completed basic filmmaking training
• Have a basic understanding of production workflow
• Want to strengthen their work with actors
• Are ready for rigorous and concentrated development

It is not suitable for beginners. Participants may be asked to submit previous work as part of the application process.

Day 1 to 5: Working with Actors

The first 5 days will be focused entirely on rehearsal, text and actor-director collaboration and will explore:

• How actors train and prepare
• The director-actor relationship
• Giving clear, playable direction
• Objectives, action and subtext
• Avoiding over-direction
• Structuring rehearsal with intent
• Understanding rhythm and emotional beats

Participants work through practical exercises, alternating roles to improve understanding of both sides of the process. Mid-week sessions include rehearsals with professional actors using scenes selected by Udayan. This ensures parity across the cohort and keeps attention on craft rather than material.

Day 6 & 7: Scene Rehearsals incorporating Blocking

The second phase translates group rehearsal into individual rehearsals and performance. Each participant will be provided a script for scene that does not include more than 2 actors.

Each director will:

• Prepare and rehearse a two-character dramatic scene
• Focus on shaping performance through prep
• Understand how to incorporate movement and blocking for actors
• Learn how to dissect a script for performance and answer actors questions

Day 8: Sessions on Filming the Actors & Cinematography

Teaching on the importance of point of view when filming a scene, and learning the various aspect of camera coverage when filming scenes. This session will offer a concise yet informative introduction to the fundamentals of camera coverage and the principles behind effectively filming actors. It is designed to give emerging directors a practical understanding of how shot choices, angles, and visual perspective shape performance on screen, providing them with essential tools to approach the filming process with confidence and intention.

By completing this booking, you confirm that you have read and agree to the London Film School Workshops and Short Courses Terms and Conditions (linked below). You have the right to cancel within 14 days of purchase for a full refund unless the course has already begun, in which case your right to cancel may be reduced or lost. After this period, bookings are non-refundable except where the course is cancelled by London Film School. In such cases, liability is limited to a refund of the course fee only. London Film School shall not be liable for any additional costs, including travel or accommodation. All courses are subject to availability and may be amended or cancelled where necessary.​

London Film School shall not be liable for any additional costs, including travel or accommodation. All courses are subject to availability and may be amended or cancelled where necessary.​

Full terms and conditions.