Special Features: Real People, Real Performances: Directing Non-Actors

What happens when your actors have little or no acting experience? This workshop explores techniques for directing non-actors and first-time performers, building trust, communicating effectively, and creating natural, compelling performances. Students will learn approaches for working with performers while allowing authenticity and spontaneity to remain at the center of the scene.

Nathan Deming is a filmmaker originally from Wisconsin who studied at the London Film School with Mike Leigh. He has directed two feature films and several shorts including the Year Project, a decade long project about life in Wisconsin. He was recently involved with the effort to pass film incentives in Wisconsin, which passed successfully.