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The SFSDF Film Acting Program continues to be one of the most respected and popular acting programs in the Bay Area.
As the only film acting program operating from within a true film school environment, it is in the unique position of being able to combine decades of filmmaking knowledge with decades of film acting experience. This synthesis provides our acting students a greater range of opportunities in higher quality projects and a richer overall experience.
Film acting students have the opportunity to be cast in any number of the over 250 films made by SFSDF filmmaking students. Through group auditions, one-on-one consultations and referral, film acting students will find themselves working on a large variety of challenging films and commercials.
SFSDF is an integral part of the greater Bay Area filmmaking community and you will make critical friends and connections outside the school while you quickly earn your way onto important film and/or commercial projects.
Additionally, through our sister company, Fog City Pictures, SFSDF acting students are given priority casting opportunities for roles in feature films.
Fog City Pictures has produced four full-length feature films to date including:
- AROUND JUNE
- MOONLIGHT SONATA
- TWO MOTHERS
Already with distribution deals in the works, these films have included well-known actors as:
- Jon Gries
- John Heard
- Dendrie Taylor
- Samaire Armstrong
- Brad William Henke
- Faran Tahir
- Warren Keith
Led by some of the finest Bay Area acting instructors, the film acting program as SFSDF ranges from beginner to advanced and is designed to be both comfortable and challenging.
Study film acting where movies are made.
CLASS SCHEDULES - WINTER 2010
FILM ACTING I - Beginner’s Class
Feb 13th – April 3rd
Saturdays, 10am – 1pm
Instructor: Greg Hubbard
This is an excellent class for beginning film actors. Whether transitioning from stage or starting from just the basics, develop a superior approach to film acting through technique-based studies, including extensive on-camera work in class.
With an emphasis on camera comfort, script analysis and character development, this professional level class will ground you in the fundamentals of on-camera acting through scene study, monologues and other exercises.
Your class-work will be regularly videotaped and you will retain a copy of it for your own records and further viewing.
FILM ACTING II – Intermediate Level Class
Feb 9th – March 30th
Tuesdays, 7 – 10pm
Instructor: Greg Hubbard
This on-camera class explores the art and craft of film acting by in-depth script analysis, graphing the shape of the scene and studying character through action, objectives, and status.
All your class-work will be videotaped and you will retain a copy of it for your own records and further viewing.
FILM ACTING III
Feb 10th – March 31st
Wednesdays, 7 – 10pm
Instructor: Jeffrey Weissman
This on-camera class covers all the major technical skills a film actor has to know and successfully employ on a professional film-set. In a two-camera setup, students will work on essentials like matching action, making your mark, frame-line, eye-line, effective close-ups and production breakdown for character continuity.
We'll also continue each actors' work in moving out of their comfort zone, working fully with emotions, impulses, character development, scene study and cold reading. Additionally, we'll work on communication and protocol on the film-set, development of actors' support team, marketing, staying centered under heavy pressure, making a living as an actor and the business of acting.
All class-work will be videotaped for student-actors' own records and reviewing.
ADVANCED FILM ACTING
Feb 11th – April 1st
Thursday, 7 – 10pm
Instructor: Jeffrey Weissman
An intensive study of film acting, with the goal to create self-sufficiency on the film-set. During the Winter 09 term, the focus will be on Drama and Storytelling.
Everyone has a story to tell. How can an Actor connect to words that someone else has written and truly make them his/her own? Through original and scripted dramatic materials, this on camera class will explore the process so the Actor can really deepen his/her work and make it more dynamic, compelling and believeable.
NOTE: This class will have a different theme of focus each term it’ll be offered through out the year (eg: Drama, Comedy, Thriller, Period Piece, etc…). It’s also a prerequisite for being qualified for the Industry Showcase class where our students meet and can sign with the most prestigious Talent Agents in the Bay Area ( offered once a year; selection and invitation of advanced students by the Program Director ).
Additional classes will be added on Thursday evening and/or Saturday afternoon based on demand. Please call to express interest. 415.824.7000
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Q: How do I know which class to take?
A: These are technique-based classes aimed at enhancing individual performance. They are designed to build one upon the other. For example, the techniques learned in "Film Acting II" are based on techniques taught in the "Film Acting I" Class.
We do make exceptions from time to time for various reasons, but it is recommended that students with little or no training in acting start with "Film Acting I".
Q: If I have taken acting classes at other places, does that mean I would still need to start with "Film Acting I"?
A: No, you can start at any level, based on your prior training and experience. Such decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis, and in consultation with our instructors.
Q: Are these professional-level classes?
A: Yes. Seasoned professionals initiated this program as a means to offer a no-nonsense, practical and very hands-on training ground for acting students. It is our aim to train working professionals.
Q: Is there any financial aid?
A: Not at this time. However, we can offer payment plans to those who are truly dedicated to study with us but cannot afford to pay the full tuition upfront.
Q: What is unique about these classes?
A: In addition to being taught by some of the most respected acting teachers in the Bay Area, we provide casting opportunities in feature-length films for theatrical release directed by our Faculty (1 per year), as well as in student films (over 200 per year) produced at SFSDF.
We also get numerous requests for well-trained actors from independent filmmakers from outside the school, and our Acting Students are cast in their feature-length films and highly paid commercials, on a regular basis.
Q: How do I audition for and get cast in the student films?
A: We have regular auditions, five times a year, and all our qualified acting students (generally at or beyond “Film Acting I” level) are automatically invited to the auditions. We also keep a separate file with headshots and resumes of all our acting students at the SFSDF. By agreement, the filmmaking students studying under the same roof always give casting priority to our Acting Students. The filmmaking students also post their audition notices at SFSDF where acting students have direct access.
Q: How do I audition for and get cast in feature-length films for theatrical release?
A: SFSDF and our sister production-company Fog City Pictures produce a feature film every year and our acting students get first consideration. And the directors and the producers of these films are almost always faculty members at SFSDF. This kind of physical proximity naturally leads to a professional familiarity between the filmmakers and the acting student, resulting in ongoing artistic collaborations.
Q: How do I develop a professional-quality Demo Reel as part of my portfolio?
A: By being cast in various films (short- and feature-films) and commercials at SFSDF or elsewhere, as discussed above.
The Faculty will help our acting students edit their film-scenes into a high quality Demo Reel (on DVD), using the state-of-the-art editing labs at SFSDF.
Q: How do I participate in the ‘Industry Showcase’ Class where I can meet and possibly signed by the Talent Agents in attendance?
A: Participation in this special class is by invitation only. The director of the Film Acting Program selects and invites 12 students per class from the ongoing advanced-level Film Acting Classes at our school.
WHO SHOULD TAKE THESE CLASSES:
These classes are designed for Actors of all levels, beginner to advanced, who wish to:
- Start with the basics
- Develop and hone their art and craft
- Make the adjustment from stage to screen
- Improve their audition skills
- Become more self-sufficient on the film-set,
- Take advantage of the exceptional Casting Opportunities at SFSDF,
- Develop a professional Demo Reel,
- Network and make connections with Film Directors, Producers, Writers and Casting
- Directors, as well as other Actors,
- Compete in the film industry as truly professional Actors.
Have a second?
Read a recent article praising our film acting program, or read a few reviews on Yelp.com
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