Over two Saturdays in September, in order to develop my knowledge of the process of filmmaking as well as to oversee the techniques of a professional director, I trained for 2 days as part of the crew for Mark McGann’s Screen-Acting Masterclasses. Such Masterclasses are produced by his company, Drama Direct.

I have had the fortune of working with Mark in the past, having originally come into contact through his Screen-Acting Masterclasses as an actress, and then as an actress through his Stage-Acting Masterclasses, so it was brilliant to view the creative process from the perspective of the crew. As someone who is keen to enter into the fields of directing and film-making professionally, it was an invaluable experience to work with someone who has had many years of experience in the film, television and theatrical worlds, as both an actor and director.

The first session, on September 14th, took place in a private house in London, while the second took place in the Merlin Theatre in Frome on September 21st. Both venues were brilliant spaces to film in with regards to their flexibility of the setting they could create; for example, the bar of the Merlin Theatre was transformed into the watering hole of high-flying ad-men for a scene from Mad Men, while a small dining room of the London house became a psychiatrist’s office for a scene from Girl, Interrupted.

Both sessions revealed the patience, coordination and stamina required for the time-consuming process of filming, from setting up the shot to perfecting the continuity of each take. However, it was fascinating to participate in the creative process of film-making from a technical perspective rather than that of an actor. Indeed, being able to use a professional-grade camera and lighting was a fantastic practical experience; learning how to position the camera appropriate for the shot, how to ensure the subject is in focus, as well as how to set up lighting.

The experience also highlighted the qualities needed for a good film director. Mark demonstrated the calm, confidence and ingenuity required of a film director, for such a position not only requires a good technical understanding of lighting and camera work, but also a high standard of efficiency and communication skills. A director has to co-ordinate both the technical team and the on-screen actors involved in order to create a successful and functioning piece of film. As well as this, the director has to be supportive of the entire filming team, from tech crew to actors, offering actors advice on how to perform their scenes while also potentially offering emotional support to boost an actor’s confidence. In all, Mark demonstrated how complex, yet satisfying a job directing is, for if a project is a success, a director can feel a great sense of accomplishment in their hard work having paid off.

Not only did I really enjoy working for Mark, who is a hugely generous and supportive person, these sessions really benefited the practical knowledge needed to create my Cinekids Artwork, and will of course aid any of my future endeavors in filmmaking.

Here is a quote from Mark McGann concerning my involvement in the Masterclasses:

Alexandra is a creative practitioner of exceptional promise. On different occasions she has participated and assisted delivery of both Drama Direct’s Professional Stage and Professional Screen Acting Workshops at quality venues, including theatres in London and Somerset. She has repeatedly displayed a keen cinematographic visual instinct when operating camera to shoot scenes with actors, and has a highly developed appreciation of the technical and artistic requirements of the professional working film set.

 A talented stage actress and popular company member, I also sincerely believe that she would be a significant asset to any theatre company.