Summary
If you’re an independent filmmaker, one key part to getting your film greenlit will probably involve casting recognizable talent for your lead role(s). Whether it’s as a condition for financing, or a means to attract financing, you need to have written a part that top talent will want to play. It’s not enough to have a great concept, you need to have great characters.
In this exclusive Stage 32 Next Level Webinar we are going to unpack what makes a character compelling, what actors look for in a role, tips for your writing or rewriting process, and common mistakes to avoid. The goal is to give you the tools to assess your protagonist (and perhaps your antagonist) and make them the kind of roles top talent will be eager to play.
To help you on your journey is Claudia Myers who is a writer, director and producer who has worked on nearly 2 dozen films. Recently she wrote and directed ABOVE THE SHADOWS on Hulu which stars Megan Fox, Jim Gaffigan, Olivia Thirlby and Alan Ritchson. She also wrote, directed and produced FORT BLISS starring Michelle Monaghan and Ron Livingston and KETTLE OF FISH starring Mathew Modine and Gina Gershon which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival.
You will walk away feeling confident that the characters on your page will grab the interest of the top talent you envision playing them.
What You'll Learn
How to Look at the Script from an Actors Point of View
- What do actors look for?
- What may deter an actor?
The 5 Key Elements that Make a Character Intriguing to Play
- The goal and why it matters
- Understanding your character's motivation
- How to create pressure, stakes and external conflict
- How to design your character's backstory wisely
- How to avoid cliches
4 Tips For Making Your Character Stand Out
- The power of "The Ghost"
- How to embrace the "Fatal Flaw"
- How to create powerful arcs
- How to use your protagonist to convey the story's deeper meaning
It's Not Just About the Leads
- Importance of your antagonist
- Supporting characters and their importance
Q&A with Claudia
Who Should Attend
All levels of directors (advanced, intermediate and beginner) looking to learn key elements that make a character intriguing to play.
All levels of writers (advanced, intermediate and beginner) looking to learn key elements that make a character intriguing to play.
Producers looking to learn key elements that make a character intriguing to play.
Actors looking to learn key elements that make a character intriguing to play.
Executive
Claudia Myers is a writer, director and producer who has worked on nearly 2 dozen films. Recently she wrote and directed ABOVE THE SHADOWS on Hulu which stars Megan Fox, Jim Gaffigan, Olivia Thirlby and Alan Ritchson.
She also wrote, directed and produced FORT BLISS starring Michelle Monaghan and Ron Livingston and KETTLE OF FISH starring Mathew Modine and Gina Gershon which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival.
As a screenwriter, Claudia has won several awards, was twice a finalist for the Sundance Screenwriters Lab, and is an alumna of the Hamptons Screenwriters Lab. Andy Tennant directed her script WILD OATS, starring Shirley MacLaine, Jessica Lange and Demi Moore, which was released in 2016.
Claudia was also named one of "10 Filmmakers to Watch" by Independent Magazine.
Credits
