Expressions of Interest: She Directs

She Directs, an intensive three-day Directors Lab aimed specifically at early to mid-career First Nations women, will be held in Victoria’s Yarra Valley from 2-6th May.

Presented by BLACKapple Productions, with partners Screenrights, Screen Australia, Screen NSW, Screen Queensland and Common Ground it has a focus on women from remote and regional Australia.

It is expected that 8 women will participate in the Lab, with scope for more, pending interest.

Filmmaker and Warramungu / Luritja woman Beck Cole (Deadloch, Wentworth, We Are Still Here, Black Comedy, Here I Am) is curating the Lab which will also include masterclasses from some of Australia’s leading First Nations female directors.

Rona Glynn-McDonal, CEO of Common Ground, will moderate ‘In Conversation’ sessions with special guests, which will be followed by a screening of a key cinematic piece directed by that guest.

“She Directs isn’t about competition, it’s about creative learning, experimentation and sharing. Directing is a wonderful art form that requires a great amount of discipline and preparation, and that’s before the cameras start rolling. I am excited to be able to share some of the lessons I’ve learnt throughout my career (and the mistakes I’ve made) with women who are as passionate as I am about the important place First Nations women hold in Australian Screen culture,” Beck Cole said.

“This will be a brilliant opportunity to meet with and learn from celebrated Australian and international Indigenous screen directors and the chance to network and build friendships with other Lab participants, as well as learning the practical skills you need as a director.

“She Directs aims to give women the confidence they need to take the next step towards a long and fulfilling directing career,” Beck says.

“This is a national Initiative however we are strongly encouraging First Nations women from rural and remote areas to apply as we believe that this is where much of our untapped talent lies.”

She Directs will cover areas such as script analysis and preparation, visual and creative referencing, best casting practice, how to work with actors from rehearsals through to shooting, with an emphasis on practical exercises to develop characters and warm up actors, understanding crewing (who does what and why), unpacking and demystifying stage and camera blocking, screen coverage- what shots work best and why, scheduling the shoot and how to collaborate with the 1st assistant director, and understanding the important relationship with the script supervisor and using them to your best advantage. There will also be a ‘Truth Speaking’ session, discussing some challenges women might face on set.

She Directs will offer its participants bespoke sessions designed specifically to meet individual needs, interests and level of experience. As well as participating in all of the masterclasses, Lab participants will have hands-on experience directing a dramatic scene.

Actors will be invited to work with the Directors to realise the scene and our special guest advisor will be invited to critique the work in a nurturing and productive manner.

The deadline for expressions of interest is March 8.

commonground.org.au/she-directs