FILM ACTING
IN SAN FRANCISCO

Hester Schell is on sabbatical from San Francsico School of Digital Filmmaking.
Bay Area Casting News CEO and master teacher Hester Schell will return to the highly distinguished San Francisco School of Digital Filmmaking.
SFSDF offers a full curriculum of FILM A CTING.

Scroll down for course descriptions.

Film Acting III
Next Class TBA

FILM ACTING III -
       ON SET NUTS & BOLTS

This class emphasizes, in a scene-study format, the major production and technical skills a film actor needs to succeed on a film set. Students apply script and acting preparation to shooting out of sequence. They learn to use the essentials of matching action, making your mark, frame-line, eye-line, how to shoot a usable close-up and production breakdown for character continuity.

This course also includes advanced marketing essentials such as tips for a superior demo-reel, casting type and age range evaluation, resume and headshot standards, and alternative marketing ideas for maximum response. This is an ideal course for students with strong professional aspirations. After taking this class, you'll be fully prepared for the technical demands of a professional film-set and production. All your class-work will be recorded on videotape for your own records and reviewing.

Film Acting II
Next Round: TBA

FILM ACTING II: SCENE STUDY
Scene study with an expert: characterization, script analysis, actions and objectives, relationship, memorization, blocking. Choices that make a difference in creating scene work that jumps off the page and into your emotional expression. Building on techniques learned in "Film Acting I", this on-camera class further 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.

This is a 4-week Seminar Series providing essential information for the career of an Actor in today's changing marketplace. Topics to be covered each week are: An Overview; Business Basics; Headshots & Resumes; Demo-Reels; Casting Directors & Agents; Auditions. 

You’ll learn how new technology has changed the way Actors find jobs, what you'll need to get yourself "out there”, where you’ll fit in the Entertainment Industry based on your casting-type and age-range, and how to built a professional Resume, Headshot and a Demo-Reel. You'll work on your own marketing plan and gain the necessary resources to put it into action. You'll learn if, when and how to move from the Bay Area to Los Angels or New York, and how to get into the Actors' Unions. 


http://www.sfdigifilm.com/film_acting.html



Call 650-726-5424 for information.

START YOUR OWN STUDY GROUP -

Organize a small group session on any specific topic for 6 and you participate for FREE. Ask me how. CONTACT US.

"One weekend working with actors goes a long way in learning the craft of directing - more than what can be deemed form a book."
Clifton Tipon

"Wonderful opportunity to work with great talent and budding directors."
RoyAnne Florence, actress

Film Arts Foundation
Teams with
Hester Schell for
DIRECTORS WEEKEND INTENSIVE

THIS IS THE ONE &
It was awesome!
Photos HERE.


'06 - Jennifer Kollman shoots for Noel Lawrence.
Glorinda Marie on boom!


'05: Christiane Crawford, above, makes an entrance.

WORKING WITH ACTORS:  
A DIRECTOR'S CRASH COURSE

DIRECTORS - Give direction that gets results. Improve communication skills and rehearsal technique by working with experienced actors in a rehearsal model. Block a scene for the camera utilizing the language of actions and objectives. Using improvisation, class exercises, and scenes from plays and films, explore the "given circumstances" of the script and gain a vocabulary for directing which is precise and understandable.

ACTORS - Network. Expose your skills to 6 directors. Improve on set communication, and give your on-camera skills a great workout. Help directors understand the vocabulary and technique of on-camera acting.

"Hester's guidance and explanations were
crystal clear, which allowed me to get right to
the core of thework and the learning process."
Nicole Olivier, Director, '06

"By far the most useful acting workshop I've ever attended." Alex Plant, Actor, '06

"Hester's insight into the actor/director relationship is astounding. She really helped me to hone my craft and understand the a greater extent the actor director collaborative relationship." Andrew Juncker, director, '05

"This will be one of your best acting experiences."
Steven Johnson, SAG actor, '05


Directors: Contact Film Arts Foundation to register: http://www.filmarts.org, 415-552-8760, ext. 311

Actors: Contact Hester Schell to register: info@bayareacasting.com, 650-726-5424

Quinn Danz, Candy Campbell take direction from Andrew Junker '05 Directors Crash Course

"I've rarely been to a seminar that was as packed with fun and fabulous experience. An incredible bargain. "
Bruce Blau, SAG actor

"Fun, encouraging, uplifting environment to learn and grow."
Sharise Parviz, actress

"Hester goes intuitively to the level of the student, Her years of experience show through from the first moment of the seminar. She is welcoming affirming, encouraging, enlightening and she she knows when to kick butt."
Candy Cambell, actress

"Hester's faith and respect for students - actors and directors - is inpriring. Her insight during the process was right on!"
Christine Lin, Actress

"Hester gives her all to keep the Bay area movie industry alive and share her knowledge and contacts with member of the Bay Area Casting News. Join! You won't be sorry."
Milo Illich, Actor

"Hester's insight into the actor/director relationship is astounding. She really helped me to hone my craft and understand the a greater extent the actor director collaborative relationship."
Andrew Juncker, director

STAND UP COMEDY

Find YOUR Funny Bone!

HYSTERICAL HOUSEWIVES:
We're not desperate, we're hysterical!
STAND UP COMEDY WORKSHOP
for women only.
Click this link for photos and press.

Call 650-726-5424 for information.

6 weeks developing material, working from "personal biography" in a safe, supportive and fun environment. Culminates in a a performance for friends and family. Tuesday evenings in Half Moon Bay.

Other courses: The Truth about Headshots: thorough overview of do's and dont's; cold reads; auditions; Prep. for LA.

TAKE THE QUIZ: Keep scrolling...

With regards to your teaching style, I think that your approach is different than others in that I leave class feeling secure about my abilities (or deficits) and how to fix them

I have confidence that you will tell me straight forward how I am doing in a scene, even if (and especially when) I totally sucked. Not everyone is straight forward in giving actors feedback, and I have confidence that you will push me in the right direction when I need it and also tell me straight up when I need to change.

You also have an ability to speak truths about acting and the business that are immediately applicable. The little gems that you give in class have huge payoffs. I'm beginning to be challenged in my class now though, and I am enjoying being stretched (although it makes me so uncomfortable). I am trying on harder roles and digging in different places than I have before.

Hester's faith and respect for students - actors and directors - is inpriring. Her insight during the process was right on!"
Christine Lin, Actress

"Hester gives her all to keep the Bay area movie industry alive and share her knowledge and contacts with member of the Bay Area Casting News. Join! You won't be sorry."
Milo Illich, Actor

"Hester's insight into the actor/director relationship is astounding. She really helped me to hone my craft and understand the a greater extent the actor director collaborative relationship."
Andrew Juncker, director

"Hester's gift for teaching precise methods to inspire & capture great performances is remarkable. Her ability to have fun at the
same time is a delight!"
Clay Atchison, Director, '06

"By far the most useful acting
workshop I've ever attended."
Alex Plant, Actor,'06

SF SCHOOL OF DIGITAL FILMMAKING
I wouldn't have had the confidence in my SAG feature audition without the extra push from you, Hester. I booked it! You give constructive criticism and honest support; and for that, I am grateful. I am now SAG eligible, and on my way in the right direction. Thank you!
Taya Asimos

ACTORS' RETREAT -
It is such a pleasure to work with somebody who clearly knows what she is talking about,who gives positive feedback and who so obviously knows the business. What a treat to have a safe, positive environment in which to take risks and make mistakes - an atmosphere so conducive. Thanks!
Maya Maher

CASTING & AUDITIONS: CHOICES AND CHALLENGES
(FILM ARTS FOUNDATION)
...your class helped a lot as far as knowing what to expect, how to organize an audition, & get a little more out of the actors as far as their acting ability goes.
Brett Colman, director

DEMO. REEL REALTIY -
What a great workshop !  This workshop is a must for the career-minded, ready-to-take-that- next-step working actor.  I now have a roadmap for how to make a dynamite demo reel which can really grab the attention of casting directors and agents.  Thanx so much for all your great "insider" tips,  suggestions on how to maximize self-marketing material, prepare for a demo reel
editing session andespecially avoid costly mistakes.
Juana Samayoa, actress

RESUME CLINIC & COACHING RATES--

For $20 bucks, and twenty minutes-
I'll go over your resume for layout and organization, ease of reading, grammar, standard industry expectations and oversights. I may ask you questions about additional skills, and recommend what else you may need to add to your resume to stand out from the pile.

For an additional $10 and 10 minutes-
Come dressed in your "standard open/cold-read audition" outfit with your headshot. First impression casting type evaluation.

Additional $30 and 30 minutes-
All of the above plus your monologe on tape. Up to two selections. Additional monologues, $15.

For evaluation of monologue and/or cold reading techique, we get into full coaching sessions. $60/hour. First session is 2 hour minimum. Coaching includes character development, text analysis, voice and movement, blocking,and recommendation of reading material, etc.

I also offer small groups of no more than 5. All sessions videotaped.

Call me to schedule
your session.
(650) 726-5424.

Or email my clicking on the email button below.

Actors -

All courses held in San Francisco/Bay Area.

RESUME CLINIC: Layout, design,content, standard industry practices for resumes. Do's and don'ts. By appointment. Call 650) 726-5424 or email info@bayareacasting.com
$20, 15 minutes.

DEMO. REEL REALITY: Next date: SEE SF SCHOOL OF DIGITAL FILMMAKING SEMINAR SERIES, ABOVE. Scroll back up.
Get real....you've got to have one. We're going to look at reels. See what's in, and what's out. Updating to current technology, editing, design and what to leave on the cutting room floor. $35 for two and a half hours.

AT FILM ARTS FOUNDATION -

AUDITIONS AND CASTING:
Choices and Challenges.

Actors & Directors

*AUDITIONS AND CASTING: CHOICES AND CHALLENGES April 14, 2007. 10 am - 5 pm

presented by Film Arts Foundation. From casting announcements to call backs. Timeline, Mock Audition. Script reading sessions. Organize and run a professional session, evaluate talent and how to read a resume. Directors, register through FAF. Discount to FAF members. Click here for details. http://www.filmarts.org
Registration limited to 16 directors, 8 actors. Actors attend second night for mock auditions and skill building through audition activity. We will chose a mix of actors from those interested and available. info@bayareacasting.com

ANNUAL DIRECTORS RETREAT -

Details here:
directorsretreat.html

This is the one. 2 and a half days at a country retreat center, shooting with other directors and having one heck of a great time! Skill building, networking, great food, fabulous instruction. Full participation in various exercises on and off camera.

This class is a nuts and bolts film acting basic.We work on commercials, scene work, as well as marketing and audition strategies. You will learn frameline, eyeline, making your mark and matching action. You will distinguish direct camera contact from film narrative. You will gain useful knowledge about how to launch your film career from Northern California's wealth of opportunities.

Scene Study & Character Development

I am currently accepting enrollments for a new group in scene study. Script analysis, character development. Maximum in any group is 5.

Form your own group, I'll come to you.

Career Promotions & Management/marketing.

Strategy, headshots, resumes, wardrobe. Setting goals and planning your success.

Private coaching starts at $60 an hour. Two hour minimum your first session. See column to your left for more information.

 So, you really want to be an actor...

     You've struggled with the decision and you've learned some basics. You've learned that the marketing end of the business is one thing and the craft and technique is another. You need exceptional talent. You need to be an aggressive marketer and self-promoter, aggressive enough to go after what is rightfully yours: a copy of your scene you did for no money, so you can build your experience and your resume and put actual speaking parts on your reel, so you can get into the union and move to a really aggressive market like Los Angeles. Thank God your friends are actors too, and support your decision and most of all, understand that you can't do anything else with your life and be happy. After all, you were born to be an actor. Everyone's been telling you that your whole life. And you're good. No, you're great, and you're going to make it. If you still have doubts, click here and take the quiz.  
 
See you on set.

More about Hester Schell:

I have a Master of Fine Arts in directing from the University of Utah. I teach at SF School of Digital Filmmaking, and Film Arts Foundation. Before joining the faculty at Notre Dame de Namur University, I ran the theatre department and taught acting, camera acting, Intro. to theatre, actors' ensemble and produced the college productions at De Anza College for 10 years. I also spent a year running the Foothill Conservatory at Foothill College, in the same district. Fall quarter 2000, we went to London, England, with theatre studies abroad courses.

I've been a member of SAG (Screen Actors Guild) and AFTRA (American Federation of Radio and Television Artists) since the early 1980's. I have worked in theatre, film, television, voice over, commercial and industrial markets. I've been teaching acting for over 15 years and full time for the last ten years. I've worked on high budget Hollywood features and low budget non-union independents. I've worked with celebrities and beginners. You are welcome to phone the Bay Area Casting News office at (650) 726-5424 for additional information. I welcome your inquiries and look forward to seeing you in class.

Call me to schedule
your session.
(650) 726-5424.

Or email my clicking on the email button below.