DEGNZ invites directors to join us for a one-day Wellington workshop, taught by Jennifer Te Atamira Ward-Lealand, on best practices for directing on-screen intimacy.

In Directing In the Intimate Zone, we will discuss and work with actors on the process of developing scenes that involve intimacy, nudity and/or simulated sex, developed by UK intimacy coordinator Ita O’Brien and based on Equity NZ’s Intimacy Guidelines for Stage and Screen. The workshop will also look at directing intimacy in the COVID-19 era.

There are four places for directors to participate, as well as places for directors to observe.

During the class, Participant Directors will take turns to direct pairs of actors in intimate scenes under Jennifer’s guidance. Participant Directors upon selection will each be invited to submit a short, intimate scene – either with or without dialogue – for consideration ahead of the workshop.

About Jennifer Ward-Lealand

Since training at Auckland’s influential Theatre Corporate, Jennifer has worked extensively in theatre, film, television, musical and radio for 40 years. One of New Zealand’s most recognisable acting talents and a respected theatre director, she has taught for The Actors’ Program, Toi Whakaari, UNITEC, Te Pou and NASDA.

Jennifer is currently President of Equity New Zealand, Patron of Q Theatre, and serves as a trust board member of The Actors Benevolent Fund. She was named SPADA Industry Champion in 2018 and in 2019 given a Women of Influence (Arts & Culture) Award. In the 2019 New Year’s Honours List she received a CNZM, Companion of the NZ Order of Merit for services to theatre, film and television and is this year’s New Zealander of the Year. Jennifer is a trained intimacy coordinator under the mentorship of Ita O’Brien, Intimacy on Set (UK).

Workshop Details

When: Sunday 15 November 2020, 9am – 5pm

Where: RANDOM, 43 Hanson Street, Mount Cook, Wellington 6021

Price:
DEGNZ member – Free
Non-member – $75 (discounted due to COVID-19. Normal price $95)

Lunch and refreshments provided.

Eligibility:

This workshop is R18.

To be eligible to apply as a Participant Director:

• You must have experience directing at least short films/dramatic content.
• Priority will be given to those who are actively engaged in directing or preparing to direct narrative drama, especially if you are dealing with scenes of nudity, intimacy and/or simulated sex.

To Apply

To register as an Observer, complete the registration form below.

To apply as a Participant Director, complete the registration form below and email your supporting documents to tema@deganz.co.nz before the registration deadline:

• a CV/bio with filmography
• a brief letter summarising why you would like to participate as a director, what you hope to gain from the workshop, and any experience directing intimacy (not a requirement for selection).

If you apply as a Participant and are unsuccessful, you will receive an offer to attend as an Observer.

Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted. 

Registration Deadline: 1PM, Thursday 5 November 2020

Registration Form

Cancellation and payment policies

This initiative is brought to you with the generous support of the New Zealand Film Commission.