On Camera Workshop for the Actor

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The workshop is designed strictly to hone your acting skills for the camera.

With that goal in mind, we provide instant feedback of your recorded performance. Additionally, you walk with a DVD of your work from the current session. You will also be taught the basics of camera work, framing and composition.

We'll be using small pro camcorders. They're easier to use, and I've found that newbie camera ops are more able to achieve good composition with them than with the studio rigs. They allow the camera ops (often you when you're not acting) to reframe and compensate for actors' movements during a scene.

During each scene, each camera is recorded in its entirety without switching so all of your performance will be on your DVD. When played back immediately after the scene is shot, both actors will be seen on separate side by side screens. The other actors present in the workshop watch as you perform. They view your performance two ways, live and/or the live pictures from the cameras on the monitors.

Once you see your work, you'll perform again later in the evening or immediately after incorporating whatever changes you wish to make in your performance. Sometimes other participants may offer constructive comments about your work.  Depending on the number of participants, it's possible for you to do your scene several times in one evening.

All of your work will be on your DVD for you to study later or to share with other professionals you know to get their opinions on it.  Scenes should be short - around three minutes - sometimes up to five minutes but short is good.

I want to get a group of up to 20 who'll take part when they can. Out of that 20, we might get 6 to 8 per session. We need at least four participants in any session.  Two will shoot and two will perform and then switch. Those who have performed could become camera operators or watch the monitors as others perform. There's a lot to be learned in watching others act. The short comments after scenes are played back should also be a learning experience for all participants.  If you are participating in the workshop, you'll be expected to be in for the three hour session. Please don't expect to show up just to do your scene and then leave.

Here are some answers to the many questions Ive been receiving:

The address is:

Otterson TV

251 West 30th Street

Suite 14W

NYC   10001

It currently takes place on Tuesdays at 7PM.

The workshop is set-up for scenes for two character.  You will be expected to be off book.  Those that aren't will be expected to learn their lines by the following week.

Some of our screenwriters have scenes they would like to see performed and videotaped.  Well put you in touch. 

If you bring a monologue, you'll get one run through of it.

You'll be expected to participate for the 2 ½ to 3 hours of the workshop.

You will be given basic instruction in camera operation and are expected to run a camera at times during the workshop.

You will be given a DVD of you work at the end of each session.

You will do your scene and then it will be played back on side by side monitors.  You will be seen on one and your scene partner will be on the other.  The monitors will be arranged in such a way that you and your scene partner will be facing each other.

That's why I want simple blocking at the beginning.  If you want to sit, that is fine.

Keep you scenes under 5 minutes.

Those who have brought scenes for two characters and are off book will always be given preference.  It is possible for you to run your 2 character scene several times and try it different ways.

Well often have screenwriters and filmmakers working with us who will be looking to cast their projects.

The address is:

Otterson TV

251 West 30th Street

Suite 14W

NYC   10001

Please email us at This email address is hidden from email harvesters via JavaScript if interested