The pandemic has changed the casting landscape for good. Over are the days of overcrowded waiting rooms and busy in-person casting sessions. Self Tapes, Zoom auditions and the occasional in-person callback are the new norm. And they are here to stay.
The Fundamentals On Camera Film Acting Class is a crucial foundations class for working in Film, TV, and Commercials. It is also a great place to discuss what is happening in your pursuit of becoming a working actor in Vancouver. In addition, actors transitioning from theatre or working in background have found this class invaluable.
In this On Camera class, you will learn how to: read & prepare a scene, improvise, master On Camera acting techniques, prepare for an audition, and learn about the ins and outs of the Film Business in Vancouver. We have guided many actors in choosing headshots and agents and have helped to launch and build up actors of all ages.
There are a lot of challenges and hurdles in becoming established as an actor in Vancouver. We offer a supportive learning environment where you will work on the acting skills you have and gain invaluable On Camera acting skills to solidly prepare you for the demands of the film business.
Prerequisites: We have actors just starting out to full union members in this class.
Video Clips: Students are required to bring a Standard SD Card to classes & workshops so they may review their work outside of class.
Michelle Allen
Michelle Allen has lived and worked in the Canadian Film and Television Industry for more than forty years. She formed the first Background casting company in BC in 1983, and began casting Principal roles for Film and Television in 1986.
Michelle is exceptionally proud and pleased to have worked with two time Academy Award winning Director Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu on The Revenant. The film won 8 Oscars in 2016, among them Best Director for Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, Best Motion Picture, and Best Actor for first-time Oscar Winner Leonardo DiCaprio.
Previous to that, Michelle cast Zack Snyder-directed feature films Man of Steel, Watchmen and Sucker Punch as well as Final Destination Five, Red Riding Hood, Mystery Alaska, Cousins, The Accused (starring Jodie Foster) and Roxanne (starring Steve Martin and Daryl Hannah). Among her many episodic credits are Lost in Space, Fringe, Dead Like Me, The Twilight Zone and 21 Jump St. She also cast more than sixty films for television.
Michelle had the honour of winning the 2009-2010 Artios Award (Casting Society of America Award) for Outstanding Achievement in Television Pilot Casting for the hit CBS show The Good Wife. She was also nominated for two awards in 2006:Outstanding Achievement in M.O.W. Casting for the highly acclaimed A & E special, Flight 93, and A Little Thing Called Murder starring Judy Davis for the Lifetime Channel.
When Covid 19 struck in 2020, the industry – and much of the World – shifted immensely and in unforeseen ways.
Michelle channeled her energy, knowledge and original core appreciation of working with Actors into a private coaching and teaching practice with the intention of continuing to guide, nurture, and support the creative aspirations of performers. She is uniquely positioned to offer meaningful feedback and inspiration.
“We’ll see how the next episode unfolds!”
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0020838/
Dates: 10am – 1pm on Sundays – April 6, 13, May 4, 11, 2025
