Step inside the director’s chair with David Winning — one of Calgary’s most celebrated exports and among the busiest directors in film and television today. With over 160 directing credits, 100 award wins, and 21 nominations, David has built an extraordinary career spanning every corner of the industry. His work with powerhouse platforms including Netflix, Hallmark, SYFY, Lifetime, Disney, Nickelodeon, BBC, ABC, Paramount, MGM, FOX, HBO, and Lionsgate has made him one of the most versatile and in-demand directors in the business.
This Workshop gives actors a rare chance to experience the industry from the director’s point of view. Acting isn’t just about performing a role — it’s about becoming a vital collaborator in the director’s vision. And here’s the truth: on a real set, there’s rarely time for a director to stop and explain what they’re looking for. In this workshop, David will slow things down and share exactly what directors are paying attention to, how they think, and what helps actors stand out when booking roles.
You’ll gain practical insight into:
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How to communicate effectively with a director
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How to take and apply direction quickly
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What to watch out for on set to make the director’s job easier (and your performance stronger)
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How to thrive under fast redirects and high-pressure moments
To close the day, we’ll open the floor for a Q&A session — your opportunity to ask David every question you’ve ever wanted to pose to a veteran director with decades of experience.
This immersive training is designed to push you beyond “performance” into true professional readiness — giving you the confidence, adaptability, and insight to succeed on set.
In this highly competitive marketplace it is a great ADVANTAGE to personally meet and work with an established TV/Director and build your network!!
WHEN:
SATURDAY October 25th | 9am – 5pm
SUNDAY October 26th | 9am – 3pm
PARTICIPANTS: Only 16 Seats available!
FEES: $295 (GST included). Prior payment is required to reserve a seat.
WHERE: Suite 216, 1118 Homer Street, Vancouver.
Ample parking on Richards between Helmcken and Davie.
$1/hour with a 2 hour maximum // $14 a day underground parking at 177 Davie St
CANCELLATION POLICY: Participants will not be able to cancel for this workshop.
* ActorVan Studios may need to change coaches at the last minute if coaches are sick or on set.
WHO:
NETFLIX, HALLMARK, SYFY CHANNEL, LIFETIME, NICKELODEON, DISNEY, BBC, ABC TELEVISION, PARAMOUNT, MGM, 20TH CENTURY FOX, HBO, LIONSGATE, ETC… WORK IN SCOTLAND, BUDAPEST, VANCOUVER, MONTRÉAL, LOS ANGELES…
David Winning – A highly accomplished dual-citizen Director and Producer with over 40 years of experience in film and television, renowned for his versatility and mastery of diverse genres including sci-fi, thrillers, drama, and Hallmark Christmas classics. David Winning’s extensive filmography and genre-bending expertise make him a true veteran of the industry. His ability to connect with audiences through diverse stories and create memorable moments on screen continues to inspire and entertain viewers worldwide.
David has shaped some of the most recognizable projects in television and film, with his work seen on major networks and platforms such as Netflix, Hallmark, SYFY, Lifetime, Disney, BBC, ABC, HBO, and Paramount—just to name a few. His directorial expertise and real-world insights will give you the tools to stand out and succeed in the competitive world of acting.
This year he earned Best Director awards at Amsterdam, Montréal, Texas and California film festivals for the romance-mystery Curious Caterer: Forbidden Fruit. A veteran of Stargate: Atlantis, Andromeda, the classic Are You Afraid of the Dark?, a variety of kids series for Nickelodeon, and 26 movies for The Hallmark Channel. Recently he’s helmed two new films — Field Day and A Christmas Blessing —across Hallmark and Lifetime. He has directed series and movies in Scotland and Hungary. Looking ahead, he’s directing SILK ROAD, a high-tech computer series filming in the BC interior — and Precinct, a gritty thriller set in New York (with filming slated for both New Jersey and NYC in 2026), about a detective drawn into a deadly sniper manhunt.
47 MOVIES, 29 SERIES, OVER 160 CREDITS …
95 International Awards | 17 Nominations
David Winning – IMDb
Petar Gatsby
Originally from sunny Croatia, Petar began his acting journey in Germany before taking his craft across the globe — living and working in Sydney, Australia, and Auckland, New Zealand — before ultimately settling in Vancouver, BC.
With a rich and diverse background in performance, Petar has worked extensively as an Actor, Stunt Actor, Stage Actor, TV Presenter, Drama Teacher, Audition Coach, Stage Manager, and Director/Producer. His experience spans both stage and screen, giving him a well-rounded and dynamic approach to storytelling.
Since arriving in Vancouver, he quickly found his place in the city’s bustling film and television industry. Petar was fortunate to land a recurring role on the last standing CW series filmed in Vancouver, portraying Lex Luthor’s henchman Hacksaw Kronick in Superman & Lois. His favorite screen credits include Arrow (CW Network), Upload (Amazon), Turner & Hooch (Disney+), Project Blue Book (History Channel), The Detour (TBS), and The Shannara Chronicles (MTV/Paramount), among others.
This summer, you can catch him on the big screen in the theatrical release of BAU – Artist at War, alongside Once Upon a Time in Hollywood alum Emile Hirsch — and several of his own clients, who also booked roles in the film.
Over the years, Petar has spent thousands of hours working one-on-one with actors and has participated in hundreds of casting and director workshops, developing a sharp eye for what works — and books — on camera. His clients have landed roles in everything from high-profile network series (including one starring Owen Wilson) to major commercial campaigns shot locally.
Through his production company, based at Actorvan, Petar is also creating his own original content. His short films have received international awards, and he’s now gearing up to produce his first feature film, shooting this summer.
Petar continues to grow as both an artist and mentor, dedicated to helping actors develop, connect, and thrive — both in front of the camera and behind it.
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm6723394/
3 PACK SPECIAL!
