Filmmaking Lab Studios

Create Meaningful Structures!

ACTION is where it all begins!

Why is it so necessary to understand Action? 
Because it is the motor that makes your entire project tick. 

A masterful connection to the tool of ACTION is essential to any successful project.

We all know this. BUT - the way we use the tool of action within the commercial sphere is entirely out of date. The current conflict based model is driven by outmoded tropes of power - control, winning, losing, who's on top, tables turning, rugs pulled, good guys and bad guys - SO LAST CENTURY.

Why do we persist when audiences are so clearly sick of it? The number one issue for movies is that - people don't go. And for streaming - people don't watch til the end. And why should they watch something they've already seen a thousand times before - and adds no real value to their hearts, minds and lives?

The Technique™ proposes an entirely new, forward thinking approach to content making. Ditch Conflict and instead put MEANING at the core.

Learn how to build compelling content using action and relationships that are driven by feeling and meaning. Use this modern way of thinking to create authentic content - that connects with global audiences!

GET READY TO:

 🔥 DISCOVER how to put meaning at the center of your story  

⚡️ LEARN how to build the structure and rhythm of your work to bring it unforgettably to life. 

🚀 DEEPEN your understanding of the fundamental building blocks: Nugget, Action, Beats and Blocking. 

DAY 1

Intro to The Technique™ 

Using a mix of lecture, embodied exercises, and case studies, the first class introduces you to the core principles of this groundbreaking approach. 

DAY 2

Nugget and Action 

Day 2 explores proven tools from The Technique™ that allow you to clarify the thematic essence of your screenplay, film, or character and embody it through Action. By identifying the "Nugget", i.e. the meaning and intention of your work, you can fast-track your project with confidence and coherence. 

DAY 3

Beats 

Using a classic film scene, Day 3 explores Beats. Learn how to use script analysis to break down your scene, and get it up on its feet! Apply what you learned from Days 1 & 2, and discover how Nugget, Action and Beats work together to bring life and clarity to your script, structures and performances. 

 

DAY 4 

Bring it all together! Online!

After the weekend intensive, an online Q&A via zoom allows Joan to slow down and integrate the learning with the students while continuing study with further curriculum. This lively night is always full of surprises as you connect with yourselves, each other and the work. Recap all the new tools the Lab has delivered! Get ready for unexpected insights and creative break throughs!

USE YOUR NEW TOOLS TO

⚡️ Unleash the emotional authenticity at the heart of your Story.  

⚡️ Create potent overall actions for your story, sequence and scenes.

⚡️ Reveal feeling, vividly compelling characters, and the inner life. 

⚡️ Heighten the speed and vitality of your direction, camera and performance. 

A strong grasp on these tools is what makes your work stand apart, keeps you on time, under budget and NEW.

Provocative lectures, practical tools, engaging exercises, all teach you how to master ACTION and use it immediately in your work! 

Hit after iconic hit, these proven tools have driven the success of hundreds of projects and careers - including Transparent, UnOrthodox, Avatar: Way of Water, The Motherm Snow White & the Huntsman, Beginners, Arbitrage, Little Miss Sunshine & Whale Rider. With 15 projects at Sundance alone this year, wins in all top categories at the 2024 Emmy's, and a viral smash with Doechii's 2025 Grammy performance - FLMS alumni are the world's most vital culture makers. 

Now you can experience the techniques to instantly connect you to the feeling, emotional depth, and rhythm of your work