Filmmaking Lab Studios

What is The Technique™?

Great question! Head over to The Technique™ page to read all about it! 

I'm not a director, can I still take The Labs?

Yes. The Labs are designed for all film, series, theatre, brand creatives and executives who are ready to take their work to a new level. The Technique™ is unique in that it is designed to cross platforms. Writers take the Lab to workshop scripts. Producers take it to become more proficient in script development, and to improve their working relationships with writers, directors, and actors. Cinematographers take it to find the emotional angle of their work. Editors take it to deepen their approach to storytelling. Actors take it to strengthen their craft and find new authenticity in their performances. Many professionals who work in one area often want to stretch creatively or make a switch from one form to another. The Labs are perfect for those considering a move. We encourage a mix of professionals in the Labs because it brings us closer to the experience we have on set.

Can I bring my creative team?

Yes! We love teams that want to take the Lab together, because working as a team gets everyone on the same page. Prep and communication are key to a shoot that's on time and under budget! Should you choose to study with your team, we offer group incentives - email us to inquire!

What's the experience level in The Labs?

All artists - from the emerging to the seasoned - are welcome to apply for the Labs. The Technique™ encourages you to go deeper, take risks and investigate new forms of storytelling. Each artist learns and is challenged in their own, uniquely individual way.

How many Labs in The Lab Series?

The Technique™ has 50 concepts unpacked in 50 Labs. 

We add new Live In-Person, Live Online and Self-Guided Labs every year to keep you nourished and growing artistically.

Check out the Live Lab Series Schedule here.

Check out our The Lab Series Online Program here 

Do I have to take the Labs in a specific order?

No. The material in each lab covers a different aspect of The Technique™. All Labs work together, so the order can be random, following your needs and curiosity. Think of it like a Lego Set. Build it how you like! 

Do I need a full script to work in the Labs?

No. You are free to come Live, or study Online with just a seed of an idea, a rough draft - or no thoughts whatsoever about what you want to do. The Technique™ is designed to jump-start writing. 

For the exercises, you can use a scene from a script you're working on, or any film script (produced or not) that interests you.

At what stage should my project be? What if my material isn't finished?

The Lab Series is a real time development system for your project. It is designed to take you from Craft to Creation. Students come at different stages. Some directors come to prep their rehearsal and shoots. Some take it between projects - when a new idea is germinating and needs nourishment in a safe environment, outside of commercial pressures and constraints.

You might be thinking - "But it should be further along! It's not ready! I should wait!" The Lab Series is here to GET you ready. That's our job. We don't have enough forums to explore our ideas in a highly creative, supportive context. The Lab Series fills that gap.

What do we need to prepare?  How much homework is there?

The Lab Series Live is designed for working professionals. The work is done DURING class. There is no need to prep.  Just show up dressed to move.

The Lab Series Online Program includes workbooks, templates, checklists and more to guide your study. 

What do you mean by "Dress to Move"?

The Labs involve physical exercises. 

1. Prepare to dress to move as if you were going to the gym. Wear sweats, yoga clothes, sneakers. 

2. No belts, earrings, or jewelry please. We want you to protect your bodies during floor work!

3. At home: find a small or large area to clear out so you can move freely. Check the whole area and move aside anything you might trip over, or accidentally strike or bump into.

4. Always be mindful of the space you are working in and your own physical limitations. 

What's the Live Lab schedule like?

The weekend Live Labs with Joan take place in Los Angeles, CA - or - you can tune in Live Online from anywhere in the world! We also have one-day, Live Online Exclusives taught via Zoom.  

Live In-Person / Live Online Schedule:

1. Friday 7-10pm PT
2. Saturday 1-7pm PT
3. Sunday 1-7pm PT
4. Monday 7-9pm PT - Online Q&A

Live Online Exclusive Schedule:

1. Sunday 1-5pm PT

What if I can't make the whole weekend? 

No worries - if you are unable to attend any part of the Lab, you have 1 month access to the Lab recordings after your course concludes. Many students use this footage to catch up on any portions they missed, or revisit concepts. 

For maximum flexibility - check out The Lab Series Online Program, available through our brand new subscription series!

What is the The Lab Series Online Program?

The Lab Series Online Program is a transformative new approach to online study - self guided recordings, workbooks, live teachers (via Zoom) and the visionary FLMS alumni community to connect with and make work!

5 Sequenced Learning Series take you from Craft to Creation. Craft, Write, Direct, Accelerate, Generate. Plus, Live Online Exclusives, Live Online Labs, and weekly Check Ins with Technique™ trained teachers. 

Monthly or Yearly subscriptions are available. Monthly offers flexibility. Yearly maximizes commitment and includes tuition bonuses and our customized Goal Set.

This program is a real time development system for your project - in your own space, at your own pace.

Click here to check it out!

What are the self-guided recordings like? 

The self-guided recordings captures 50 courses Joan has given over the past 5 years - recorded live in LA, or live online via zoom. These dynamic videos give you a front row seat to the raw, creative process right here in Hollywood. You will see rigorous artists wrestling to grasp the essence of their work and master the tools of the craft. These labs are pure; cameras follow Joan and the students to give you an experience as close to live as possible. You will feel like you're in the room with us! 

Note! This is not an expensively produced series like MasterClass; it is recordings of passionate, live experiences. Sometimes the sound may glitch, or the camera won't be exactly where you might want it to be. This is an experience of what the Labs are really like,  including all the roughness that goes along with creating brand new visions.  

Many of our students listen to the recordings like podcasts, in the background while they do laundry, drive, travel. And then when they want to see the concepts embodied, or do an exercise themselves, they tune into the videos and the workbooks.

All the materials you need are here. Workbooks guide you along the way, and our Craft Check-Ins allow you to meet with live teachers three times a week so that you can bring your thoughts and questions.  

What's a Goal Set?

Yearly subscribers to The Lab Series Online Program benefit from the Goal Set. It includes:

1. Goal Set - 30 minute call at the onset of the Program with our Technique™ Trained Team helps you define 3 key goals for your creative work. 

2. Lab Map - customized Lab Map after your call to memorialize your goals and suggest a starter course flow to best support your work. It also outlines all the Live Online Exclusives, Live Online Labs and Check Ins included in your program.  

3. Accountability - 15 minute call mid Program with our Technique™ Trained Team helps evaluate your progress. We'll suggest a second course flow to keep you on track and moving forward towards your goals.

4. Evaluation - 30 minute call with our Technique™ Trained Team culminates your first year of study. Check in on your goals, evaluate your progress, and set your course for your next phase of creative excellence.

What's a Craft Check-In?

Craft Check-Ins are part of The Generate Series. Connect with live Technique™ Trained Teachers via Zoom 3 times a week. Create community, up-level your craft and learn how to apply it to your work.

Craft Check-In Schedule:

Monday 9:30-10am PT (30 min)

Tuesday 4:30-5pm PT (30 min)

Thursday 10:30-11:30am PT (60 min)

The entire Generate Series - Connect, Craft Check-In, Masterclass, Generate and Screenings - allows you to make friends and make work! 

Will you work on my material in the Craft Check-Ins? How often and how much?

The Craft Check-Ins focus on the CRAFT of The Technique™ and how it is applied. They are NOT Masterclasses where you can put your original scenes up for review. 

Craft Check-Ins are designed to let your Live Technique™ Trained Teacher know what you're wrestling with, curious about, and hungry for in the zoom chats. Self Guided Labs, tools and exercises are then suggested to support you and other members of the group.

The Program is designed to up-level your skills and then learn how to apply those skills to your work. The Technique™ is about creative agency - SELF AS SOURCE!

Each and every Check-In allows you to embody tools, act in each other's scenes, and learn the tools of collaboration so you can take those tools to the Alumni-led Generators and get your work on its feet with your cohorts.  

Ok, but how can I work on my material in the Online Program? I definitely need that.

We know you love, want and need as much feedback as possible, so here's how the whole Generate Series consistently supports you.

1. Connect - we are a community of artists. Practice collaboration. Reach out to your fellow artists in the program to meet in person or on zoom. Post your scenes and ask for feedback from your cohorts. Sometimes 5 -15 minutes is all you need to gain insight and keep going.

2. Craft Check-Ins - embody the tools and learn how to apply them to your work with your cohorts and Live Technique™ Trained Teachers. (Thursday Check-Ins are one hour. Your teacher may call upon 1 - 2 students to work on their material directly with the group during the session.)

3. Masterclasses - classes with Joan are included in the Generate Series. Bring your scenes here. Limited hands on-spots available. 

4. Generate - start your own Alumni Led Generator and practice your collaborative skills. Generators allow artists in the Program to develop material together! Get up and do it!

5. Screenings - post your edited scenes, shorts and features to gain courage, insight and community for your work. No one does it alone. Reveal yourself, take heart, share and inspire.

Wait. I have to act in the Lab?

Yes. It is the single best thing you will ever do to deepen your connection to directing, writing, or shooting a film. You will not have to get up and "perform" scenes. The acting is in the form of structured exercises and improvs. We all learn by doing, otherwise our knowledge is simply intellectual, a theory. Theory will not help you work more confidently and creatively with human beings. 

It's actually fun : )

What is the difference between stage and film acting?

From our perspective there isn't any during the preparation. There are different technical aspects to be aware of in each medium, but the key elements of preparation are the same. A good performance is good because it's free, and because it's true. How do we gain the confidence and the skill to recognize and encourage such performances? This is our investigation.

I have a health or physical issue right now, or maybe, I just can't stand the thought of having to participate. I feel self-conscious and I don't want to participate this time. But I really want to study! Should I come or not?

You know your body and your mind best! If you are pregnant, on medication, have injuries, health or mental issues and need to take care of your body - do it by being gentle with yourself and observing. Much can be learned through receptivity.  

If you attend live, be sure to email us to make us aware of your needs prior to the Lab - so Joan knows that you would like to solely observe this time.

I hear it's intense. I'm scared.

We understand. Anything new and challenging is terrifying! The Labs are rigorous, and they are also pure play. A serious, professional training ground to stretch, think differently and deeply about a new approach to content making. Fear is an occupational hazard for artists. It's very real. It's not going to go away for the rest of your creative life. So, might as well get on with it.

And really, the dread beforehand is the worst :) Just show up. You won't know until you try, and we think you'll be surprised by how fun it is!

I'm definitely interested, but my budget is tight this month. Will you do a payment plan?

Absolutely. Payment plans are available for our Live Labs.  The Lab Series Online Program offers Monthly or Yearly subscriptions. Choose the tier that best meets your budget and study goals.

We're a small operation and we want to keep payment plans available to people. So we have to look out for each other and each hold up our end of the bargain. If you're good with that, a payment plan is a great option for you.

Email Us for options. 

What is your refund policy?

Refund/Credit/Transfer/Freezing/Cancellation/Termination/Make-up Policies: There are no refunds, credits, transfers, freezing or cancellations after booking. The Lab Series Online Pilot Program tuitions are non-transferable to Live In-Person Labs. Students are responsible for payment in full whether or not they choose to attend any portion of the Program. Monthly subscriptions require a 30-Day Termination Notice in writing to terminate. (For example, to terminate your subscription at the end of March, give notice before the end of February.) Yearly subscriptions are not eligible for termination. Makeups are available during your term via media recording links.

What are your overall policies?

Policies

Ok, I'm ready. How do I sign up?

Fantastic! We can't wait to see you! 

Email Us and we are happy to help!