Meet The FLMS Team

INSTRUCTOR: JOAN SCHECKEL - Creator of The Technique™.

Writer/Director/Producer/Teacher Joan Scheckel is the internationally-renowned creator of The Technique™, the most influential new approach to writing, directing, and filmmaking craft in Hollywood today. Joan is known as the “director’s guru” and a master teacher in the tradition of Stanislavski, Strasberg, and Joseph Campbell. Joan’s groundbreaking work challenges our cultural addiction to conflict and calls for a new storytelling paradigm that embraces feeling and meaning. Her innovations inform every level of the Mise-en-scène, from writing, acting, and directing to visual style.

Joan trains and then teams with directors to develop, workshop, write, direct and produce material from the ground up. Including such iconic hits as: Niki Caro’s Oscar Nominee Whale Rider, Dayton/Faris’s Oscar Winner Little Miss Sunshine, Mike Mills’s Oscar Winner Beginners (Executive Producer), Joey Soloway’s Emmy Winner Transparent (Consulting Producer), Joey Soloway’s Golden Globe Nominee I Love Dick (Producer), Sarah Shapiro’s Peabody Award Winner UnREAL, Rupert Sanders’s Oscar Nominee Snow White and the Huntsman, Nick Jarecki’s Golden Globe Nominee Arbitrage, Sacha Gervasi’s Spirit Award Winner Anvil Story of Anvil, Karyn Kusama’s The Invitation, Mark Romanek’s One Hour Photo, Miranda July’s The Future, (New Yorker Magazine Best of the Decade List), Liz Feldman’s Emmy Award Winner, Dead To Me, Anna Winger and Alexa Karolinski’s Unorthodox, and many, many more.

Joan was also co-writer on The Vintner’s Luck, directed by Niki Caro (Mulan), starring Jeremie Renier and Vera Farmiga.

Overall, Joan has worked on 84 feature films and television shows. 74 came to her with unfinished drafts, no financing or cast, and with first-time or early-career writers/directors at the helm. 83 have been released, earning over 800 nominations and 406 wins including major category nods at the Oscars, Spirits, Golden Globes, Sundance, Cannes, Bafta, Emmys, PGA, DGA, etc.

Joan has been profiled and featured for her work and her influence on a generation of directors in many articles and publications such as: NYTimes, LA Times, Marie Claire, Deadline, Indiewire, Vox, IF Magazine, California Sunday, The New York Observer, and more.

Now, Joan and the FLMS team invite you to a brand new slate of Labs (live and online), books, films, podcasts and apps. 📧 email

INSTRUCTOR: ERIN WAY - First Authorized Teacher of The Technique™.

Erin Way began her career as a ballet dancer. Her breakthrough acting roles quickly led her to work with such notable talents as Mark Ruffalo, Bryce Dallas Howard, Ron Howard, Jake Scott, Bruce Miller, Joe Dante, Miranda July, Mike Mills, David Strathairn and more. She has collaborated and been involved with Joan Scheckel and The Technique™ since 2007, and through FLMS has collaborated on hundreds of projects.

As an actor she has appeared in over 40 films and television series including: Emmy Award Winning The Handmaids Tale, Grey's Anatomy, Alphas, Code Black, NCIS:LA, FBI: International, Colony, Doubt, Supernatural, The Mentalist, Agents of S.H.E.I.L.D, Grimm, Detroit 1-8-7, the recent Netflix film Night Always Comes, and the upcoming Amazon Series Criminal. She lives in Portland, Oregon with her husband Chris, son Finnegan and dog Maude. Being part of the team that brings The Technique™ into artists lives is a dream come true for her. She is passionate about meaning, storytelling, shifting culture and honing in on the truth at the heart of each Story. Reach out to her anytime 📧 email

INSTRUCTOR: ALAIN GAUTHIER.

Ranked top ten in the world as a Canadian team competitive trampolinist, became the first top tier gymnast to perform with Cirque du Soleil in 1986. As a pioneer gymnast with the company, he performed over 2000 thousand shows, helping to turn the then unknown theatrical circus into a global sensation.

Next, Alain joined forces with Debbie Brown's Apogee and Robert Lepage’s ExMachina, working on the seminal productions La Damnation de Faust, (Matsumoto, Paris, New York), and Zulutime.

Soon after, Alain co - created the most magical horse show in the world, Cavalia. As Artist Director and Choreographer, he led the show for over 15 years. Other highlights include: The London Millenium Dome show (scored by Peter Gabriel), NBC's Celebrity Circus, the Olympic Gymnastics Champions tour, Teen Choice Awards, Black Eyed Peas Asian tour, ERA (Shanghai's most successful resident show), Daniel Flanery's Illusions, Phil McKinley's Voyage de la Vie at Sentosa Singapore and Illumi: Cavalia's Worlds of Lights.

Currently, Alain designs movement and performance for the cinema, including A24’s Backrooms, and the top franchise hits, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, and Alien Romulus.

INSTRUCTOR: RIE KATAGIRI.

I began working in film and television in 2007, before the role of ‘intimacy coordinator’ officially existed. My first project was The Wrestler, where I prepared Marisa Tomei for her role as a seasoned stripper. With my extensive background in somatic bodywork, yoga, and erotic dance, I had developed an expertise that served the intimacy work required.

Over the years I’ve developed a technique that supports actors in connecting authentically to their bodies, which then allows the choreography and intimate scenes to emerge in an organic way that feels true to the character. I also provide actors with down-regulation practices to close the physical and emotional demands of the day.

I didn't know it then, but that was the beginning of what is now known in the industry as Intimacy Coordination work. This essential piece has afforded me the privilege of working closely with some of the industry’s most acclaimed directors, honoring their creative vision while supporting and caring for the wellbeing of the actor.

My process is dedicated to helping performers fully embody their characters through movement intelligence and somatic awareness. A collaborative approach that bridges intimacy, consent, storytelling, embodiment, and on-set care.

My intimacy coordination/coaching credits include projects for Apple, Netflix, Sony, Amazon and numerous beautiful indie productions.

Please see my site for more info & credits: riekatagiri.com

HEAD OF FILMMAKING LAB STUDIOS: SONIA GANNON.

Hi, I’m Sonia Gannon, Head of Filmmaking Lab Studios. I lead the business operations, communications, and community engagement that bring The Technique™ and Joan Scheckel’s work to artists worldwide. A collaborator at heart, I’m dedicated to building the systems, partnerships, and creative spaces that keep our community connected and our mission thriving.

At FLMS, I’m known for bringing warmth, clarity, and joy to every project — fostering a culture of artistry, truth, and transformation. I’m deeply grateful to work alongside such a brilliant, soulful team whose vision continues to elevate and expand what’s possible in story and in the world.

My background in English Literature and Media Studies (SUNY Buffalo) fuels a lifelong love of language and meaning, and I bring that sensibility into everything I do. Outside the studio, I’m grounded by my husband John, my daughter Nour, and our three pups — and I believe that, much like a great story, every day deserves connection, laughter, and something delicious to share.

Reach out 📧 email

THE LAB SERIES PRODUCER & MEDIA MANAGER: JACKIE ALIXANDER .

Kia Ora! I'm from Aotearoa (New Zealand). I'm a songwriter, writer, and film maker. My passions are music, performance, story, and all things creative. I love connecting with you and I am excited to support you in telling your story from your voice! Please reach out anytime 📧 email ~ he hono katoa

FLMS ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGER: CHRIS SZAJBERT.

I am thrilled to be a part of this team! As a writer, director, performer and JSFL alumni, I'm committed to supporting my fellow artists along their JSFL journey. My work in theater, experimental film and street performance has been supported by the The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, SPACES Urgent Art Fund, The Center for Performance and Civic Practice, and others. I also facilitate the development of original performance with members of my Cleveland community: youth in residential housing, immigrant and refugee teens, and adults in recovery. I am deeply passionate about learning and sharing tools that serve the artist with us all. Reach out to me 📧 email

BUSINESS STRATEGY AND PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANT: DIONYSUS KONSTANTAS.

Hey. I'm from Athens, Greece. I graduated with top prizes from The Athens University of Economics and Business -specializing in Management & Science Technology.

I love music, photography, dance, athletics, cooking, data, building business and enjoying life! Composing for film and collaborating with others to make meaningful work is my passion.. The creative community at FLMS inspires me - and I loved designing the app that brings it all together. Reach out to me with your suggestions! 📧 email