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 studied and collaborated 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, he 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.
Alain has collaborated with Joan Scheckel and The Technique™ since 2011. He is world renowned for his knowledge and experience with performance, acrobatics, choreography, motion capture, stage craft and world building for some of the worlds most beloved large scale entertainment.
INSTRUCTOR: RIE KATAGIRI - Movement
Rié Katagiri serves as a premier movement specialist in Hollywood. Her involvement in the creative process significantly enhances the realism of physicality, emotions, and character relationships.
Her practice centers on the utilization of feeling, body and breath to activate life force in the performances. She fosters a grounded and comfortable coaching environment to mitigates stress and potential harm, thereby ensuring that artists feel supported and secure during projects that necessitate physical language which may be unfamiliar and challenging. Rie’s sophisticated comprehension of subtle bodywork allows her to direct actors in making nuanced performance adjustments for heightened impact.
As a choreographer, movement coach, intimacy coach/coordinator and executive wellness support coach Rié’s work has impacted award winning content for Apple, Netflix, Sony and Amazon, and the performances of Riley Keogh (Golden Globe Nominee, Daisy Jones & The Six), Marisa Tomei (Academy Award Nominee, The Wrestler), Joey Soloway + Juno Temple (Sundance Grand Jury Prize, Afternoon Delight), Jennifer Garner, Daisy Edgar Jones, Harris Dickinson, Miranda July, Marina Diamandis, Lana Del Rey among many others.
Rié has studied The Technique and collaborated with Joan Scheckel for over 15 years.
HEAD OF FILMMAKING LAB STUDIOS: SONIA GANNON
Hi, I’m Sonia Gannon, Head of Filmmaking Lab Studios since 2018! I lead the company's vision, 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 daughter Nour (and 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 originally from Aotearoa New Zealand. I’m a songwriter, writer, and filmmaker with a deep love for music, performance, and story in all its forms.
As the Lab Series Producer and Media Manager at FLMS since 2022, I produce our live hybrid Lab Series—bringing together in-person and online experiences that connect artists around the world. My work bridges logistics and artistry to ensure each Lab runs smoothly, dynamically, and true to the spirit of The Technique™.
I’m also an active member of the Kiwis in LA community, where I serve as President of the not-for-profit organization supporting New Zealanders expanding and creating in the U.S. I’m passionate about connection—between artists, between stories, and between cultures—and I’m endlessly inspired by the creative courage of our global community.
I love supporting filmmakers and creators in finding their authentic voice and bringing their projects to life. Please reach out anytime — I’m always happy to connect 📧 email ~ he hono katoa
FLMS ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGER: CHRIS SZAJBERT
Chris Szajbert has served on the FLMS Team since 2022. As a fellow JSFL Alumni and practitioner of The Technique™, Chris is committed to supporting fellow artists along their JSFL journey. She manages FLMS data, tracks student progress, and supports all aspects of course material development.
As a writer, director, and performer, Chris has created over 50 original productions, including solo shows and world premiere projects co-created with diverse casts of professional artists, youth, and community artists. Her work has garnered recognition and support from the National Endowment for the Arts, The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, Ohio Arts Council, Center for Performance and Civic Practice, SPACES Urgent Art Fund, Chesterfield Writer's Film Project (LA), Chicago C.A.A.P., and DirectorsLabChicago.
She is currently serving as an artist-in-residence through the IngenuityLabs Incubator Program, awarded in 2022-2025. Chris is deeply passionate about learning and sharing tools that serve the artist within us all 📧 email
BUSINESS STRATEGY AND PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANT: DIONYSUS KONSTANTAS
Hey. I'm from Athens, Greece. After placing second in the ultra competitive Pan Hellenic exams in Economics, I graduated from The Athens University of Economics and Business -specializing in Management & Science Technology.
I love music, photography, dance, athletics (especially basketball), 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
