UPDATED information on the upcoming workshops.
We are now taking reservations for the upcoming INTENSE ACTION SCENE TRAINING WORKSHOPS!
Intense Action Scene Training Workshops:
17 Oct – SCENE 3 – 2 spots left
7 Nov – SCENE 4 – 1 spot left
At this time, the scenes noted on the dates above are locked in for those particular dates. We can only do 1 scene per day/workshop.
NOTE: We do anticipate offering more of these sessions as there is a need/demand.
Maximum number of participants for Intense Action workshops is 4 people per session. These will need to be coordinated so if interested, please contact [email protected] so that we can coordinate scene selection noted below!
Location: Charlottesville, VA
PLEASE SEE PREREQUISITES BELOW!
Workshop Context:
This training will equip talent to load, aim, fire and reload in highly dramatic “shootout” scenes. Weapons, ammunition, equipment, horses and wardrobe provided. Instruction by trained firearms specialists with direction and supervision from former special operations combat veterans. Talent must complete the basic firearms safety course, or be a firearms instructor, military or law enforcement, before performing the scene of their choice. Each scene will be rehearsed and filmed with a stabilized camera or drone with a 3-5 minute video provided after the editing process is completed. Director will capture specific aspects (close ups, firing, running into action, drone angles) of each scene.
Two actors per scene, one portraying the featured character, one the sporting character. Then the two will switch, the supporting character will be lead for a second series of shoots of the same scene. Each scene will require approximately 30 minutes of instruction, wardrobe, firearms prep and an hour of shooting multiple takes. Hearing protection will be provided. This will be physically demanding and likely hot. Talent that have medical conditions should not participate without consulting their physician.
You must be in good physical condition for this training. Running, jumping, falling to the ground to “take cover” may all be required. If using horses in the scene you must have taken our basic and advanced equestrian training.
Because of the wide variety of roles with firearms, we are offering four options, each with different types of weapons from historic to modern.
****WORKSHOP PREREQUISITES****
In preparation for our Intense Shootout Training coming this year, the basic firearms on set and basic equestrian classes are required for safety and to help you look as amazing on camera as possible during these very dynamic action sequences with various types of weapons.
Scene 1 “Last of the Mohicans” (early American frontier)
The featured character is under attack and will dramatically load a flintlock rifle while behind cover and “under fire.” Supporting character will fire while the primary reloads and exchange dramatic dialog. Reloaded characters will rapidly move forward firing as they go then, reload or draw a flintlock pistol for a final shot. As the smoke clears, dialog continues, and the “enemy” flees.
Weapons:
• Kentucky Longrifle
• Flintlock Musket
• Blunderbuss
• Flintlock Pistol
Horses are optional but available for this scene. Both characters will ride into action, the primary character firing from the horse before dismounting.
Characters can portray natives, frontier scouts or soldiers.
Scene 2 ” Civil War”
Featured character rides (or walks) into scene, saber in hand, assisting the supporting character who is injured. Both have carbines and pistols. After initial dialog, they spot the enemy coming towards them, fire, load, and reload performing dialog. Then, they desperately rush the enemy force with pistols blazing, firing all cylinders as they attack.
Weapons:
• Carbine
• Colt Revolvers
• Saber
Horses are optional for this scene.
Characters will portray soldiers.
Scene 3 “Western Shoot Out”
Featured character rides (or walks) confidently with supporting actor who is concerned about all the trouble that awaits them. Supporting character points out several dangers ahead with his pistol and adds dialog. As gunfire erupts around them, featured character moves forward with pistols in both hands firing and encouraging supporting character who fires but less confidently. After firing, characters reload their pistols “under fire” while crouching. As the enemy approaches, they simultaneously roll from cover, kneeling at first and firing, then rise and rush forward “guns a blazing.”
Weapons:
• 1860 Henry Rifle
• Springfield Trapdoor Rifle
• Double‑Barrel Shotgun
• Short Colt Revolver
• Long Colt Revolver
• Pocket Revolver
Horses are optional for this scene.
Characters will portray western genre.
Scene 4 “Call of Duty Modern Warfare”
Featured actor carefully approaches a building armed with a rifle and signals to supporting character (quietly) that there are a lot of enemies inside. Featured character shoulders rifle and grabs shotgun to clear the room. Characters complete a dynamic entry of the building firing shotgun, then rifle and pistols at enemy. Featured character makes dramatic radio call, is told to prepare for a counterattack, and yells information across room to supporting character. Both quickly reload weapons and magazines and take up defensive positions while exchanging dramatic dialog. Enemy approaches, and both characters fire all weapons intensely. Featured character yells “cover me” and dashes out firing as supporting character provides covering fire.
Weapons:
• Mosin‑Nagant Rifle
• Pump Shotgun
• 1917 Revolver
or
• AR‑15 Carbine (5.56) or KELTEC 2000 Carbine (9mm)
• Glock 19 or .357 Revolver
Horses are not optional for this scene
Characters can portray soldiers or civilians
Cost:
– Deposit of $100 to reserve your spot in the workshop payable at registration
– Basic per scene $400 plus ammo (anticipated to be additional $20-$50 and payable day of workshop) (covers training, weapons, wardrobe, coaching, cameraman or drone pilot)
– Additional with horses (2) for scene + $100
– Additional with drone + $50
FULL PAYMENTS REQUIRED 3 DAYS BEFORE COURSE
In order to register for the workshop, please email [email protected] confirming you meet the prerequisites as well as WHICH date and scene is of interest to you. We will need to coordinate scenes among the participants! Can’t wait to see you all!
Dr. Sheri Bias, SPHR, SHRM-SCP
Agency and Casting Director
SWAM Certified
***The Virginia Film Office is not affiliated with this project and it is up to the participants to vet the production and get more details directly from the company.***