JOAN SCHECKEL is known throughout the filmmaking world as a crucial force behind the most exciting films being made today.  Since 1998, Scheckel’s work as a writer, director, actor, consultant and teacher has contributed to the development of over 300 films including SNOW WHITE AND THE HUNTSMAN, LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE, WHALE RIDER, ANVIL!, THE STORY OF ANVIL, ONE HOUR PHOTO, JESUS’ SON, NEVER LET ME GO, THE FUTURE,  BEGINNERS, (which she Executive Produced), and THE VINTNER’S LUCK (which she co-wrote with Niki Caro). All together, the films have earned  518 award nominations and 294 awards, including major wins at the Academy Awards, Cannes, Independent Spirit Awards, BAFTA, etc. Having worked with with so many of the vital new voices of cinema, Scheckel’s sphere of influence continues to expand.
    Joan’s visionary work is unique in her exploration of all the art forms involved in filmmaking, from a deep study of character, story, and script, to liberating and illuminating scene work with actors, to the investigation of visual personality of the film. She has created a groundbreaking new technique which uses practical but profound tools to reveal all aspects of the film in coherence with the deeper meaning of the story.  
    ”Filmmakers today must have the courage, ability and support to reveal the consciousness of the story as well as the complex reality of a character. A vital cinema inspires life. To do this, we must first connect to feeling, emotional depth,  and to the music and rhythm of story. There’s never been a better time to be a filmmaker. This is our Renaissance. ”

JOAN’S TECHNIQUES TO UNLOCK YOUR STORY:

1. Investigate physically and emotionally the feelings of the piece in order to truly understand the characters and their relationships.

2. Find the heart/nugget of your film and allow it to resonate throughout all aspects of the movie.

3. Clarify the theme and express it in direct, emotional language.

4. Examine emotional logic, character journey, music, pace and rhythm to strengthen your movie.

5. “A great actor, a great director must find the courage and ability to reveal the consciousness of the story as well as the complex reality of a character. To do that, we must first connect to feeling, emotional depth, and to the music and rhythm of story.  I workshop films from this point of view.   A vital cinema illuminates life.” – Joan Scheckel