LED BY FILM DIRECTOR AND ACTING COACH ANTHONY VANDER, THIS 6-WEEK COURSE IS FOR PROFESSIONAL-LEVEL ACTORS.
This intensive 6-week course is designed to elevate your screen performance by placing you in the thick of real-world filming conditions. Through weekly practical scene work and playback analysis, you’ll develop a sharper, more nuanced understanding of how to bring truth to the screen – no matter the genre or setup.
Each session takes place in a filmed location, allowing you to refine your craft in front of the camera while gaining insights into professional set etiquette, technical awareness, and emotional readiness.
Week 1: Presence in First PositionWe begin by focusing on your mental and emotional preparation before the camera rolls. You’ll work through performance drills that cultivate focus, intention, and authenticity during those critical first moments before “action.”
Week 2: Genre – Naturalism & Social RealismExplore the subtleties of stripped-back performance. You’ll film scenes rooted in everyday life, developing a grounded presence that responds truthfully to silence, stillness, and the space between words.
Week 3: Genre – Thriller & ProceduralDive into heightened tension and narrative stakes. You’ll explore timing, stillness, and psychological precision – essential tools for gripping, genre-based work.
Week 4: Genre – Comedy & SatireTiming is everything. This week focuses on finding rhythm, pitch, and pace in comedic performance. We’ll explore how to remain spontaneous and playful while serving story and structure.
Week 5: Non-linear Shooting & PickupsActors rarely film in order. Learn how to emotionally map your performance, hitting key beats consistently across setups, multiple slates, and reshoots—just like on a working set.
Week 6: Final Scene & Playback MasteryYou’ll shoot a fully blocked and directed scene with all elements in play: marks, slating, pickups, and performance continuity. Watch your footage back with detailed feedback to identify what works – and how to take it further.
Anthony Vander is an award-winning filmmaker and producer. In 2023 his was accepted as a full BAFTA member for his considerable contribution to the film industry.
Anthony’s work was featured during We Are Parable and British Film Institute ‘WHO WE ARE’ season in July 2020 which shined a light at Black British filmmakers in the UK. His first short film ‘Hooligan’ screened at The Short Film Corner at Cannes Film Festivalin 2012. In 2014, Anthony’s directorial debut feature film, ‘Sweetboy’ had its North American première at the American Black Film Festival and in 2017 aired on London Live television multiple times. Anthony’s fifth short film ‘Finale’ played at the Bafta qualifying Aesthetica Film Festival 2021.
Entry to the group is by invitation or audition – so you can be confident that in these classes you will be working with fellow actors who will challenge and inspire you. The sessions will mirror the intensity and discipline of working on set, so you can develop the confidence and resilience needed to deliver great acting performances in front of the camera.
Actors trained at Collective have gone on to work in Hollywood films, on Broadway, for the National Theatre, in the West End and in series for Netflix, HBO, BBC, ITV and Channel 4.
For details on how to submit your self-tape auditon, or if we already know your work, please email: reception@collectiveactingstudio.co.uk – or send us a link to your Spotlight.
We are passionate about working with actors from underrepresented groups and we will always seek to break down barriers to access in professional actor-training. Scholarships are available for those who are facing challenging circumstances. If you want to learn more about how to apply, email reception@collectiveactingstudio.co.uk
