Preview
I think of myself as an independent filmmaker.
– I’m mixed Masala.
– Mixed Masala?
MIRA NAIR: I think of myself, actually, as fiercely independent.
– I attack your king and take your rook, you see?
[MUSIC WITH SOUND OF CROWD]
MIRA NAIR: I’ve always pursued the films I want to make. I’m going to find my own way. We are in my extremely private study in Kampala, Uganda. This is a place I’ve lived in for almost 30 years. It is a space that is far from the hustle of Hollywood or Bollywood, a place that allows me to dream.
And this is Maisha, of free film school that I helped found in Kampala, Uganda 14 years ago. I come from the guru-shishya tradition which is the tradition where a teacher embarks whatever they know to their students, their disciples. And in the old days, we would sit under banyan trees and old mango trees and do this. So welcome to what I hope might help you in your making of cinema.
The heart of a poet and the skin of an elephant– that is what a director has to be. Someone who has the conviction of an idea, the tenacity to absolutely do whatever it takes to make the idea happen, the ability to actually never say die, you know, to be spurred on by rejection because rejection is constant. The struggle to direct a film or to make a film is absolutely always continuing.
Right now, 30 years into making films, I’m still in struggle, you know? If you only have the skin of an elephant, you’re going to make thick-skinned elephantine films. But you have to have the heart of a poet because you have to transport us. You have to show us windows in the journey of life that make us see ourselves but also elevate us or plunge us into some kind of thought and emotion that make us see the world anew.
For me, it is very important to help in any way I can in, say, teaching this MasterClass. To make people– young people, any people– from any part of the world believe they matter, that they have a voice, that they have something to say, and that what they have to say can reach others so that when you look at films about where you come from, you realize that there is power in the poetry of your own language, of your own skin, of your own story. I’m Mira Nair, and this is my MasterClass.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
Harness the power of your roots
Oscar-nominated filmmaker Mira Nair approaches directing with the “heart of a poet and the skin of an elephant,” spurred by rejection and fighting to bring uncompromising stories to film. In the Golden Lion-winning director’s MasterClass, learn to make a big impact on a small budget in film production, evoke the best from actors and nonactors, and protect your creative vision so you tell the story that can only come from you.
LESSON PLAN
01. Introduction
Meet your new instructor: award-winning filmmaker Mira Nair. In your first lesson, Mira shares with you the two qualities every filmmaker needs to have—and why it’s important for you to go out and make your own films.
02. Discovering Your Unique Voice
Mira’s philosophy for filmmaking is rooted in individuality and creating films only you can make. Learn how to forge your own path, hone your craft, and use your distinctiveness to your advantage.
03. Finding the Story
Mira teaches the importance of tapping into culture and politics to inspire your story. Learn how tenacity, collaboration, and feedback are key elements in developing a story into a script.
04. Stretching Your Budget
Never reveal your struggle. Mira teaches you how to maximize your resources as an independent filmmaker—however limited they may be.
05. Casting
The relationship between director and actor is built on trust. Learn what it takes to cast the right actor and get them to reveal their true spirit on camera.
06. Directing Actors
Learn how to direct both child and adult actors, develop natural and honest chemistry with actors, and incorporate background action.
07. Directing Gestures
Mira shares her methods for incorporating unique and humanizing gestures into the actors’ performances in order to add life to the frame.
08. Scene Workshop, Part 1: Read-Through and Blocking
In Part 1 of Mira’s scene workshop, Mira works with two actors—Madina Nalwanga and Philip Luswata—from Queen of Katwe to teach you how to direct intensely emotional scenes.
09. Scene Workshop, Part 2: Rehearsing the Scene
In Part 2 of Mira’s scene workshop, Mira works with Madina Nalwanga to demonstrate how to support an actor an work with them to emotionally prepare for a scene.
10. Scene Workshop, Part 3: Final Take
In Part 3 of Mira’s scene workshop, Mira breaks down how actors Philip Luswata and Madina Nalwanga work with Mira’s direction to enhance their performances.
11. Telling the Story: Monsoon Wedding
For Mira, Monsoon Wedding was a chance to experiment with telling a story inspired by her upbringing. Learn how to balance emotions in a story to bring out the universal truths and connect your story with a larger audience.
12. Developing a Visual Palette
Mira discusses what a visual point of view is, how to manifest your point of view through a lookbook, and how to collaborate with your team to elevate the aesthetic of your film.
13. On-Set Directing
Bravery and humility are crucial to Mira’s process as a director. Learn Mira’s advice for preparing for life on set, including how to create harmony with the crew and actors and conserve your creative energy.
14. Working With Your Cinematographer
Mira says that the best cinematographers she has worked with are “poets of light.” Learn how to find the right cinematographer for your film and work together to design a cinematic style.
15. Editing
Learn the benefits of working closely with an editor throughout shooting, and how to use rhythm and juxtaposition of scenes in the edit to alter the mood of your film.
16. Sound and Music
Mira teaches her philosophy on directing the viewer’s eye and heart with sound, advice for working with a composer, and how to use silence in an impactful way.
17. Go Tell Your Story
Mira shares her closing thoughts and encourages you to slowly but surely realize your stories and tell them from a personal perspective.
Sales Page:_https://www.masterclass.com/classes/mira-nair-teaches-independent-filmmaking
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