In this hands-on interactive workshop, participants will learn how to make a coherent movie with minimal preparation using the resources they already have at their disposal. I will demonstrate the methods I used to make my award-winning no-budget improvised feature comedy Dog Movie — drawing inspiration from a wide range of sources including Viola Spolin’s actor training system, Hong Sang-Soo’s production methods, the Dogme 95 manifesto, my formal training in improv comedy and film production, and my eclectic experiences as an indie film professional and community organizer.

We will warm up with acting exercises that can be used by performers and directors alike before jumping into the creation of a brand new improvised movie scene. No particular kind of experience is necessary, but participants will get the most out of this workshop if they are willing to get their hands dirty and try something new.