Studio Overview & Course Structure

Overview

THE ACTORS NETWORK Television and Film Studio (Toronto location established in 1988, Montreal and Los Angeles affiliate locations established in 1999, with New York, Vancouver and Ottawa per basis locations established in 2004) is Canada’s largest professional training facility specializing in “on-camera” technique specifically geared toward the North American film and television industry. Nationally and collectively, THE ACTORS NETWORK has professionally trained more represented and unionized professional actors on more film and television productions than any other training facility.

Although industry experience is preferred (and is a prerequisite for most advanced/ongoing courses), THE ACTORS NETWORK does not exclude the non-union and/or non-represented actor. Rather, the requirement lies in the actor’s approach to training within a professional environment and thereby pursuing professional goals. Beginners to the business are eligible to apply to the Acting for the Camera / Process Intensive course, however, we would recommend that those who are simply “curious” to the industry or perhaps interested in extra/background work or commercial work as an end means, should pursue their respective training elsewhere.

As is commensurate with the success and longevity of the respective historical track record of THE ACTORS NETWORK, the majority of studio locations presently cater to established and working professional actors. This is not necessarily a deterrent to those who do not fall within this criteria, however it is strongly recommended to apply with an industry referral, or at the very least, to have made a pre-assessment of comparable options. ie. PLEASE DO YOUR RESEARCH BEFORE CONTACTING THE ACTORS NETWORK – THIS IS A PROFESSIONAL TRAINING FACILITY AND NOT AN INFORMATIONAL AND/OR RESOURCE CENTER. (Respectfully and without prejudice: all unqualified and/or indecisive inquiries regarded as an unprofessional or disrespectfully redundant usage of faculty time will be recorded and hence dismissed and prevented from any future eligibility for course enrollment and/or industry referral)

Structure

Each location of THE ACTORS NETWORK is a minimum 7 (5 studio, 2 HD broadcast) camera film studio with a minimum of six separate modular sets with real time linear and post production non-linear editing capabilities. The “technical on-camera” training incorporates the use of jib, crane-cam, dolly and steadicam with post applications to CGI, Chroma Key, ADR, loop, foley and continuity/replacement filming. Even the “technique non-camera” based courses assume aspects of the aforementioned (most references to blocking and physicality). Keeping in mind the “film and television” emphasis, “acting games” and the majority of theatrically based sensory and improvisational exercises are not the primary focus of most courses (although may be touched upon as applicable to “on set” industry scenarios).

Facilities

Each location of THE ACTORS NETWORK is a non-shared private studio and is formatted as a multi set television and film studio (each with a minimum of six modular sets, most including additional designated outdoor locations) with Green Room, Wardrobe & H/MU Area, Prop Storage, Editing and Sound Room. Each location is also sound insulated and centrally climate controlled year round.

Course Format

All courses offered at THE ACTORS NETWORK are limited to a maximum number of students (6-12) depending on the design and format of the course. “On-camera” specific classes may rotate in additional students for technical purposes or on a studio/class exchange basis.

Scheduling

Most courses are rotated on a standard eight, ten or twelve class cycle with a minimum of three to four hours per class. Intensive courses (often scheduled over a weekend), blended classes and special events are randomly scheduled as applicable.

Auditing

THE ACTORS NETWORK offers a free auditing policy (for courses deemed appropriate at the discretion of the instructor) by appointment and instructor referral only, however, as most courses are on a “waiting list” availability only, auditing is often redundant.

Registration

Enrollment for all courses is by interview only. Since the studio locks out for filming sequences, it is unacceptable to "drop in," especially during "on-camera" classes. Please call to set up an appointment with the appropriate Program Co-ordinator. As the majority of weekday courses run from 12:00 noon to approximately 4:00pm and evening courses are scheduled from 6:00pm to approximately 10:30pm, most appointments will be scheduled outside of these hours. If this is not convenient, or the course requires you to interview with the instructor personally, an alternative time may be scheduled. During peak seasons, please be patient as all inquires and messages will be returned within the week.