Coaching from Robert David Duncan
ADD ME TO YOUR SUCCESS TEAM AS A CARING, INSIGHTFUL ADVISOR WHO WANTS THE VERY BEST FOR YOU!
I can be part of your success team for $125/hour, helping you in many areas including acting skills and choices, audition coaching, script feedback, filming feasibility, coaching for new directors, creative idea generation and business skills including getting into film festivals, the effective use of IMDb and other tools. Check me out here on IMDb and on LinkedIn. I have a wealth of training, experience and insights to share with you. Even an hour or two with me will give you a fresh perspective, new ideas and improved focus!
Here are some example situations where I can help contribute to your success:
I can be part of your success team for $125/hour, helping you in many areas including acting skills and choices, audition coaching, script feedback, filming feasibility, coaching for new directors, creative idea generation and business skills including getting into film festivals, the effective use of IMDb and other tools. Check me out here on IMDb and on LinkedIn. I have a wealth of training, experience and insights to share with you. Even an hour or two with me will give you a fresh perspective, new ideas and improved focus!
Here are some example situations where I can help contribute to your success:
- There is a particular acting skill you want to work on. None of us is perfectly balanced in our skill set at any given time, and I can work with you on specific areas that you know you want to improve, such as voice, backstory work, characterization and others. You may have studied with me or read my book on acting and my blog and want to work more on certain aspects of your craft.
- You want to do an audition that is both authentic and uniquely yours. I can help by giving you feedback from the perspectives of an actor, director and casting director. We will work on getting you grounded in the character's identity and situation so that the truthfulness reads in your eyes and is visible to the camera or audience.
- You want to get your script ready to film. Having made a number of films and steered them into festivals around the world, I can share with you ways to make your life easier, and your project less risky and more cost-efficient while still getting your important story elements across. There's always another creative way to make things work, and fresh eyes like mine can help.
- You are a new or aspiring director. Yes, it is nerve-wracking at first, and it is to be expected that you might be nervous. I am happy to talk you through your concerns and be there to bolster your self-confidence. I really enjoy directing, and I'd like you to enjoy it also! We can explore how to work with cast and crew, eliciting the best work from actors, or whatever else is keeping you up at night.
- You are a novice filmmaker or producer. Many of us come to the creative and technical sides of things first, and figure out the business side as we go along. I bring a background in business to our work, and can get you set up with the basics of how to organize things like talent releases, IMDb pages and credits, and help you navigate the world of film festivals and beyond. You may have studied with me or read my book on filmmaking and my blog and want to explore the ideas further.
- You have to make a pitch, a speech or have an important business meeting and you want to polish your public speaking and presentation skills. I have been a professional speaker who has spoken to groups around the world. I have also taught marketing and relationship selling skills, and can help you translate your message into terms that will resonate with business people and will make your case most effectively.
- You have a message you are passionate about, but no background or network in film. This is cool, and I can definitely show you how you can make a simple film all by yourself if you like. I can also point you to resources for casting and finding other skilled people as needed. I have filmed with crews and without, and enjoy both worlds a lot. I want you to get your message out there!
- You would like more business thinking in your creative life or more creative thinking in your business life. Or you want to transition from a more conventional to a more creative occupation and lifestyle. I am a veteran of both the business and creative worlds, and have made similar transitions and adjustments. I can help you map out the best path for yourself.
- Your story needs work. Film and theatre are visual media, and novices often do too much telling, and not enough showing. You want to leave something for the actors to do! Also, It is a good idea to leave gaps in the story for the audience to figure things out for themselves as this will engage them more. When we start, we often do too much "follow the bouncing ball" storytelling, which makes for a too-long product that is less fulfilling for the viewer and can limit your project's acceptance by festivals and others.
- Your script needs doctoring. A non-believable "office line" or other dialogue in an otherwise great script can limit your final product. I bring a wealth of lived experience from office and boardroom life as well as an MBA and a doctorate in business. I have seen and heard a lot, and can quickly pinpoint areas where "they wouldn't say that" or where a situation isn't realistic. You don't need to be a business expert, but you can gain from hiring one!
- A class just for you! You've earned it, and you are worth it. Check out some of the training topics I offer, and/or bring a list of things you would like answers to or would like to to work on. We can craft a custom lesson just for you that gets you the information and skills you need in an efficient and effective way. Talk to me too about the possibility of bringing a couple of friends or cast-mates along and doing some work as a team.