Kate Chaplin has been invited by Pike Township Schools for a 3 day leadership seminar in June. Chaplin will be the first speaker on day one of the event. Her topic will be on personal leadership.
Carmel High School Presentation
You know, I know someone (it was me) who wrote a book (called the Belief Test) who asked the question – if you could change one thing what would it be.
I’ve never had an answer more sure in my life then after spending a Monday at Carmel High School. I would change it so that high schoolers went to school one hour after the elementary school kids (9am) and a were let out 2 hours after elementary (4:30pm). The reason – I don’t think teenagers are awake. I don’t think with the serious amount of growing they are doing at that age can actually function on so little sleep.
I saw a Dateline episode that talked about how researchers say that a teenager needs 10-14 hours of sleep to function at a average adult rate. I mean, how can they participate in a discussion if their brains are much like my email in-box “Checking messages.” My case in point was my speaking gig as Carmel High School – Go Greyhounds!! – 2nd and 4th period film class.
Second period – brilliant, gifted, students, there is no doubt. They also have the coolest teacher in Mr. Peterson. The guy played Hank in Saving Star Wars. Pretty cool for a high school teacher if you ask me. He’s got that been-there-done-that street cred. But now second period which is 9:30am-11am – still pretty early for Ms. Kate’s brain to be working, but I had an extra shot of espresso so I was ready to go. Still the most animated 2nd period got, was figuring out which movie was better The Prestige or The Illusionsist (they voted Prestige)
Fouth Perioid was much more animated. Slight derailment of topics included Sugar Daddy’s and Mescalin. Okay the Mescalin was my fault, I was at a loss on how to describe what it was like living in Savannah and no hands went up to say they saw Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil so I quoted the movie. In it John Cucask’s character describes Savannah to the magazine he works for “This place is fantastic. It’s like Gone With the Wind on Mescalin.”
You know part of me is glad they didn’t ask me what Gone With the Wind was.
Overall I left feeling invigorated that I got a chance to talk movies and hopefully help or inspire others, another part of me felt old. The movies I loved in high school (Clerks, Pulp Fiction, Reality Bites) these aren’t classics, they aren’t “really old” movies. They are just movies that ment something so special to me and seem to be skipping a generation. I wondered what the movies that are going to be special to this generation, so I asked.
In talking with Mr. Peterson’s classes the biggest impression I got was that Dark Knight made a strong impression on them. Which, to me is great because that movie is filled with great lines, a strong plot structure and mythology. Plus Christopher Nolan is an awesome director to know and study.
I can’t wait for another chance to talk movies to which whatever age it might be. I’m in talks to do some workshops at a book chain and also for more schools and non-profit organizations but I had an enlightening time at Carmel High School and I’m so glad they invited me into their class.
Much Love,
Kate Chaplin
Carmel High School Welcomes Kate Chaplin
Monday September 22nd Kate Chaplin will be talking to film students about her experieces making films and how and the pratical applications to making films in the “real world.”
Kate Chaplin to Host Screenwriting Discussion
Indiana Filmmakers Network Screenwriting Series
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – The Indiana Filmmakers Network will host The Screenwriters’ Coffee House. On August 12, Kate Chaplin will conclude a three-part screenwriting series as she plays host to Indiana’s best and most gifted screenwriters gathering together to talk about the craft of screenwriting.
Some of the confirmed screenwriters to appear are; Sarah Mynett, award winning writer/director of In the Blue and Riley’s Story, Mark Racop & Chuck Budreau of Starship 2: Rendezvous with Ramses, Stephen Conway, Indiana Film Society President, Kenny White writer/director of Maybe Tomorrow, Andrew Kramer a talented upcoming playwright, and Mikel Wisler writer/director of Cellar Door, Always Reaching and Cold October.
Hosted by Kate Chaplin
President of the Indy Writers’ Group and named a “Naptown notable resident” by Indy.com, Kate Chaplin is an author and film maker whose projects have appeared on MTV, local television, film festivals, in print and online. She is the author of The Belief Test and the writer/director of such films as LOSS and First They Came for… www.katechaplin.com
The Screenwriters’ Coffee House hosted by the IFN is free and open to the public. Starting at 7:00pm, Tuesday, August 12 at the Abbey Coffee House 825 N. Pennsylvania Street, Indianapolis, IN 46204. Contact Kate Chaplin with any questions. karmiccourage@yahoo.com or 317-833-8861.
About The Indiana Filmmakers Network
IFN is an open community of Indiana filmmakers dedicated to networking and support for area film projects. Memberships are $20/year, which is put directly into building the local film community. Anyone with interest in independent film is welcome to join, regardless of experience level. Our monthly meetings are a perfect opportunity to meet others and begin building your portfolio. www.ifnweb.org
For information about IFN, it’s meeting times, and locations, check out www.ifnweb.org
Talking Acting with Scott Ganyo
If you’re into the local Indy film scene or turned on the TV in the last few years, odds are you’ve seen Scott Ganyo. Proving himself a versatile and dynamic actor, Scott has appeared in dozens of films and commercials, taking on roles as diverse as; a drug addict, a priest, a serial killer and even Batman. Trained at the Phoenix Theater, Millikin University, and Comedy Sportz, Scott is one of the most driven, professional actors currently working on the Indy film scene. Not to mention he’s one of the nicest guys you’ll ever talk to.
When did you decide you wanted to be an actor?
SG: I’ve always enjoyed performing for an audience, so you could say all my life, however, it wasn’t until far later in life that I felt comfortable enough in my life and career to really pursue acting again.
Did you get training before your first acting job?
SG: Well, if you count singing and dancing lessons, sure. I had those as a kid and in college. But I never had any acting lessons until pursuing acting as an adult. My first acting class ever was a few years ago here in Indianapolis at the Phoenix Theatre by a local actor named Dave Rourke. It was a real eye-opener for me to see what was actually involved in acting training – I was expecting monologue and scene work, but there were also all these strange exercises that involved all kinds of kids games, visualization, rolling on the floor, you name it. It was unexpected for me, but a lot of fun!
You started on the stage in community theater, Indianapolis Civic Theater, and even the prestigious Actor Theater of Indiana, how did you get your first film role?
SG: My first film experience was a role of a Heckler in the film Open Micr’s by local filmmaker Gary Wood. I had seen the casting call he put out and noticed a role that I thought I might be a decent fit for, so I made a quick resume, took a decent snapshot and printed it, and went to the audition. A film audition was a brand new experience (looking down the lens of a camera was very foreign to me!) Thankfully, the role was a small one and I was with an experienced director, so it gave me my first taste of the film world in a low-stress environment. It also gave me a chance to be in a film with professional actors Cindy Morgan (Caddyshack) and David Prowse (Star Wars).
How does film vary from stage?
SG: Film is such a radically different medium than stage. Take a typical stage show: You rehearse for 4+ weeks, perform a couple dress rehearsals, and only then do you perform the show for weeks. The show is then performed each night beginning to end, on a familiar set, and for an audience. If something goes wrong, you do your best to fix it on the fly and move on. A film, on the other hand, may have only a single script read through prior to the day of the shoot. Line memorization and character development may be done almost completely alone by the actor. During production, a take will generally happen out of sequence, on an unfamiliar set, with a camera for an audience. If something goes wrong (and it often does), the take will be reshot until the director is satisfied.
Do you have an agent? How has having an agent helped your career?
SG: Yes, my local agent is Helen Wells. Having an agent has helped me book commercial and print work. All the stage and film work I’ve done, however, I’ve pursued myself.
Would you say that aspiring actors in Indiana should have an agent before they get started? At what stage should an actor look for an agent?
SG: I don’t think you need an agent to start. And whether you need one at all really depends on your goals. Even if you are just interested in commercial work, you shouldn’t rely entirely on having an agent. While having an agent may (or may not) help you, your career is ultimately up to you. Just remember two things: 1) Your agent works for you – not vice versa, and 2) Your agent should only get paid when you get paid. If an agent asks for large upfront fees or requires you to use their photographer or something similar, go somewhere else.
What resources are out there to help an actor find work?
SG: To find work, you can use the traditional paper sources like Nuvo and INtake. But you should also get intimately familiar with the Internet as a resource. There is a wealth of free information, discussions, and job postings for local stage and film available on IndianaAuditions.com, IndyFilmNews.com, Indy.com, Craigslist.org, IndianaActors.com, and IndyFilmCo-op.org.
If someone in Indiana came up to you and asked you how they could become a working actor, what would you tell them?
SG: Get as much experience and do as much as you can here, but if you want a career in acting be prepared to move. It is close to impossible to make a living acting in this area.
What is the most important advice you’ve received in your career?
SG: If you can do anything else and still be fulfilled in life, do it. But if you can’t, believe in yourself and never give up.
About the Interviewer
Kate Chaplin is an author and film maker whose projects have appeared on MTV, local television, in print and online. She is the author of The Belief Test and the writer/director of the short films LOSS and First They Came For… She is the President of the Indy Writers’ Group and a proud mother of two beautiful girls. Kate resides in Indianapolis, Indiana. Her dream is to one day work with Johnny Depp and get drunk in Ireland.
Screenwriters’ Coffee House
The Indiana Filmmakers Network is looking for knowledgeable, laid back, local and experienced screenwriters to take part in a panel discussion on the craft of writing for the screen.
IFN is looking to fill its panel with a variety of screenwriters, different genres, different styles and experience levels. Playwrights also welcome. If you are interested in being on the panel, email Kate Chaplin at karmiccourage(AT)yahoo.com.
The IFN Screenwriters’ Coffee House is scheduled for Tuesday August, 12 from 7-9pm at the Abby Coffee House 825 N. Pennsylvania St, Indianapolis.
For more about the Indiana Filmmakers Network check out www.ifnweb.org as well as www.indyfilmnews.com
Three Kate Chaplin Workshops with IFN
Kate Chaplin will be giving three workshops at the Indiana Filmmakers Network covering the world of screenwriting.
Kate will offer insights and exercises by breaking down the screenwriting formula:
- Who is your hero?
- What is his/her problem?
- How is he/she going to solve it?
May 13 Kate will be focusing on character as she invites the group to explore, who is the hero of your story?
June 10Kate will talk about plot lines, by breaking down the second rule of the logline, what is your hero’s problem? Kate will bring along her Index Card method to show screenwriters a new way to see their story.
July 8 Kate will take on the ever-important third act in screenwriting which is, how is your hero going to solve his/her problem? Kate will guide the group through backwards writing technique. Allow writers and filmmakers to see the end result of their story and then challenge them to work backwards, focusing only on cause and effect.
Aug 12the screenwriting workshops will conclude with the IFN Screenwriters’ Coffee House where an group of screenwriters will gather to talk about the craft of screenwriting.
For information about IFN, it’s meeting times, and locations, check out www.ifnweb.org
Independent Film Workshops
Author and filmmaker Kate Chaplin offers Independent Film Workshops and Panels. From script to screen and everything in between Kate provides workshops on the following:
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“How to make a movie tomorrow”
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“Script Writing 101″
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“The Bigger Picture: the importance of inspirational movies”
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“The Power of Myth in the movies
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“Show Don’t Tell: cinematic storytelling”
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“Who Will be the Next Spielberg?”
Named a Naptown Notable Resident by Indy.com as well as one of the “most talented writers around today” by the Writer’s Page, Kate Chaplin is an author and filmmaker whose projects have appeared on MTV, local television, film festivals, in print and online. She is the writer/director of short films such as LOSS and First They Came for…She is the President of the Indy Writers’ Group and a proud mother of two beautiful girls. Her dream is to one day work with Johnny Depp and get drunk in Ireland.
Kate is available for appearances at:
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Schools
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Libraries
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Film Festivals
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Conventions
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Churches
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Bookstores
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Writing Groups
Kate’s favorite films to discuss in her workshops are: Star Wars, Pulp Fiction, Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner, The Matrix, Fight Club, Clerks, Finding Nemo, Schindler’s List, Whale Rider, What Dreams May Come, Casablanca, Seven, Spirited Away, Rocky, City Lights, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, Swingers, Three Kings, You’ve Got Mail, V for Vendetta.
To schedule an appearance at your next event, email Kate at karmiccourage(AT)yahoo(DOT)com
