中文

LECTURE

Cinematic Storytelling: How to Watch Movies Like a Pro?



Need Help? Contact Me!

Why do we enjoy watching movies so much? What exactly are we seeking in them?

We are captivated by stories, and we relish following the characters as they embark on journeys of self-discovery. In the midst of sorrow and joy, we become Jia-Chien, the executive of an airline company in "Eat, Drink, Man and Woman," trying to balance being a loving daughter and pursuing a successful career. We become Arthur Fleck, the aspiring stand-up comedian in "Joker," yearning for love and understanding. We also become Evelyn Wang, the middle-aged laundromat owner in "Everything Everywhere All at Once," discovering our own brilliance as a life fighter deserving of love and respect.

As we gaze at the characters on the screen, we are drawn into their adventures, finding glimpses of ourselves within the narrative. The cinema screen becomes a mirror, reflecting and revealing our innermost selves.

Since ancient times, where there are people, there are stories. Through these stories, we empathize with one another, gain deeper understanding, and explore realms beyond the material world. Like all art forms, cinematic stories draw upon the shared experiences of humanity, striving to convey a myriad of emotions and perspectives, thus creating a diverse and enriching narrative.

In the lecture "Cinematic Storytelling: How to Watch Movies Like a Pro," Mr. Guo Shang-Sing will share his insights on watching and experiencing films as an audience, and also offer a director's perspective on utilizing the language of cinema to tell captivating stories. He will shed light on the distinctiveness of film as an art form, different from others, and guide everyone in brainstorming together to explore the artistry and arrangement of film language.

In this era of ubiquitous video, even if you're not actively shooting videos, your mobile phone still comes equipped with a lens. Similarly, even if you don't often go to the cinema, chances are you watch Netflix or other streaming platforms. Images envelop us in our daily lives, urging us to explore the intricacies of visual storytelling together.




 Need Help? Contact Me!

SCRIPT CONSULTING



Service



Need Help? Contact Me!

With years of engagement within academic and professional environments, Guo Shang-Sing has developed passion and skills in supporting emerging screenwriters, directors, and producers. He collaborates with them to refine their film stories and scripts, striving for their utmost excellence. Whether reviewing a logline, brief synopsis, full draft or version of work, his expertise extends to aiding you in discovering your distinctive voice and nurturing your capacity for independent narrative writing.

He encourages writers to seek professional guidance as early as necessary in their creative process. If you believe his assistance could be valuable, please don't hesitate to get in touch.



 Need Help? Contact Me!

WORKSHOP

Another Kind: On-Camera Performance Workshop with Actors and Directors



Need Help? Contact Me!



Objectives

We're not your typical acting class, nor are we solely a film class for actors. Our approach lies somewhere in between, bridging the gap between a director's acting workshop and an actor's film training.

In front of the camera, we search for shadows in the light, delving into the nuances of emotions and expressions. Behind the camera, we seek to capture the essence of light within the shadows, crafting visual compositions that speak volumes.

Once the director calls out "action," a beautiful dance unfolds, as light and shadow intertwine through the lens, forging complex relationships on screen. In that moment, we transcend time, connecting with audiences yet to come, forging a bond that stretches hundreds of years into the future.


Instructor’s Statement

Movies embody a unique form of belief. Like devoted followers, the audience enters the cinema from various paths, coming together to experience a two-hour journey, seeking a glimpse of the divine on the screen.

Creating a film is akin to a sacred ritual. The filmmaker carries the camera like a sedan chair, traversing the countryside from southeast to northwest, offering their being as a sacrifice day and night to honor the gods.

Whether in front of the camera or behind it, everyone involved becomes a believer in the film, faithfully practicing their craft and artistry.

These believers hail from diverse backgrounds, each with their unique aesthetics and values. Despite their differences, they find common ground and shared passion in the realm of movies. "Another Kind: On-Camera Performance Workshop with Actors and Directors" starts from this perspective. I take on the role of a facilitator and catalyst. Throughout six classes, I guide students to switch between being in front of and behind the camera, encouraging them to observe with their hearts and embody the relationships between the "subject," "camera," and "photographer" through physical practice.

Experienced actors and directors who have completed at least one short film are welcome. This is not a high-pressure studio; it is a space for experimentation and growth. Through practice, you will shed your inhibitions and explore your role as a director in the cinematic ceremony and as an actor in your craft. You'll discover that there is no need to fear the director, the camera, your fellow actors, the unknown, or the often unpredictable moments on set. So, dive in, wholeheartedly embrace the journey, and let the next second unfold organically.




 Need Help? Contact Me!