Inside the Craft: Making a Horror Scene

Just in time for Halloween, Vancouver Film School’s next In-Production Bootcamp brings a touch of horror to our campus. The event features an Ask Me Anything, hands-on workshops, and the production of a short horror scene, led by filmmaker Karen Lam. KAREN LAM Karen Lam has worked in film and television since 2000. Starting her career as a producer and entertainment lawyer, Karen was one of the architects of the British Columbia tax credit program before assisting with creating tax shelters for US studio clients. Her film, The Curse of Willow Song, won Best British Columbia Feature Film and Best Director at the Leo Awards. Karen has also written scripts for SYFY and Netflix, including Van Helsing and Ghost Wars. THOMAS BILLINGSLEY Thomas Billingsley is a Vancouver-based director of photography specializing in cinematic digital capture for theatrical, broadcast, and online productions. His work on the feature Lucille’s Ball earned him a Leo Award nomination for Motion Picture Cinematography, while his Bravo!FACT short Pilgrims screened at Cannes’ Not Short on Talent Film Corner. BRENNA LLEWELLYN Brenna Llewellyn is a Canadian actress known for her roles in film and television, including Savannah in the Tubi horror film Lowlifes and Val in Warner Bros.’ Final Destination: Bloodlines. She received a Leo Award nomination for Best Supporting Performance by a Female in a Motion Picture for her role as Aubrey Miller in the drama thriller The Sinners. Brenna will also appear as Lexi in the Amazon MGM Studios series Off Campus. ROBERT ZAWISTOWSKI Robert Zawistowski is a Polish-Canadian cinematographer residing in Vancouver, Canada. He is known for his narrative work, including his most recent feature film, Pitfall, TV series Passage, and the award-winning short film Queen of the Underworld. Robert began his career directing and producing music videos in Vancouver’s heavy music scene. VANESSA GILES Vanessa Giles is a professional makeup artist and instructor with extensive experience in film and television. Her credits include The Chronicles of Riddick, Watchmen, Rise of the Planet of the Apes, Fifty Shades of Grey, Sucker Punch, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Big Eyes, Once Upon a Time, and The X-Files. She has also worked as Head of Makeup on The Predator, Tully, and Once Upon a Time. Vanessa has also worked as personal Makeup Artist to Charlize Theron on Tully. WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE BOOTCAMP Register as a Participant (actor or writer/director) OR as an Observer (makeup artist or general attendee; no hands-on work). On Saturday, Participants will attend a personalized, hands-on workshop, while Makeup Artist Observers will attend a demo (from 12-4 p.m.; makeup artist observers are welcome to arrive at 10 a.m. to watch the other workshops). Writers/directors write their version of the scene, actors audition for lead role(s), and makeup artists see how a professional applies horror makeups. One scene, select actors, and one writer/director (to shadow Karen) will be chosen for the final production. Sunday is production day! Participants who weren’t selected, along with all Observers, will gain valuable insight by assisting throughout the production process. The completed scene will be edited after the event and shared at a later date for Participants to add to their portfolio. AMA INDUSTRY TALK: MAKING GREAT HORROR Karen Lam, Thomas Billingsley, Brenna Llewellyn, and Robert Zawistowski will lead a fireside chat on what it takes to make successful horror. Hear behind-the-scenes stories and practical advice on developing compelling concepts, collaborating on set, overcoming production challenges, and building a career in film and television. Attendees will also have the opportunity to ask their own questions. Event Details Date: Friday, October 2 – Sunday, October 4 Time: 5:30-7 p.m. (Friday); 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. (Saturday/Sunday) Location: 151 West Cordova Street, Vancouver, BC V6B 5K3 Cost: Observer (makeup artists & general attendees) – $60; Participant (writer/directors & actors) – $200; AMA only – $20