TV / FILM DIRECTOR ALEX PILLAI | CHARACTER FOR FILM AND TELEVISION WORKSHOP

WORKSHOP FORMAT

"Characters in film and television are sometimes written with little depth, their role to advance the plot or delivery exposition. How does an actor approach such a role, and deliver a performance that serves the purpose the script as well as having a life of its own?" - Alex Pillai

In the days leading up to the workshop participants will be sent a short scene, as well as guidelines that will help with preparation before the workshop starts. Participants will also be invited to an exclusive 20-minute one-on-one zoom with Alex the director, in which the scene and approach will be discussed.

The day of the workshop focusses on the filming of the scenes, with actors paired together. Each actor will receive direction from Alex, as well as a dedicated shot that can be made available for the actor’s professional use. During this time, Alex will coach the participants in many aspects of successfully working on a film set, from the technical to the social. The session will end with a Q&A and the opportunity to give feedback.

14 places available. TWO places will be reserved for actors with disabilities.

*Upon request, you have the option to receive your footage after the session for no extra cost!*

BIO

Alex Sanjiv Pillai is a British Asian director who began his career with a famous generation of similar artistes, including Meera Syal and Sanjiv Bhasker. A graduate of the National Film and Television School, his 1996 feature film for the BBC, FLIGHT, was written by Tanika Gupta and starred a cast that would become known for ‘Goodness Gracious Me’. FLIGHT won multiple awards and was recently recognised at a gala screening at the National Film Theatre. A busy television and film career has followed, with highlights including THE WYVERN MYSTERY (BBC 2000) with Naomi Watts and Derek Jacobi, TRIAL&RETRIBUTION (2006-8) with writer Lynda LaPlante, BEING HUMAN (2008) with Russell Tovey, the independent feature film VICTIM (2012) which introduced Letitia Wright to the cinema. Since 2017, Alex has worked on US productions including BRIDGERTON (2022), RIVERDALE (2018-2023) and CHILLING ADVENTURES OF SABRINA (2018-2020). He directed a feature film for Amazon HOW TO DATE BILLY WALSH (2022) and the two-part season finale for DR WHO (2025) which saw Ncuti Gatwa regenerate into Billy Piper.

**Please note all contact or questions regarding this workshop should come through the RAIS office. Please do not contact the workshop leader directly with questions**