Greenhouse' first seminar focused on the filmmakers declaration of intentions and the projects synopses. From the very first meeting between the filmmakers and their personal mentors up to the last conclusive gathering which followed the first projects presentations, these two elements were reexamined in depth and broadened while concentrating on dramatic narrative and the main characters.
The filmmakers participated in a master class by the British director and former Greenhouse mentor Mr. Marc Isaacs. Isaacs presented the evolution of his career from a BBC production assistant to becoming one of the most unique voices in today's British documentary cinema. Isaacs talked about his way of choosing characters and creating intimacy, his use in special locations and their connection to the characters and the differences between cinematic filmmaking and journalistic filmmaking. In addition, the participants were given a lecture by Yair Lev titled: "Project's References". In the lecture Mr. Lev presented the connection and similarity between Greenhouse' projects to outstanding films which successfully dealt with the same topics, questions and narrative dilemmas, both ethical and stylistic. In preparation for the next seminar, more lectures were held by Hans Robert Eisenhauer and Steven Seidenberg. Eisenhauer's lecture focused on the transition from the synopsis stage to the treatment stage, while emphasizing the main goal of a treatment: "Showing on the paper what's going to happen in the film".
In his lecture Seidenberg talked about trailers, their significant importance and the right way to create a good trailer which supports the filmmakers pitching.
The third day of the seminar was dedicated mostly to the projects presentation as first practice towards the final pitching forum which will be held on the third seminar. Each participant presented his project on stage and was reviewed by the mentors and the Greenhouse team. The seminar ended with a conversation held by each mentor and his own groups of participants, issues were resolved regarding the projects presentations. Each projects faults and achievements were examined. Conclusions were made and the participants were asked to continue writing their proposals and begin the initial work on the trailer in preparation for the next seminar.
Mentor Betina Hattami & Karima Zoubir
Mentor John Appel with his students
Mohammad Shawky & Ismail El Mokadem presenting their project: Curtain Call
Yousef Deek & Ahmad Kawarik presenting their project: Making Happiness.
