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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for ELFS Japan
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DTSTART:20260101T000000
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Tokyo:20260629T180000
DTEND;TZID=Asia/Tokyo:20260629T190000
DTSTAMP:20260628T003133
CREATED:20260312T094921Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260312T094921Z
UID:6016-1782756000-1782759600@elfsjapan.com
SUMMARY:Actor Improv Lab (online)
DESCRIPTION:A one-hour creative workout for actors who want to stay sharp.\nThe Actor Improv Lab is a fast-paced online session designed to strengthen the instincts performers rely on most: listening\, reacting truthfully\, making clear offers\, and adapting in the moment. \nEach session combines warm-ups\, focused improv drills\, and short scene work to keep your improvisation muscles active. We explore skills such as emotional commitment\, status\, character point of view\, and spontaneous storytelling — all in a supportive space that encourages risk-taking and playful experimentation. \nPart training\, part playground\, this is structured play for actors who want to keep developing their craft. \nWhether you’re preparing for auditions\, on-set\, or rehearsal rooms where anything can happen\, the Actor Improv Lab helps you trust your instincts and make bold choices on the spot. \nSessions are one hour long and designed to fit into busy schedules — a quick lunchtime or after-work flex for your acting muscles.\nCome to play\, stretch your comfort zone\, and leave feeling sharper\, more adaptable\, younger* and ready for whatever the scene throws at you. \n(*Playfulness is scientifically proven to keep you younger. Consider it an anti-ageing treatment.) \nCourse Schedule\nJune\n8th (Mon)\n15th (Mon)\n22nd (Mon)\n29th (Mon) \nJuly\n6th (Mon)\n13th (Mon) \n18.00-19.00 (Tokyo JST) \nBooking\nTickets can be redeemed for any session. Sessions are drop-in and self-contained. Please confirm your attendance up to 3hrs before the start time via email. Classes may be cancelled on the day if sign ups are too low. \nClasses will be held online via Zoom \nAbout the Instructor\n \nChristiane Brew is a British actress\, improviser\, and award-nominated voice artist with over 30 years in the arts\, based in Tokyo and the UK. Trained at RADA\, the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland\, and with masters from iTi\, Impro Theatre LA\, Lecoq\, and Second City — she’s spent the last 15 years performing and teaching improv around the globe\, from Edinburgh Fringe to NYC on Broadway\, to New Zealand; her style blends playful storytelling\, musical improv\, physical humour\, and honest\, grounded characters. \nShe’s co-director of Tokyo’s Improvazilla and Pirates of Tokyo Bay (improv groups)\, and loves guiding improvisers to play authentically\, with curiosity\, and embrace fear. Christiane’s stage credits range from Shakespeare to contemporary works\, and her screen and voice work includes Sony PlayStation\, TOHO\, Searchlight Pictures\, Amazon Prime\, NHK\, and live commentary at the Tokyo Olympics.
URL:https://elfsjapan.com/event/actor-improv-lab-online/2026-06-29/
CATEGORIES:Acting,Online Classes
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://elfsjapan.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/online-acting-improv-class-japan-stage.webp
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DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Tokyo:20260629T190000
DTEND;TZID=Asia/Tokyo:20260629T230000
DTSTAMP:20260628T003133
CREATED:20180611T045034Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260527T155525Z
UID:139-1782759600-1782774000@elfsjapan.com
SUMMARY:Tokyo Filmmakers’ Drinks Night @ Retronym Livehouse in Shimo-Kitazawa
DESCRIPTION:Admission: ¥2\,000 on the door (drink included) \nWhat We’ll Do\nMix and mingle with other Tokyo-based creatives at Retronym Livehouse in Shimo-Kitazawa. \nBring your skills and ideas and get ready to meet other filmmakers\, film lovers\, and creators. Chat about cinema\, culture\, or anything you like. Find collaborators for your next project\, make new friends\, and have a good time. \nAt 8pm we will have our ‘Soap Box’ moment\, when you can address the room to tell them about yourself and your projects. \n\n			\n	\n\nImportant to know\nAdmission: ¥2\,000 on the door (drink included) \nThe event runs from 7pm to 11pm\, but the venue remains open and you are welcome to remain after this time. \nThe venue may take photos/videos of the event for promotional purposes. By attending you confirm that you consent to appear in their marketing material. \nBook Your Place\nLet us know you’re coming by signing up via the Facebook page or drop us an email: \nBook by email
URL:https://elfsjapan.com/event/tokyo-filmmakers-drinks-night/
CATEGORIES:Events,Networking
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://elfsjapan.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/FilmmakersNight-retronym.webp
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DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Tokyo:20260707T190000
DTEND;TZID=Asia/Tokyo:20260712T180000
DTSTAMP:20260628T003133
CREATED:20180625T025525Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260601T164816Z
UID:600-1783450800-1783879200@elfsjapan.com
SUMMARY:Making the Short Film (1 Week)
DESCRIPTION:Practical Filmmaking Class – Learn to make films… by making a short film.\nA practical filmmaking class designed to give you the confidence you need to go out and make your own films. \nCourse Cost\n¥45\,000 \nCourse Description\n \nOver the initial three evenings you will be introduced to your script\, equipment and actors\, learning how to work with each in turn. \nYou and your classmates will be split into groups of six and you will each choose to direct one of the six scenes in the script. You will actually shoot the film on the Saturday\, with each director given an hour to shoot their scene. \nYou will rotate jobs within the crew over the course of the day; directing\, filming\, recording sound\, doing the art direction\, lighting\, and managing continuity in turn. This allows you to experience and understand the different positions on a film set. \nSunday will focus on editing and post-production\, and you will edit your film with your group. The finished product will be screened at the end of the day\, with time for feedback and discussion. \nShould you wish\, you will be welcome to take the footage from the day to continue working and practising on. \n“I’ve wanted to learn about making films for a long time and wanted to try to make my own. Starting from knowing practically nothing I joined ELFS Japan’s Making the Short Film course. It was fascinating\, really good fun and even better\, within a week I feel like I have enough knowledge of the basics to start confidently making my own projects.” \n“Thanks again for everything\, the course was brilliant! I think its amazing that it was so practical and we got to try all the different roles. It’s totally encouraged me and given me the confidence to make a short film” \nSee what other students have said in our testimonials \nClass Schedule\nDay 1 (Tue)\, 19:00-21:30 — Working with the script. \nDay 2 (Wed)\, 19:00-21:30 — Working with crew and equipment. \nDay 3 (Thur)\, 19:00-21:30 — Working with actors. \nDay 4 (Fri)\, – NO CLASS \nDay 5 (Sat)\, 10:00-18:00 — Production day. \nDay 6 (Sun)\, 10:00-18:00 — Post-production and feedback. \n  \n\n			\n	\n		\n			The director explains the shot on Making the Short FIlmStudent on soundStudent with actors on Making the Short FilmStudent directs a scene		\n		\n			Prev\n			1of9\n			Next\n		\n	\n\nAbout the Instructor – Rory O’Donnell\n \nRory O’Donnell worked in the UK entertainment industry for 25 years\, initially as an actor\, then a casting director\, before spending ten years as course director for Raindance London\, the UK’s top provider of short training courses for filmmakers. He is an award-winning filmmaker\, with short films he has directed screening in festivals in Europe and North America. His students have included everyone from film professionals looking to broaden their skillsets to inexperienced novices with a passing interest in the subject. Building on this experience\, he has developed classes accommodating to all backgrounds and abilities. \nWhat is ELFS Japan?\nEnglish Language Film School Japan offers unique filmmaking classes\, taught in the English language\, here in Tokyo. This class will be taught by Rory O’Donnell\, who prior to founding ELFS Japan\, worked for ten years as Courses Director at Raindance London\, Europe’s premier destination for short filmmaking classes. Originally an actor working across stage\, film and TV throughout the 90s\, Rory is now an award-winning director of short films.
URL:https://elfsjapan.com/event/making-the-short-film/
LOCATION:ELFS Japan Studio\, 2-9-14 Suido\, Bunkyō-ku\, Tōkyō-to\, 112-0005\, Japan
CATEGORIES:Filmmaking Courses
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://elfsjapan.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/making-the-short-film-course-tokyo.jpg
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DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Tokyo:20260829T110000
DTEND;TZID=Asia/Tokyo:20260912T170000
DTSTAMP:20260628T003133
CREATED:20250515T093844Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260624T081005Z
UID:5632-1788001200-1789232400@elfsjapan.com
SUMMARY:Improvisation for Actors
DESCRIPTION:Unlock Your Full Potential\nUnlock your full potential as a performer with this essential 3-day/15hr intensive foundation improv for actors course – specially designed for actors who want to level-up. \nWhether you’re prepping for auditions\, navigating rehearsals\, responding on-set\, or filming self-tapes\, this training starts to build the foundations every actor needs: presence\, character creation\, grounded emotional work\, narrative flow\, and adaptability under pressure. \nThrough practical\, playful scene work (scripted/unscripted)\, exercises\, acting techniques\, personal side-coaching and feedback\, you’ll be challenged to: \n\nlisten like a pro\,\nunderstand being present\,\nbe out of your comfort zone\,\nembrace mistakes\,\nrespond authentically\,\nknow yourself better\,\nbuild your on-the-spot confidence\, and\nunderstand how and where you can apply these skills in your practical daily life as an actor.\n\nImprov sharpens your instincts\, strengthens your resilience\, and stretches your creative range. And like any true craft\, what you put in\, you get out — continued practice deepens the benefits. Come with curiosity\, stay for the growth. This isn’t just a class; it’s a valuable toolkit to help you stand out in the room. \nCheck out this article from Backstage about the benefits of improvisation as an actor \nClass Schedule\n29th August (Sat) – 11:00 – 5:00 pm\n5th September (Sat) – 11:00 – 5:00 pm\n12th September (Sat) – 11:00 – 5:00 pm \n*There will be a 1 hour lunch break each day \nAbout the Instructor\n \nChristiane Brew is a British actress\, improviser\, and award-nominated voice artist with over 30 years in the arts\, based in Tokyo and the UK. Trained at RADA\, the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland\, and with masters from iTi\, Impro Theatre LA\, Lecoq\, and Second City — she’s spent the last 15 years performing and teaching improv around the globe\, from Edinburgh Fringe to NYC on Broadway\, to New Zealand; her style blends playful storytelling\, musical improv\, physical humour\, and honest\, grounded characters. \nShe’s co-director of Tokyo’s Improvazilla and Pirates of Tokyo Bay (improv groups)\, and loves guiding improvisers to play authentically\, with curiosity\, and embrace fear. Christiane’s stage credits range from Shakespeare to contemporary works\, and her screen and voice work includes Sony PlayStation\, TOHO\, Searchlight Pictures\, Amazon Prime\, NHK\, and live commentary at the Tokyo Olympics.
URL:https://elfsjapan.com/event/improvisation-for-actors/
LOCATION:ELFS Japan Studio\, 2-9-14 Suido\, Bunkyō-ku\, Tōkyō-to\, 112-0005\, Japan
CATEGORIES:Acting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://elfsjapan.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Improvisation-for-Actors.webp
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260918
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20270227
DTSTAMP:20260628T003133
CREATED:20221127T223725Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260624T083514Z
UID:4442-1789689600-1803686399@elfsjapan.com
SUMMARY:Acting Career Kick-Off Masterclass (+ Showreel & Headshots) - 6 Months
DESCRIPTION:Taught together by Marei Annis & Lucas Rue \nBecome the actor you always wanted to be.\nGet ready to launch your acting career – NOW!\nPut together your resume\, headshots and showreel along with a solid\, actionable plan on how to turn your acting dreams into reality. \nIncluded In the Class\n\nHeadshots\nShowreel (2 original scenes written\, filmed and edited for you)\n3 Acting Clips (existing material\, filmed to highlight your individual strengths and casting)\nIndustry standard resume\nCareer action plan\nSlack space to communicate with classmates\, alumni and tutor between sessions\, ask questions and track your progress\n22 group classes\n1 career consultation private session\n6 months of intensive training tailored towards success in the international film industry\nGuidance through a personal project\n\nSchedule:\nSTART September 18th 2026\nEND February 26th 2027 \n*during some weeks there will be no class to give extra time for preparation in between \nFixed time:\nFridays 7:00pm-9:30pm group class \nFlexible times to be scheduled individually: \n\nHeadshot session\nShowreel scene shoots\n2nd scene rehearsals\nOne on one coaching sessions\n\nSolidify your very own vision\, define clearly what you want. Then show the world what you have to give. Capture the very essence of your talent in a two scene showreel\, three acting clips and stunning headshots and equip yourself with all the knowledge you can carry about how to make your mark. Become the actor you always wanted to be. \nIn this six-month training program\, you will not just work on your skills\, polish your acting\, create a showreel and a plan towards realising your wildest dreams. You will actively begin putting this plan in motion! \nIf you see your future self as an actor\, working professionally on an international level\, now is the time to get serious. Big goals require big commitments. Don’t wait for an opportunity to be given to you – step up and take it! \nThis class is for:\n\nActors at any level of training\, who are committed to making acting their full time career (in an international or English speaking market)\nProfessional actors\, who are looking to move or expand their career to the US\, UK or Europe\nAnyone who wants to elevate their acting skills from hobby to profession\nTrained professional actors\, who lack business skills\nActors\, who lack demo material\, headshots\, resume and showreel\n\nIf you have questions before signing up\, please email info@elfsjapan.com \nSome career achievements of previous students include:\n\nAcceptance to further training at highly valued international institutions (e.g. RADA)\nBooking feature film roles in independent and commercial international productions in Japan and abroad\nLead roles in stage productions (from self-produced to big stage musical anime adaptations)\nProduction of own stage and short film productions\n\nHeadshot examples (from the previous class): \n\n			\n	\n\nShowreel Scene Examples (from previous classes): \n \n \nActing Clip Examples (from previous classes): \n \n \nClass content breakdown\nBusiness\n\nIdentifying your type\nPitching\nNetworking\nActing career business coaching\nIdentifying your goals and taking specific action towards them\nUnderstanding the needs of the industry (focus on international market) in 2026\n\nActing\n\nIdentifying your strengths\nChoosing your ideal casting\nPerfecting two short scenes and three clips to highlight your talent\nWorking on set\, understanding film language\nSetting and achieving clear goals\nTrusting your intuition\n\nPersonal Growth\n\nBuilding resilience and confidence\nAdapting to pressure and competition\nKeeping the dream alive when things get tough\nDreaming big enough to get you motivated\nSelf care\, health and balance\nUnderstanding the BIG WHY\n\nQuestions that you’ll learn the answer to:\n\nWhat is my type?\nWho would cast me and why?\nHow can I find more opportunities?\nHow should I present myself to directors\, agents\, managers\, casting directors and producers?\nWhich market\, city and country is right for me? And how do I get there?\nWhat do I want out of my acting career?\nWhich steps do I need to take to reach my goals?\nWhat skills do I have\, what skills do I still need to work on?\nWhat are my biggest strengths & weaknesses as an actor?\nHow do I turn acting into my full time\, paid job?\nWhy have I not succeeded so far?\nIs my dream achievable? (spoiler: it is! Let’s find out what it takes!)\n\nPrice:\n¥350\,000 (6 months)\n(OR installment plan 60\,000¥ per month) \nAbout Marei Annis\nMarei Annis started the acting department at ELFS Japan in 2019. She runs her own independent production company AVA – All Visions Align and has produced\, written\, directed and starred in a variety of film and stage productions in Japan\, Germany\, London and Los Angeles.\nHer teaching technique is a fusion of influences compiled from her experiences across all creative aspects of filmmaking and acting as well as life- and business coaching. \nAmongst many others she studied with Monika Gossmann (Iron Sky\, Mank)\, Lisa Pescia (Curb Your Enthusiasm\, Seinfeld) and Bernard Hiller (coach of Cameron Diaz\, Michelle Pfeiffer\,…). She has produced five feature films\, wrote and directed several plays\, a webseries and various short films. She also trained in “Contextual Coaching” (NLP and RET based) for a deeper understanding of how to reach and empower students on an individual level.\nMarei’s approach to teaching always begins with the student as an individual and focuses most on finding and refining the talent\, experience and passion that’s already there – then taking it to the next level. \n  \nAbout Lucas Rue\nLucas studied in ESRA (Ecole Supérieure de Réalisation Audiovisuelle) in PARIS. After his graduation in 2006\, he worked on more than 60 films (Short Films\, Music Videos\, Documentaries\, TV Shows and Feature Films) as Director\, Assistant Director\, Director of Photography\, Cameraman and Gaffer. \nLucas studied acting alongside two of the most famous acting coaches in the U.S (Bob Mc Andrew and Susan Batson). Being their assistant and cameraman for 4 years\, he acquired the skills he needed to pursue his work as filmmaker. As he was continuously working on film set\, Lucas had eventually the opportunity to teach in one of the most prestigious acting school in Paris\, “L’Entrée des Artistes” directed by Olivier BELMONDO. As “acting on screen” teacher for this institution for more than ten years\, Lucas developed and sharpened his own method of teaching acting. \nIn 2017\, he moved to Japan to continue his work as acting coach and filmmaker.
URL:https://elfsjapan.com/event/acting-career-kick-off-masterclass-showreel-headshots-6-months/
LOCATION:ELFS Japan Studio\, 2-9-14 Suido\, Bunkyō-ku\, Tōkyō-to\, 112-0005\, Japan
CATEGORIES:Acting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://elfsjapan.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/marei-annis-authentic-acting-tokyo-class.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Tokyo:20261001T190000
DTEND;TZID=Asia/Tokyo:20261029T213000
DTSTAMP:20260628T003133
CREATED:20240316T131947Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260625T161256Z
UID:5153-1790881200-1793309400@elfsjapan.com
SUMMARY:Visual Storytelling: Cinematography and the Camera
DESCRIPTION:*No experience necessary\, phone cameras welcome!* \nVisual storytelling has been a fundamental part of human expression since ancient cave paintings to the silver screen and continues to be of increasing significance with today’s technology. However\, traditional education rarely touches on visual language despite our modern communication being image driven. \nIn this course\, we address this gap by expanding your visual vocabulary while delving into what is behind image-making for movies\, TV and content. \nEach week\, we will examine different critical aspects of visual storytelling through the lens of history and practical exercises\, where students will grasp the importance of everything from lighting to camera essentials necessary for modern day visual storytelling. \nStudents will solidify their understanding and apply theory to practice by completing a visual storytelling project\, a valuable addition to portfolios.\nWhether you’re an aspiring filmmaker\, content creator\, or simply eager to express yourself visually\, this course provides the tools to effectively and creatively communicate and capture your ideas! \nWeek 1: Visual language and the camera\n\nVisual Language in technical and academic terms\nBasics of the camera and what affects the visual language\n\nWeek 2: The objective eye and editing\n\nEditing is like writing a novel. The magic of the sequence\nRussian soviet montage theory\nThe “rules of cinema”\n\nWeek 3: History of images and lighting\n\nComposition\, deep focus and information in the frame.\nWhat effect B&W images convey\nUnderstanding the fundamentals of composition and lighting\n\nWeek 4: Thinking in colour\n\nColour is light\, light is colour.\nEffects of B&W vs colour in film\nColour Theory in Film\nApplicable colour theory in films\nUnderstanding colour temperature\n\nWeek 5: Project screenings\, critique and wrap up\n\nDiscussion\nFinal project\nMore advanced techniques\n\nAbout the Instructor\nDavid Narbecki\, Miami born\, Tokyo-based freelance cinematographer and content creator\, began to study visual language with an interest in 2D art and design. This brought him to Japan to study traditional Manga techniques but in the process developed a fascination with photography and motion pictures. \nUnder the mentorship of Guggenheim fellow Tony Chirinos\, Magnum photographer Costa Manos and cinematographer Shin Hayasaka (JSC)\, David embarked on a lifelong exploration of visual language. He has worked on numorouse film and TV sets in the camera department including as Director of Photography on 3 feature films. \nBeyond his own creative pursuits\, David is an enthusiastic educator\, sharing his expertise in visual language\, photography\, and cinema through his YouTube channel\, as well as workshops and lectures.
URL:https://elfsjapan.com/event/visual-storytelling-cinematography-and-the-camera/
LOCATION:ELFS Japan Studio\, 2-9-14 Suido\, Bunkyō-ku\, Tōkyō-to\, 112-0005\, Japan
CATEGORIES:Filmmaking Courses,Technical
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://elfsjapan.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/David-Narbecki-Cinematography-Course.webp
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