The event ZFICTION.24 sparked exciting conversations, thought-provoking ideas, and stimulating discussions about the future of acting and the film industry. On Stage A at Gessnerallee in Zurich, numerous speakers from around the world gathered to share their insights and experiences.
Among other topics, the speakers discussed the possibilities of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in film acting, the important work of acting coaches, the psychology behind acting, and the creation of a "Safe Space" for actors on set. Here are some excerpts from the presentations:
Dominic Lees – Professor for Film at the University of Reading
Dominic Lees, as a Professor of Film at the University of Reading, explores generative AI in the film industry. For him, actors are already engaging in a dialogue with technology as soon as they step in front of the camera. He sees generative AI as imitation rather than representation, "since actors respond emotionally to a character, whereas Deepfakes are about imitation". In his presentation, Lees also discussed the possibilities of AI, such as "aging and deaging actors, which could be useful on set to monitor their physicality while acting".
Mel Churcher – Acting Coach
As an Acting Coach, Mel Churcher has worked with greats such as Daniel Craig, Angelina Jolie, Keira Knightley, and Felicity Jones. At ZFICTION.24, she shared her perspective on the art of acting. She emphasized the importance, as an actor, of understanding the world in which the character exists. "A thorough engagement with the character's life situation and emotional world is crucial", Churcher stated
Ella Rumpf - Actress
Ella Rumpf, who was just awarded '"Best Actress" at the Swiss Film Awards 2024, searches for the '"why?" in her exploration of character work. Why does the character have a specific fear or insecurity? or why does the character react so emotionally to a certain situation?
Katalin Gödrös - Director
Katalin Gödrös is a director and also teaches directing and screenwriting in Berlin, Zurich (Focal, ZHdK). She is a professor of directing at the ifs in Cologne. In her presentation, she emphasizes that as a director, it is important for her to create a "Safe Space" for actors. "However, it's not just me as a director, but also acting coaches, as well as intimacy coordinators, who can play a major role in shaping such a "Safe Space".
ZFICTION.24 was not only a place for the exchange of knowledge but also a platform for new ideas and innovations in film acting. The diversity of topics and the expertise of the speakers clearly demonstrated that film acting has an exciting development ahead.