Workshops — Imelda O'Reilly

FILM WORKSHOPS

Developing stories either feature, short screenplays or for television, all depend on emotionally compelling complex characters. This requires a unique voice and vision. My work helps facilitate the creative process through narrative storytelling. I mentor you as you explore the world of your story.

Your worldview comes from your perspective on life, your ability to tap into your subconscious revealing emotional truths that resonate with a viewing audience. I help guide you on your own individual path. There are no original stories only original voices.

THE NUTS & BOLTS OF SCREENWRITING

A FOUR-WEEK INTENSIVE online course that you can do from home!

This workshop is ideal for actors, writers or anyone who wants to start or continue to develop their writing techniques. The Material covered will include choosing the right idea for the format, how to take a cliché idea and make it original and obtain tools and formulae to help you develop the craft of screenwriting. How can you showcase yourself in the industry without a great calling card?

Ignite your imagination and creativity and become an active protagonist in your own career. Start writing and learn new ways to embrace the cinematic language of storytelling.

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“Professor O’Reilly encourages and challenges students to be creative in their work. I think this is most clearly seen in her screenwriting classes, where she gives helpful criticism that guides students towards how they can improve their stories, but still allowing them to fix it themselves.”

— Michael Schwartz, JMU

“I was a student of Imelda’s in Graduate School at NYU Tisch Asia in Singapore. I was in numerous classes of hers– from screenwriting, film aesthetics to directing actors. I credit her to the early development of my filmmaking career. While I did go into grad school with experience in film, our deep conversations in office hours regarding my scripts and life were fundamental to me. I also appreciated Professor O’ Reilly’s overall openness to share her own perspectives on life– to facilitate my seeing film and screenwriting, and therefore life in a different way.”

— Alle Hsu, Filmmaker, NYU Tisch Asia Singapore

UNIVERSITY CLASSES

NYU Graduate Film Program:

TischAsia, Singapore

New York University TischAsia was a Graduate Film Program located in Singapore. It had four departments that included Film, International Media Producing, Dramatic Writing and Animation/Digital/Arts. It was founded by Pari Shirazi and Oliver Stone was the Artistic Director of the school. There were over thirty faculty employed by NYU TischAsia. It remained open for seven years. The students enrolled in the Graduate Film Program the department where I worked as an Assistant Arts Professor for three years made award winning films that screened internationally on the festival circuit.

Sizzle Reel of TischAsia Students 2013

“Now that I’m working in the real world with clients and commercial considerations, I truly relish my time together with Professor O’Reilly at NYU Tisch Asia, and only now understand how precious that time was. Thanks again for helping to shape me as an artist!”

— Jeff Wong, Student, NYU TischAsia

“Professor O’Reilly is inspirational. She challenged and pushed me to break down my own personal barriers and out of my comfort zone. Through her guidance and numerous discussions, she facilitated me to find my voice and shape my approach to filmmaking.”

— Timothy Yeung / NYU TischAsia

Sizzle Reel of TischAsia Students 2015

“Professor O’Reilly’s knowledge and understanding of filmmaking inspired and guided me in my development as an artist during my years at NYU Tisch Asia. Her advice and guidance helped me shape my future as a filmmaker and enabled me to build the foundation needed for success.”

— Quester Hannah, student, NYU TischAsia

“Working with Imelda allowed me to hone my screenwriting and story structure skills, while at the same time being true to my artistic vision. I really appreciate how Professor O’Reilly was critical, but always mindful of the kind of director I am and the stories I want to tell.”

— Abigal Prade, NYU TischAsia

JMU / SVA Summer Program 2018

This course gives SMAD students the opportunity to spend three weeks in New York at the School for Visual Arts where they write, direct shoot and edit a short narrative film in a group.

The first week is online. You will continue to work in a group of four and work on finalizing a draft of a short screenplay. Prior to leaving for New York, there are a series of script read-throughs and a required technical workshop.

The first week onsite in New York you will be guided through the production layout for your short film. This includes a sound workshop, a demo on the Canon C-100, lighting workshop and the Fisher-11 dolly. In addition, you will cast your short film under the guidance of a casting director and myself. You will work with professional actors.

The second week you will work with a professional cinematographer Joe Foley and the shoots will be scheduled during this week. You will have a teacher's assistant from SVA accompany the group during the shoots. There will also be a JMU TA for the duration of the program.

The third week you will edit the footage of your film and screen the films at the SVA cinema on 23rd street in Manhattan. You will also have the opportunity to work with professional actors in New York for your shorts films.

This is an opportunity to make a short narrative film and also experience New York City.

Video: Shank Rai

NY Video Diary: Behind the Scenes of JMU/SVA Summer Program 2018

“The three weeks I spent in NYC were life-changing, and an incredible glimpse into the world of filmmaking in the City That Never Sleeps.”

— Quinton Carr-Goodwin, Student, JMU

JMU/SVA SIZZLE REEL 2018

“Getting the opportunity to work with professional actors was an amazing experience as they were able to bring life to a scene and a character that had previously only existed on paper. I learned so much over not only the shoot but the entire script.”

— Peter Humble – JMU

“The New York Program gave me the experience of a lifetime pursuing my dream in my favorite city. We explored New York as we dedicated all of our time to our short films. Working with professional actors as well as learning from experts in the field furthered my understanding and appreciation for the art of filmmaking. It allowed me go grow in my creative and professional skills, and I made lifelong friends. I plan to live in the Big Apple after I graduate because this program has had such a profound impact on my life.”

— Julia Weaver, JMU/SVA, Summer Program

JMU/SVA SIZZLE REEL - 2019

“Making this film was a huge learning process. As it was my first time directing, I learned a lot about planning the look and style of the film before production and I learned the importance of shooting to edit. I learned how to be a leader and how to dole out roles and responsibilities among crew members. My favorite part was working with actors. I really enjoyed the script to screen process and seeing how the actors improved the lines and brought their own spin to the script.”

— Claire Downie, Student, JMU

“The New York program was, hands down, the best experience of my college career. Those three short weeks teach you more about filmmaking and working under pressure than any class ever could. I wouldn’t trade my time in the city for the world.”

— John Kelly, student, JMU

“Participating in JMU’s School of Visual Arts in NYC program is one of the best decisions I’ve made for myself. I made friendships and connections that will last me a lifetime, and developed skills that will help further my career in the filmmaking industry. Getting to collaborate and learn from professionals and my peers is one thing that makes this program so special. It has helped me figure out my true passions and goals, and identified my strengths and weaknesses. I will forever be grateful for this amazing experience and I highly recommend it to others who want to learn a lot about the industry and themselves.”

— Tarah Doyle

SIZZLE REEL For JMU/SVA 2022

Winner – Ian Welfley, Home of the Brave

Best Narrative Short, VA Film Festival. 2022

Virginia Film Festival