Exclusive Scene Study with Gil Bellows

A 3-day Exclusive Scene Study for actors to enhance their craft with seasoned industry professional Gil Bellows.

Join acclaimed actor, director, and Emmy-winning producer Gil Bellows for a 3-day Exclusive Scene Study at Vancouver Film School. Designed for aspiring and professional actors, this intensive hands-on experience focuses on authentic on-set performance, scene work, and professional feedback from one of the industry’s most respected talents.

GIL BELLOWS: Actor, Director, & Emmy-Winning Producer

Gil Bellows is a versatile Actor, Producer, Screenwriter, & Director with an international resume spanning over two decades. Most noteworthy is his performance in AFI’s Top 100 The Shawshank Redemption, nominated for seven Oscars. His most recent credits include American Gods, The Twilight Zone reboot, & The Handmaid’s Tale. As a producer, Bellows earned a Primetime Emmy for the HBO biographical drama Temple Grandin. Now, Bellows returns home to Canada to share his vast knowledge of the craft of acting on-campus at Vancouver Film School.

How It Works

In film & television, great performances are born from preparation and on-set collaboration. Through VFS’s Exclusive Scene Study, aspiring & established actors will have the rare opportunity to refine their craft directly under the guidance of acclaimed actor Gil Bellows (Ally McBeal, The Shawshank Redemption, Patriot).

Through intensive scene work, live direction, and professional feedback, participants will deepen their understanding of performance, emotional connection, and camera-ready technique. This hands-on production experience offers invaluable insight into what it takes to deliver compelling, authentic performances on a professional set.

Event Details:

Introductions and Meet & Greet

Friday, November 14 | 6-7 p.m. PST | VFS Film Campus, 151 West Cordova Street

Scene Study Workshops

Saturday, November 15 | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. PST | VFS Film Campus, 151 West Cordova Street

On-Set Performances – Final Scenes Performed

Sunday, November 16 | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. PST | VFS Film Campus, 151 West Cordova Street

Observer: $100

Advanced Acting Participant (Solo): $150*

Advanced Acting Participant (Duo): $250*

*Note: You may register as a solo participant or with an acting partner. The cost for duos is the total, combined cost. Solo registrants will be paired with a partner by VFS.

What to Expect at the Scene Study

You may register as either an Observer or an Advanced Acting Participant:

Observer:

• Includes meet & greet on Friday.
• As an Observer, you will watch all aspects of the scene study workshops & final performances.
• You will have occasional opportunities to ask questions and may also be asked for insight during the performances.

Advanced Acting Participant:

• Includes meet & greet on Friday.
• Prior to the event, you will need to select a short scene and bring this with you on Saturday. This scene will be the basis of your scene study with Gil.
• You may apply with an acting partner (as a duo) OR solo for this experience. If you are applying solo, VFS will pair you with an acting partner on the day of the event.
• Advanced Acting Participants must have prior acting training and/or industry experience.
• During registration, you (and your partner, if applicable) will need to submit an audition tape.
• Audition tapes should feature a contemporary film monologue/dialogue (maximum one minute).

Note: As there are limited spots for this experience, Advanced Acting Participants that are not accepted may still attend as an Observer OR receive a full refund.

FAQ

1. What is the Exclusive Scene Study with Gil Bellows?

This 3-day event is an immersive, hands-on acting experience led by acclaimed actor, director, and Emmy-winning producer Gil Bellows. Through live scene study, on-set performance, and guided feedback, actors will strengthen their technique, deepen emotional connection, and refine their craft in a professional film environment.

2. Who should attend this event?

This event is ideal for aspiring and established actors who want to enhance their on-camera performance and gain insight from a veteran industry professional. Whether you’re an emerging performer looking to grow or a working actor seeking advanced feedback, this experience will provide valuable tools for your craft.

3. What can I expect during the Exclusive Scene Study?

Participants will engage in three days of acting workshops and live scene studies under Gil Bellows’ direction. The event includes:

• A meet & greet and introductions on Day 1
• Scene study workshops with feedback and coaching on Day 2
• On-set performances of your final scenes on Day 3

Observers will watch the process unfold, gaining insight into acting, directing, and on-set collaboration.

4. What is the difference between an Observer and an Advanced Acting Participant?

Observers watch all workshops and final performances, ask questions, and participate in select discussions.

Advanced Acting Participants perform in the scene study sessions, receiving personalized feedback from Gil Bellows. Participants must have prior acting experience or training and submit a short audition tape during registration.

5. Can I register with a partner?

Yes. You may register as a solo actor or as a duo with an acting partner. If registering solo, VFS will pair you with another participant for the scene work.

6. Where does the event take place?

All sessions will be held at VFS’s Film Campus, located at 151 West Cordova Street, Vancouver, BC.

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Host or Publisher Vancouver Film School