Doug Rao's Creative Workshops Inspired by his Award-Winning Cannes and Raindance Feature Film DIRTY BOY
For: Acting/Performance students at BA or MA level
ACTING FOR THE CAMERA: Truth (and Lies) in Psychological Drama
An immersive acting workshop exploring emotional authenticity, psychological complexity, and screen performance technique through scenes and material from DIRTY BOY.
Students leave with powerful techniques for creating subtle, yet memorable cinematic performances.
For: Filmmaking Students at BA or MA Level
BIG SCREEN DREAMS: Making Your First Feature Film a Reality
A hands-on producing and directing workshop based on Doug Rao’s journey making his debut feature DIRTY BOY — from script genesis to packaging, funding and Cannes premiere and US theatrical release.
This course demystifies the independent filmmaking process: writing, financing, directing, and distribution.
Students leave with an actionable blueprint for making their own feature!
For: Creative Writing and Screenwriting Students BA or MA level
SACRED STORY STRUCTURE: Elevating Character and Plot with an Award-Winning Story Paradigm
Using DIRTY BOY and Doug Rao’s award-winning script GUNN (PAGE Screenwriting Gold Award) as core examples, this workshop explores the process of writing screenplays that command lasting attention.
Students learn mythic structure concepts, developing profound characters using the spiritual psychology behind timeless storytelling, and will leave with their own fleshed out cinematic story structure.
For: Literature, Media, Philosophy and Culture Students BA or MA Level
THE PSYCHOLOGY OF STORY: Myth, Madness & Meaning in Cinema
A cross-disciplinary seminar that bridges film, literature, and philosophy, exploring DIRTY BOY through the lens of mythology, psychology, and spiritual storytelling.
Students will examine how stories shape cultural identity and personal meaning.
Explore mythic and psychological archetypes in contemporary cinema
Develop analytical tools for dissecting story, theme and character
Connect classic literary motifs (Greek, Biblical) with modern screenwriting
Inspire students to approach storytelling as a form of personal and cultural expression