01 July 2011
Famed Director Mark Rydell Joins Art Center's Film Program
Art Center College of Design, USA
June 30, 2011, Pasadena, Calif. — Acclaimed actor, director, producer and teacher Mark Rydell has recently been appointed as part-time faculty in Art Center College of Design’s undergraduate Film program, it was formally announced today by Film Department Chair Ross LaManna. For the Summer 2011 term Mr. Rydell has begun teaching an advanced class for directors working with actors.
In Mr. Rydell’s directing class, students learn to work with the actor and the script in narrative film. Emphasis is on making the scene work, from casting to getting actors camera-ready. Each student is expected to direct and present three fully rehearsed scenes with accompanying research, floor plan and character descriptions.
“I believe a director’s most essential skill is communicating with actors,” stated Mr. LaManna. “Having Mark Rydell part of Art Center Film is an extraordinary opportunity for our students to learn from one of the very best actors’ directors in Hollywood.”
“One of the most critical skills that directors must develop is an ability to understand how difficult it is for an actor to create genuine behavior,” said Mr. Rydell. “It should be mandatory for all aspiring directors to take acting classes, so they can directly comprehend actors’ problems. Art Center Film’s wisdom in recognizing this issue is a principal reason that I agreed to teach there.”
Mr. Rydell received an Academy Award nomination as Best Director for On Golden Pond. The critically acclaimed film was also nominated for Best Picture. His legendary stars, Henry Fonda and Katherine Hepburn, won Best Actor and Best Actress Academy Awards for their performances. Co-star Jane Fonda was nominated for Best Supporting Actress.
Mr. Rydell currently serves as Artistic Co-Director (with actor Martin Landau) of Actors Studio West. As a director, Mr. Rydell’s other credits include his feature film directorial debut The Fox, The Reivers starring Steve McQueen, The Cowboys starring John Wayne, Cinderella Liberty starring James Caan, Harry and Walter Go To New York starring Michael Caine and Elliot Gould, The Rose and For the Boys, both starring Bette Midler, The River starring Sissy Spacek and Mel Gibson, Intersection starring Richard Gere and Sharon Stone, and Even Money starring Kim Basinger and Forest Whitaker.
Mr. Rydell also directed a TNT bio-pic about his friend, James Dean. The telefilm earned its star James Franco a Golden Globe award for his portrayal of the titular character. Rydell acted in the movie, playing studio head Jack Warner. Among Rydell’s other memorable film performances is mob kingpin Marty Augustine in Robert Altman’s The Long Goodbye.
Art Center’s Film program educates filmmakers in both the technological and narrative skills of motion pictures whether they’re aimed for the theater screen, an iPod screen or anything in between. Students begin shooting immediately, with access to HD, 16mm, 35mm and the latest digital post-production tools. The College boasts private editing suites, surround-sound recording and mixing studios, multi-computer labs available 24 hours a day, a 5,000-square-foot stage with a cyclorama and green-screen digital compositing equipment. Accomplished, working professionals—many from nearby motion picture and television studios—teach small, hands-on classes, fostering close mentoring relationships with students who gain a thorough understanding of the entire filmmaking process.
About Art Center College of Design
Founded in 1930 and located in Pasadena, California, Art Center College of Design is a global leader in art and design education. Art Center offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in a wide variety of art and design disciplines, as well as public programs for all ages and levels of experience. Renowned for its ties to industry and preparing students for professional practice, Art Center is the first design school to receive the United Nations’ Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) status, providing opportunities for students to create design based solutions for humanitarian and non-profit agencies around the world. During the College’s 80-year history, Art Center’s alumni have had a profound impact on popular culture, the way we live, and important issues in our society.