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The Skillset Stanley Kubrick Masterclass with Sydney Pollack
Thu 11 May 2006
A true cinema great: Sydney Pollack
Co-presented by The National Film and Television School
Balancing directing star names with acting in his own and others’ films while producing at the very highest level, Sydney Pollack is a man with something of a golden touch. A career which began in the 60s saw him first directing episodes of TV’s The Fugitive series, before slipping apparently effortlessly into feature film. Pollack’s commercial success has been unparalleled: nominated for two Oscars (Tootsie, They Shoot Horses, Don’t They?) before winning for Out of Africa; getting the best performances out of star names from Redford and Kidman, to Cruise and Fonda; and directing twelve actors in Oscar-nominated performances. Alongside this has come major critical acclaim, the recognition of his peers as president of the Cannes Festival Jury, and a reputation as a true cinephile (resulting in his hosting of the TCM ‘Essentials’ series). Somehow Pollack still finds the time to appear as a serious character actor himself with a range that has spanned his own films and those of major fellow directors (Stanley Kubrick, Woody Allen) to mainstream TV (with a regular Will & Grace guest spot). Co-running a production company in partnership with our own Anthony Minghella, Pollack has long had a close association with the UK and will be using this masterclass to explore the relationship between the UK and US industries, the different skills needed to balance performing, directing and producing, and the questionable pleasure in making movies: "I don't value a film I've enjoyed making. If it's good, it's damned hard work".
Thursday 11 May at 7pm
Hayward Gallery, Belvedere Road, London SE1
Please note: this is an invitation only event - there are no public tickets on sale for this event - but did you know that if you were a Script Factory Member you would have been eligible for one of a limited number of free tickets for this event. To find out more about Membership, .
This event is funded by Skillset through the Film Skills Fund and is one of The Skillset Stanley Kubrick Masterclass series, presented by the National Film & Television School and The Script Factory, and co-supported by Warner Bros Studios.