LAUNCH LAB: Directing with Erin White
- Sat, Jul 26
Run Time: 360 min.
Ready to master the craft of bringing stories to life on the screen?
The Mercury is thrilled to present this Launch Lab on the art of directing, led by the incredible Erin White. This intensive workshop is designed for aspiring and emerging directors, or anyone eager to deepen their understanding of the director’s pivotal role across all stages of a production.
Erin will delve into the core principles of directing, exploring the essential work involved in:
- Pre-Production: From script analysis and developing a compelling vision to detailed planning, shot listing, and visual storytelling, understand how to lay the groundwork for a successful project.
- Production (Shoot): Learn effective strategies for leading a set, blocking scenes, making critical on-the-spot decisions, and maintaining a cohesive artistic vision amidst the dynamic environment of a shoot.
- Post-Production: Discover the director’s vital role in the editing process, sound design, and color grading, ensuring the final product aligns with your original intent.
- Working with Actors: Gain invaluable techniques for conducting rehearsals, eliciting authentic performances, and building strong collaborative relationships with your cast via a practical afternoon workshop.
Erin White is a highly acclaimed director with a remarkable breadth of experience across theatre, film, and television. Known for her insightful approach and ability to draw out powerful performances, Erin has directed a diverse range of productions that have garnered critical praise and audience acclaim. Her work is characterized by a strong narrative focus, a keen eye for detail, and a deep understanding of human emotion.
Erin is uniquely suited to lead this Launch Lab because of her exceptional ability to demystify the directing process and empower participants. She possesses a rare combination of practical expertise, a generous spirit, and an inspiring passion for storytelling. Her extensive career has equipped her with a wealth of knowledge to share, from navigating the intricacies of script interpretation to fostering a collaborative and creative environment. Participants will benefit immensely from her practical tips, insightful critiques, and her proven track record of nurturing talent. Erin’s guidance will not only provide foundational skills but also inspire participants to find their unique directorial voice.
This workshop with one of Australia’s most renowned directors is a must-attend! Book now to gain invaluable insights into translating your artistic vision from the page to the screen.
Date: Saturday 26 July 2025
Time: Doors 9.30am | Lab 10.00am – 4.00pm | Networking 4.00pm – 5.00pm
Venue: The Mercury
Cost: FREE FOR MERCURY SUBSCRIBERS or $95
Erin White – Creator / Writer / Director
Erin is a multi-award-winning screenwriter and director whose work is characterised by nuanced and emotionally truthful performances, arresting visuals and seamless storytelling. She is the creator of Under the Vines for AcornTV and TVNZ starring Rebecca Gibney and UK’s Charles Edwards. Erin has written across all three series and directed on the first and third series. Recently, Erin has directed episodes of Paper Dolls for Paramount+/Helium Pictures, kids’ series The PM’s Daughter for ABC/Fremantle Australia and she was the set-up director for Wellmanla for Netflix/Fremantle Australia.
Other directing credits include Easy Tiger’s Doctor Doctor S4 and S5, Sando, Other People’s Problems, which screened at Berlin Film Festival, Squinters, It’s a Date, At Home With Julia, Rush, and a one-off drama adaptation of Lally Katz’s stage play, Stories I Want To Tell You In Person.
She has received multiple awards for her short screenplays. Her short film, Four, screened at over thirty festivals and was nominated in both writing and directing for an AFI Award. The film also won an IF Award and the Flickerfest Audience Award and screened at the G’day USA RADAR Showcase in LA and the Palm Springs Short Film Festival. It was the winner of the Best Emerging Screenwriter award at the Adelaide Shortsfest. Her short, Dugong, screened in competition at Sundance and Aspen Film Festivals and was the winner of the Flickerfest, St Kilda Film Festival and FilmFest@Falls Best Screenplay Awards. Dugong was nominated for two AFI Awards for Best Short Film and Best Screenplay, and an Australian Director’s Guild Award.
Erin was also nominated for the IF Award for Rising Talent. Another short, 62 Sleeps, won the Dendy Award for Best Drama at the Sydney Film Festival, and the Young Talent Award at the Munich International Festival of Film Schools. And Two Soldiers was nominated by the Film Critics Circle of Australia in the Emerging Talent category.
A key interest for Erin is script and story development and she has several series in development through her company, Hardy White Pictures, founded alongside Michelle Hardy.