In the summer of 2021, Cheek By Jowl joined forces with filmmaker Sophie Fiennes to create the first in-depth documentation of Cheek By Jowl’s unique process and philosophy. The end result is a richly detailed and thrilling celebration of Declan Donnellan and Nick Ormerod’s vital method of creating theatre.
Using four key scenes and several soliloquies from Macbeth, Declan and Nick worked with eight actors over two weeks in Twyford Abbey, a derelict mansion on the outskirts of London. Sophie Fiennes operated as a single shooter with the camera harnessed to her body, offering audiences immersive and privileged access into our Artistic Directors’ work.
After receiving its UK premiere at the Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF), ACTING received its international premiere at the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam (IDFA) this November.
ACTING is a co-production of Cheek by Jowl, Amoeba Film, and Lone Star Productions, with support from CHEERIO Publishing and Arts Council England.
Producers MARTIN ROSENBAUM, SOPHIE FIENNES, SHANI HINTON
Director Camera Editor SOPHIE FIENNES