Throughout my career directing across film, television, commercials and theatre, I found there were countless opportunities to develop as a filmmaker, but very few dedicated to the craft of working with actors.

Inspired by the teachings of my mentor, Judith Weston, I founded the London Actor Director Lab in 2023 to bring the spirit of her original Los Angeles Lab to London, creating a space where directors could develop their craft through rehearsal, script analysis and collaboration with professional actors.

Since then, the Lab has run over twenty cohorts of directors working across film, television and theatre. Many return as their careers develop, making it an ongoing space to challenge themselves, refine their process and deepen their work with actors.

Alongside founding the Lab, I've been invited to teach through BIFA Springboard and as a visiting lecturer at institutions including London Film School. I also founded Tribe Collective, a community of more than 200 writers, directors and actors committed to supporting one another through workshops, residencies and creative collaboration.

Together, these experiences continue to shape and evolve the Lab.

I believe directing is a lifelong craft. However experienced we become, there is always another rehearsal to explore, another question to ask and another way of helping actors unlock truthful, compelling performances. That's what the Actor Director Lab is all about.

Mandi Riggi

Writer-Director • Founder of the London Actor Director Lab • Founder of Tribe Collective