PROFESSIONAL TOOLKIT: Directing Actors
During our two days with Nigel, i learned some extremely useful tips and tricks about how to work with actors to get the best out of their performance and to keep them happy.
The main points were
The main points were
- Give them objectives and goals, not visual direction
- Try not to position them, just lay out the props and let them figure out the layout. If your props are in the right place they should hit the marks you originally intended.
- Let the actors know the framing of the shot so that they can adjust their performance as needed.
- Be fast and clear about the directions you are giving
Also some tips on casting
- Give them a shorter stripped down version of the script
- Have someone read with them if they are not alone in the scene
- When filming let them know in advance
- Have someone to meet and greet them
- Don't ask them for their life story, but be polite and "break the ice"
- If you don't cast them, don't tell them until the end of the production. By doing this if another actor bails out you can just notify them that they've been cast for the role.
Lastly it was amazing seeing actual actors performing, and just puts in perspective what they are capable of and how hard their job is.
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