Language.
/As an actor you already know much about language.
And, tomes upon tomes have been written about it. Let’s touch on a few points.
Writers know language best and actors …
Read MoreActing for the camera.
/This is the proper title.
At the end of the day when we make movies you are acting for the camera. The acting classes geared for film and TV must have this title.
Yes, read-throughs, first blocking …
Read More‘Just do what you did in the audition.’
/That’s what directors often say when you arrive on set to play a guest lead or day role
They don’t remember exactly what you did in the audition, it’s a learned phrase that series shooters repeat. Or, they say …
Read MoreFocus your eyes.
/There are always real objects in front of you when you’re filming.
If you’re supposed to be seeing elephants running towards you see what works best for you to focus your eyes.
For you and for us watching you on …
It’s in the masters.
/‘I don’t really have anything new to offer. I’m just playing now ‘til I drop. I can try something new…but mostly I’ve resolved into a sort of habit form of playing. I play things that are familiar to me ...’
Read MoreDirectors.
/Most series directors are in the same boat as you;
They are freelance and were looking for a job when they got this one.
They do have the authority on set …
Read MoreBlockbusters. 3
/Film is a new art form.
What’s a blockbuster?
A block could be a stone; bust, a verb to break; so, breaking a stone. Would that be like cracking the nut?
We often say that when …
Read MoreLive and - not but.
/Whether you use the word and or but makes quite a difference.
If you’re asked ‘Are you working?’ and you reply ‘Yes, but, it’s only a small role.’ That is very different from replying ‘Yes, and it’s going well.’
Your self-talk is important to you as a professional …
Read MoreOld school.
/So many guidelines in the film and TV industry are gone.
The times have changed. Often protocol isn’t followed, clauses in the producer/actor agreements are broken, preparation time for auditions shortened, less …
Read MoreHard work.
/When you’re preparing an audition or going on set and you know the situation, the tone, the quality, what you’re doing - try to avoid beating it to death.
You want to work hard. Good. But, ask yourself what hard …
Read MorePermission.
/In acting class, the other day, students said that they were glad to have permission to cry, swear, shout or insult.
I’m not so sure about permission. When it comes …
Read MoreA peaceful pocket of time.
/Observe when you’re in time and it’s peaceful.
You’ll be in thought then.
Seeing you thinking on screen is something we want. Try to learn when you’re in time and to identify different blocks of time.
Time can be like being on a train …
Read MoreHow your mind enjoys it's own cleverness with language.
/As you speak, your mind can be aware of the beauty and clarity of the language it's creating.
With certain characters – speakers – there is an awareness that their dialogue – their speech - is good. Or, the manner in which they are delivering it sounds good.
It’s an overlapping support …
Read MoreStop, look and listen.
/When you’re out and about stop and look at the people passing by.
Play that age-old actor’s game of guessing who everyone is. What jobs each person does. Guess they’re age, if they’re married, nationality, income. Notice their bodies, how they walk, hold their head and general bearing. Hair and make-up.What they wear – and what …
Read MoreClarity with thought.
/On hearing truisms and maxims early on in your career you learn the phrase.
Often, you go round repeating it at opportune moments without giving it a thought. The assumption is that you heard it, it was explained to …
Read More
