|
Film requires its own skill set in addition to good acting fundamentals. Here are some tips that I know the help improve you hone your film acting:
You should always be aware of what your frame is for the particular shot. Don’t be afraid to ask the director or the director of photography (DP). Is it a medium shot? Close-up? Over-the-shoulder? Knowing the shot will inform you on how much of you body is going to be caught on camera. You must save your important movements for the shots that will catch them.
The eyes are the key to the soul. The camera will catch an actor’s eyes more than anything. If you are truly in the moment of your scene, the camera will catch it in your eyes. You must be deeply focused in your seen while you’re on camera and always be “in the moment”.
If you mess up a line, start over and keep going. You can always pick the seen back up from the beginning. This will keep the work going and lessen delays. It’s not the actor’s place to stop the scene. The director will call cut if he or she needs to. If not, then keep rolling with the scene. Don’t make a big deal about flubbed lines; multiple takes and editors will remedy that.
Film acting requires you to work with a whole army of people (camera operators, lighting, sound dept. etc.). Pay attention and be aware of the work they have to do as well. Know your mark, your camera angle, and where your mic is. This will make you easy to work with and the production team will be truly grateful. It will also make you look like a true professional.
Basic acting fundamentals apply to any kind of medium you are acting in, including film. Don’t throw out what your acting teacher taught you!
|
