Acting for camera.
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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 …
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‘Just do what you did in the audition.’
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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 screen. Watching your eyes.
If your imagination – of the elephants – does it, then fine. But, a simple technique that is always available …
Read MoreIt’s in the masters.
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‘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.’
Eric Clapton, Royal Albert Hall interview, 2017.
It’s always interesting to hear what the …
Read MoreDirectors.
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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 but their relative status in the movie business is about the same as yours.
It’s the …
Read MoreBlockbusters.
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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 grappling with a …
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Live and - not but.
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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. What you say reflects your outlook. Using and instead of but can have a positive affect on …
Read MoreHumility.
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One of the first actors I ever coached asked me the other day, ‘Do you teach proactive humility?’.
I paused and thought about it…’Yes, I guess I do.’ I haven’t thought of those two ideas – proactive and humility – together.
I like it. I do teach that.
Dezso Magyar, former Artistic Director of the …
Read MoreOld school is good school.
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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 work means.
Often it means not …
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 to acting.
Is willingness the opposite of permission?
All actors must be willing. Willing to try what the director or coach suggests or what’s written …
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 MoreRazzle.
/Do you get dazzled by the razzle?
The Americans have been dazzling Canadians for a very long time. Economic, political, military, – and cultural razzle.
You’re an actor and you’ve played some wonderful roles on TV series, in independent films and theatre, so try and balance that worth with the worth of a role in a …
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 passersby.
Play that age-old actor’s game of guessing who everyone is. What jobs each person does. Guess their age, if they’re married, nationality, income. Notice their bodies, how they walk, hold their head and …
Read MoreClarity with thought.
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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 MoreChemistry read.
/You’ve done the first audition and the call-back and now they’ve asked you to come in for a chemistry read.
Does the term divert you?
So many terms in the movie business need …
Read MoreThe producers like you.
/You might audition for the same series numerous times.
It’s common to wonder why they keep bringing you in and why you don’t get cast.
If you keep getting auditions for a particular series it means the producers and casting want you on that …
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