The Craft of Film Acting

Welcome! In this first lecture you will get an overview of the whole course, from the first audition all the way through to a day on the set.

What Is Acting?

Let's begin by finding a definition of acting that we can agree on.

The Six Questions

Here is a quick review of acting fundamentals, so that we are using a common vocabulary going forward.

As the character:

1. Who am I talking to?

2. What do I want?

3. What's stopping me from getting it?

4. How will I try to get what I want despite that obstacle?

5. What are the given circumstances of the scene?

6. What is the moment before?

The Audition: Part 1

A professional approach to preparing your audition for the Casting Director.

The best technique for highlighting your script.

The Audition: Part 2: The Callback

Preparing for The Callback for the Film Director

• The script

• The director

• Positive attitude!

• Memorize or not?

• The essential shift from left brain to right brain.

• When the director suggests adjustments

Film Acting Is Not a Performing Art!

The difference between stage acting and screen acting.

The importance of the Kuleshov Effect

Know the Frame Size!

The 5 T's system

The changes necessary as you proceed through the coverage shots, from Master to Close-up

On the Set

You got the part! Now what?

Be prepared for a long day!

Hitting your marks.

Getting ready for the "master" shot. Back to the left brain.

Coverage

As you progress from "master" through "coverage", a shift must occur from left brain to right brain.

The closer the shot, the greater the spontaneity and intuitiveness.

The film actor's mantra.

The Close-up Conundrum

Provocative questions Exercise

This is an exercise  that effectively demonstrates the all-important power of responding spontaneously "in the moment".

Reaction Shots

Reactions are far more important on screen than on stage because of the editor's ability to aim the viewer's attention.

"Directorspeak"

A director's language is different than an actor's.

Directors think in terms of results. Actors must focus on the process to achieve those results.

Therefore it is often necessary to convert direction into actable terms.

A Few Thoughts About Sound Recording

When is overlapping dialog permissible?

Volume: Stage versus screen

The Eyes Have It!

A comparison of looks styles.

And in conclusion...