I think the most difficult aspect of this industry is opinions. Everyone has one. For me, I tend to tune out when someone starts a sentence or makes a statement with, “I think.” Right away, it turns me off. I lose interest when people lead with their opinion. Filming for actors in San Antonio is a little different though. I feel like the people here are more serious about working on their craft.
Instead, I make it a point to ask follow-up questions. That way, I can better understand someone’s thought process, especially when it comes to creative choices.
When I’m doing on-camera coaching, or directing the cold reading classes, I never start a sentence with, “I think” or “I feel.” I start with something like, “Great work. Explain to me what the character was thinking and how you arrived at that choice.”
If the actor doesn’t know, that’s fine too. Sometimes people can’t explain why they made a particular choice or why they performed a scene the way they did. I’m like that sometimes.
I’m there to direct and help present options and possibilities that allow the performer to come up with ideas on their own. You never want an actor to feel dependent on you. You also never want a performer to lose confidence. Confidence is everything when it comes to making strong choices.
I personally believe watching yourself back, especially your audition reads, can teach you almost everything you need to know. You know what else I like to do? I watch performances back on mute so I can focus entirely on the body language.
Back in the day, there was very little dialogue in movies, but you could still understand exactly what was happening based on movement, body language and facial expressions. Less was often more.
Watching yourself this way can tell you a lot. Are you communicating without speaking? Are you doing too much? Are you actually listening? Does the character’s thought process come through even without the dialogue?
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