…then act like one. No… I’m not talking about Lindsey Lohan, and her recent run in with the judge that revoked her probation.
I’m talking about the things movies stars do on screen that makes them movie stars…. or rather, what they don’t do. Know what that is?
What does that mean? It means that with nothing more than their face and their eyes, they can tell a story – holding STILL and drawing the camera, and the audience, into them.
See, when you move unnecessarily, you weaken your performance. You should only move for a reason. Especially when in your close up. The frame is so tight, that even an eyebrow lift is a huge movement on a 40 foot screen.
Many actors do to much… in film, all you have to do is think it, and the audience will get it.
I had the pleasure of working with two pros this weekend. I can’t tell you anymore about the film because I’ve sworn myself to secrecy – but let me just say, a new project is coming, with some top notch actors.
Anyway, it was a joy to watch these actors work. Take after take, they were a 100 percent spot on in their performance. The pacing was great, the performance was dynamic, and we played the entire scene in a two shot without cutting away. You have to be a solid actor to pull that off.
It was an emotional scene, yet every take the actor was dropping a tear on cue. Able to pop in and out of character with a split second’s notice. That takes discipline and focus. Knowing your character so well that you can get to “that” place immediately.
I see a lot of actors moving too much, and taking too many unnecessary beats. This is largely in part because the actor doesn’t trust themselves. If you don’t trust yourself, no one else will. Have the confidence in your work (and I am not talking about diva attitude here), I’m talking about confidence that comes from preparation and focus, to give a still, riveting performance that reels the audience in.
Do you want to work more as an actor? Then give performances that leave directors raving about your work.
If you can’t afford acting class, get a video camera, run scenes everyday… critique the scenes… work the scenes in tight close up. Practice letting the camera come to you. Your performances and career will thank you. Even if you can afford acting class, you should be doing that.
There are SO many great actors out there… good is not good enough. You HAVE to rise above the competition. You do so by working everyday to perfect your craft. It’s a lifelong pursuit. Enjoy the journey.