Everything is fine when you have a professional actor on your set, but what if you have fans or extras that you need to complete your scene? Supporting actors / talents and even extras add an authentic feel to your set. The office worker in the background working on her laptop, the lady talking on her cell phone (in the background) on the street. They are all important, but often they have no acting experience. So how do you give them a crash course in acting?
During a movie making session, our producer will always spend about 30 minutes with all the talents and show them how to behave during filming. They will know what to expect when you call “Action” or “Cut”. If we take the time to inform them, even the most inexperienced person can do well on film.
Here are some basic but useful rules when directing your actors / talents:
1) Don’t start until I say ‘Action’
Many talents tend to get ahead of themselves, especially when they’re nervous and will start their signal before the camera has time to roll. We always tell them to wait until the director of the movie says “Action!”
2) Never stop until I say ‘Cut’
I’ve experienced this often – talents who think they’re done with what they’re supposed to do during a shot stop and seek directions. We tell them to keep doing what comes naturally to them until the director of the film says ‘Cut!’ I think it’s important for us to explain that maybe the film director finds that he wants to film more of the scene. Maybe you think the lead actor is doing a good job, or maybe you want to prolong the shot for creative reasons. Whatever it is, the talent has to keep acting until they hear ‘Cut!’
3) Never look at the camera!
I think it is probably the most important of the 4 rules. We want a movie to look as natural as possible. Talents should never look at the camera or the film director. Some talents will stop in the middle of their act and look at the camera as if seeking approval. Whose!
4) This last rule is for new filmmakers.
You give the familiar signal: ‘Lights! Camera! Action!’ Remember to wait for it. Let the lighting crew call back along the lines of ‘Lights on!’ The camera operators must yell “Rolling.” The director calls “Wait!” The person on the clapperboard (if available) will call the scene, for example. ‘Stalkers, scene 25, take 1!’ and hit the clapperboard. Now it’s your turn to shout the iconic ‘Action!’
There you have it, some basic principles on how to direct actors and talents. Remember to be confident and well informed. Actors (and people in general) tend to perform better when their leaders know what they are doing. Taking the time to memorize your scenes and be intimately familiar with your studio equipment is a definite plus.
Give compliments when they are due, work well with the rest of your team, show them respect, and you may well be on your way to becoming an accomplished filmmaker. All the best!