Working with actors is one of the most rewarding and challenging aspects of film production. Actors bring your vision to life, but they also have their own needs, preferences, and personalities. How do you collaborate with them in a respectful and productive way? Here are some tips to help you work with actors effectively.
Actors are not just puppets who recite your lines. They are creative professionals who have trained and practiced their craft for years. They have their own methods, techniques, and goals for their performance. To work with them respectfully, you need to understand their craft and appreciate their contribution. Learn the basics of acting theory, terminology, and styles. Ask them about their process and preferences. Listen to their feedback and suggestions. Respect their choices and challenges.
Actors are the vessel through which a screenplay breathes life. To truly harness their talent, consider them as collaborators, not just performers. Remember, they inhabit characters, feeling their emotions and thinking their thoughts. Rather than just dictating, engage in conversations. Dive into their interpretation of a role, understanding their rationale. Create a space where they feel safe to experiment, possibly revealing nuances you hadn’t envisioned. By recognizing and valuing their expertise, you forge a partnership that enriches your project. In this symbiotic relationship, you aren’t just producing scenes; you’re painting vivid emotions on the canvas of cinema.
treat everyone as an equal on set. that’s it. that’s how you work respectfully.
Respecting all members of the production requires an appreciation of everyone's contribution and the knowledge and experience to understand that diversity of opinion doesn't threaten your authority. Each actor is different. Getting to know their needs and how they approach their craft before production starts can often provide the space and buffer to keep the intense differences in opinion, which can occur on set, respectful.
Every time you have the chance to be very close on set to an actor, the most important thing is to listen carefully to their questions. An actor that understands the main needs of the scene, can give their own way to share the unique character they have built for the story. I've learned that whenever you give yourself the chance to listen on set, you can create great and powerful feelings. Trust your gut, your instinct but most importantly, work on your communication skills 'cause that's the only way you can share your excitement and your vision. Being clear in every thought can be a very hard task to accomplish when you're in the middle of the stress on set. Keep in mind that movies are created shot by shot, beat by beat.
If you've never worked with actors before, it would be worth your while to consider taking a few acting classes yourself just to experience what it's like and to understand how actors prepare. Ideally, if you have a great casting director, you're getting professionals for your project... in which case, they should have a sense of what is required and your direction can be fairly simple... "One more, but a little faster," or "Let's go again, but this time... hold your emotion back a bit." Like that. With newer actors you may need to be more explicit. Just remember that each actor is individual. Keep notes brief and specific and always deal with the actor one on one - never shout from the monitors.
Communication is key to any successful collaboration. When working with actors, you need to communicate clearly and kindly. Be specific and concise about your expectations, instructions, and feedback. Avoid vague or ambiguous language that can confuse or frustrate them. Use positive and constructive words that encourage and support them. Avoid harsh or negative words that can hurt or demotivate them. Be honest and respectful, but also flexible and open-minded.
When directing actors, imagine yourself as a painter describing color to a musician: you’re both artists, but your languages are distinct. It’s imperative to find a common ground. Be the director who offers clarity, not ambiguity. Frame feedback as opportunities for exploration rather than critiques. When detailing a scene, be clear but allow space for their artistic interpretation. The goal isn’t to dictate every nuance but to co-create a shared vision. Acknowledge their insights and vulnerabilities, embracing them as strengths. By establishing a dialogue rooted in mutual respect and understanding, you foster a harmonious and productive atmosphere on set.
The best thing is to be on the same page. Creativity has no boundaries, so directors' and actors' point of view could be different for the same scene or sequences. For this, the Director has to be very clear about what is the emotional map of that scene and how he is planning to treat it? What is he expecting from the actors? Also he/she should be open to listen to the actors' version for the same and together needs to work on it. Sometime actors somes up with some brilliant variation that lit-up the scenes. Always remember, film making is a team work.
As an Audio professional communication is the keystone to working well and smoothly with actors. When I comes to my job sometimes I may have to come into close physical proximity with actors for various reasons mostly to do with placing lav microphones on their person. I make sure to talk to people in production or wardrobe or maybe an assistant to find out how they prefer to be miked or if they prefer some one else do it. I make sure to clearly tell any person what I’m about to do and why when it comes to being close to them and always asking how and what they prefer to do when it comes to sound. Ask when it makes sense. Be polite. And try your best to smile. Oh and smell good too.
Trust and rapport are essential for a good working relationship with actors. Actors need to feel comfortable and confident with you and your crew. They need to know that you care about them and their work. To establish trust and rapport, you need to show interest and empathy. Get to know them as individuals, not just as characters. Learn their names, backgrounds, and interests. Share your vision, goals, and challenges. Be friendly, courteous, and respectful. Show gratitude and appreciation.
Trust isn’t merely built; it’s earned, especially with actors. These artists bare their souls on set, and to do so, they need a foundation of trust. Rather than seeing them as mere characters, recognize the humans beneath. Understand that every line delivered is a fusion of script and personal essence. A simple “How are you?” can mean more than a rehearsed directorial cue. Share a laugh, discuss shared interests, and openly converse about the project’s aspirations. By investing emotionally and professionally, you’re not just making actors feel valued; you’re creating an environment where artistry flourishes uninhibited.
Establishing a strong foundation of trust with actors stands as the most effective approach to extracting their optimal performance. By cultivating an equivalent level of passion and dedication for the film project within the artists themselves, the desired outcomes can be achieved. Instead of imposing tasks beyond their scope, engagement through meaningful dialogue is paramount. Open communication, coupled with articulating the project's objectives and the potential recognition or accolades associated with their participation, serves as a more productive avenue. Extending the conversation beyond the realm of the film, encompassing shared interests, fosters a good alignment of perspectives and augments the likelihood of actor collaboration
I would add that there is an excellent reason to respect the work of an actor. A good actor not only has the required skills and tools necessary to perform; but they open their hearts and souls for the job.
Actors need space and time to prepare, rehearse, and perform. They need to focus, relax, and get into character. To work with them respectfully, you need to give them space and time. Respect their boundaries and privacy. Don't interrupt or distract them when they are working. Don't rush or pressure them when they are not ready. Provide them with a comfortable and safe environment. Allow them to have breaks and rest.
Every actor’s process is akin to a delicate dance, balancing preparation with performance. As stewards of their craft, it’s crucial to recognize and respect this intricate balance. Think of their space as a sanctuary, where characters come alive and raw emotions are channeled. Avoid the urge to micromanage, allowing them to dive deep into their roles. Whether it’s a quiet moment before a scene or a longer break between shots, these periods are sacred, rejuvenating both mind and character. By fostering an atmosphere of patience and understanding, you not only show respect for their craft but also cultivate an environment where true artistic magic can unfold.
Send them on full breaks on time always! Advocate for them if other creatives are pushing for too long. If the show starts two minutes late because they need a minute, GIVE it to them. If they need to show up after the hour because they’re coming from a day job, help them into costume!
Working with actors is a collaborative and creative process. You and your actors have a common goal: to create a great film. To achieve that goal, you need to collaborate and compromise. Don't impose your vision or ideas on them. Don't micromanage or control them. Instead, invite them to share their vision and ideas with you. Listen to their input and feedback. Consider their perspective and suggestions. Find a balance between your vision and theirs. Be willing to adapt and adjust.
When crafting ‘Toy Story,’ Disney and Pixar showcased the beauty of collaboration. Woody and Buzz, with conflicting perspectives, eventually realized that by combining their strengths, they could achieve their goals. Similarly, in filmmaking, a director and actor might approach a scene with distinct visions. Yet, it’s in these differences that true cinematic magic lies. Instead of asserting dominance over an actor’s portrayal, embrace their perspective. Meld your vision with theirs, much like Woody and Buzz learned to work together. Through mutual respect and collaboration, you pave the way for a tale as memorable and heartwarming as any animated adventure.
Film production is a collaborative effort. As a director, if your actors trust you enough, they will bring in perspectives, ideas you never thought about. This can be from their wealth of practical experience and exposure.
Compromise with dialogue, script direction and character choices will foster deeper engagement with the project and create a stronger sense of ownership for actors. The more compromise, the deeper the engagement, the stronger the ownership and the greater the collaboration.
Working with actors is also a rewarding and fun experience. You and your actors have a shared passion: to tell a story. To enjoy that experience, you need to celebrate and support each other. Don't take them for granted or forget their contribution. Don't criticize or blame them for mistakes or problems. Instead, acknowledge their achievements and efforts. Compliment their skills and talents. Congratulate them for their successes and milestones. Encourage them to grow and learn.
Imagine you're orchestrating a crucial scene in your film, fully aware that the actor's performance is pivotal for its success. Despite the scene taking longer than anticipated to shoot, you managed to obtain outstanding results given the circumstances. While you did achieve your creative triumph, as a leader, it's important to acknowledge the significance of your team members, particularly the actors. In this moment, it's essential to commemorate the achievement with your crew and extend heartfelt congratulations to the actors for their unwavering commitment.
Give your actors as much support as they need. A good director and/or a good producer is empathetic, a "conoisseur" of human nature and a brillant psychologist. The best way to help your actors to achieve the aims of the production is to celebrate each and every single of their success and the progress they make. Do not forget to celebrate after each week, in the very center of the production and after reaching the finish line. The whole team, especially the actors will be thankful for the support you give them. Show your actors respect and thankfulness.
When directing actors, don’t give them results (e.g. happy, sad, angry). Give them playable directions in the form of verbs (e.g. encourage, grieve, force, punish) to keep them focused, in the moment and out of their heads.
Pay them on time. Give them reasonable call times. Don't dress up a role like as if it will change their life. Especially when its just one scene long and you don't spend time briefing them. Make sure your assistants have clear briefs else brief actors directly. Sometimes direction gets lost in translation
When you start the production on the very first day of filming, allow each member of the team, especially the actors, to introduce themselves and ask them to explain, what they understand as respect and respectfulness and how they want to be treated. The best producers create in this moment a kind of verbal production contract, that stipulates the very needs and expectations of the team members, the ways to achieve this and the instruments of follow-up. These instruments will be used when the success of this verbal contract will not be guaranteed any more. These instrument may include ways of discussing through the problems, conferences and instruments to motivate the team members, that are responsible for losing track.