The direction of the actors, that is-what it is ? Why is this important in the success of a film ? What are the keys to success ?

These are all questions that you will find below some answers !

The direction of the actors, that is-what it is ?

The direction of the actors is one of the key skills that the film-maker must control. It is for him to direct actors in the conduct of their character depending on the scenario, in order to jointly create a work, a film, a series ; and this can not be done without mutual listening. The direction of the actors is a real team work !

If the direction of the actors is a key skill, it is because without it, it’s not a good movie. What is the point of writing a scenario, identify locations that are appropriate, to mobilize funds, to turn, to do video editing, etc, if the actors missed their game, if they have not pasted to the needs of the film ? Nothing !

This is why we present to you below 12 keys to succeed in its direction of actors !

12 keys to a good direction of the actors !

1) 1st key to the success of one’s direction of the actors : take film courses

The profession of an actor is not easy, which means that the actors are often sensitive, vulnerable, and need to be understood and encouraged by the director to the actors.

One of the best ways to achieve this is to take the self-same course of cinema. This helps you to further identify what it means to be a good actor.

If as a director of a film, you take cinema lessons, you will better your direction of the actors.

2) 2nd key to a good direction of actors : master the characters of your film

To play their respective roles, your players will not hesitate to you ask questions such as :

Where is the character ? Where will it be ?

Why does he react this way ?

What are the true relationships between such and such a character ?

Etc.

If you answer wrong to these questions, you will hurt your actors, will fail in your direction of the actors ; this will be felt once you have your film edited.

To prevent this from happening, you will need to master the characters of your film. One of the best ways to achieve this is to make file cards of the characters.

3) 3rd key to successful management of stakeholders : clear the sub-text

The sub-text, that is, in a word, the message behind the text. This is the one that is not explicitly stated. But it is the one without which your players will play less well in their role.

Therefore, clear it. This will help your players to soak up more of their own character, storyline, etc, and … provide better performance.

4) 4th key to successful management of stakeholders : establish a true connection with your actors and get them involved in the game

Love your actors, be interested in what they are. They do not you will enjoy that more, you and your film project. This will enable you to connect to them, to enter truly into a relationship with them.

Once that is done, see them not as mere performers but as true partners : share with them your vision for the film, and the characters. Let them make suggestions. Don’t forget that they are there, it is also to bring you solutions.

5) the 5th key to directing his actors, so be concise in your directions

If during that your actors play a scene, you do not stop to give them guidance, they will misfire. Too many indications of game kill game hints. Keep it concise.

6) 6th key to the success of one’s direction of the actors : let your actors do their work

You’ve recruited good players, each of them knows his character, and you’ve given guidance concise.

Now, let them a little space to play with, and watch them play for the first time the stage ; and take the opportunity to refine the positions, the emotions, intonation, etc, But don’t be prescriptive with your players ; which leads us to the next key.

7) 7th key to being a good director of actors : do not be assertive, ask questions

Remember : if you have mastered the characters of your film and have managed to speak to them to relevant stakeholders and professionals, they know what they have to do.

So try not to be authoritarian, to command, to order. Instead, work with your actors. Working in a team.

To achieve this, it is essential that you used the questions : “I wonder if… ? And if you would… ? “, Etc.

This will lead your actors to reflection, which leads them to discover more about what it takes to play the character assigned to them.

This is all the more essential that your mind is absorbed by many tasks to accomplish : the direction of actors, and a bunch of other things. If you show that you are an authoritarian with your actors, and the details you have escaped, this will give a movie less good.

But if you do that through questions, you are letting your actors the opportunity to think about the details that, in the action, you have escaped.

If you do so, you will notice one thing : your players will take better charge of their individual respective ; which will improve their performance.

8) 8th key to be successful in its management of players : kill the anticipation

An actor must appear natural in its delivery. It should not give the impression of playing a role. If he stays trapped in his head and tries to anticipate every line, every action, there is not going to happen. As this is likely to create a gap embarrassing ; and the viewers shall make account of it.

As a responsible of the direction of actors, advise (remind) to your player think of the character, where he comes from, where it is going, its relationship with the other characters, in short, absorb them completely. It will then play in a way much more natural.

9) 9th key to direct his actors : speak using verbs

Many actors memorize certain actions in order to do well at the right time. But the truth is that it affects their performance. Because their actions don’t seem to come with the character. They don’t seem natural.

To avoid this, as a responsible of the direction of the actors, you can share it with your actors verbs that stimulate creative ideas and develop new actions based solely on the character.

10) 10th key to the success of one’s direction of the actors : be late in the processing of your actors

If you want to make notes to your actors, do they ever do that in public, in front of the other actors or technical staff. If someone has a note to you about a player, never let it do so in public. He goes in to speak quietly with you, away from all !

If you do not do this, your actors are already sensitive and vulnerable will feel so humiliated that this will be shortened in their game, and therefore in your film.

You have to protect your players, treat them warmly, ensure that they keep a positive mindset (even if you just make a note) and create a positive environment in which they feel loved.

11) 11th key to direct his actors : make sure that your actors remain focused on their character

The role involves being self-aware and to self-judge constantly. This can quickly destabilise the player and get him to focus on himself instead of thinking about his character. This can cause it to act only with his head instead of the heart.

As a responsible of the direction of actors, you need to ensure that the actor stays focused on his character ; so you will avoid many problems during the shooting, and will help to produce better performance.