Directing the Actor is a 3 day hands-on workshop with Peter D. Marshall that focuses on the Filmmaker's main task: Directing the Actor! This course is designed for any Filmmaker who wants to know how to get the best results from an actor.
DIRECTING THE ACTOR FOR PERFORMANCE
Directing the Actor is a 3 day hands-on workshop with Peter D. Marshall that concentrates on the Filmmaker's main task: Directing the Actor! This course was designed for any Filmmaker who wants to know how to get the best results from any actor.
DAY ONE
* The role of the director
* Script structure
* Scene analysis
* The role of the actor
* Character development
* Subtext and mes-en-scene
* Communicating with actors
* Breaking down a scene (for Day Two)
DAY TWO
* The casting session (actual audition with actors)
* Students begin directing the scene with actors
DAY THREE
* Students complete directing the scene with actors
* View and discuss videos
To discover more about Directing the Actor 3 Day Workshop,
or to find out how you can bring this workshop to your city, Click Here.
DAY ONE
* The role of the director
* Script structure
* Scene analysis
* The role of the actor
* Character development
* Subtext and mes-en-scene
* Communicating with actors
* Breaking down a scene (for Day Two)
DAY TWO
* The casting session (actual audition with actors)
* Students begin directing the scene with actors
DAY THREE
* Students complete directing the scene with actors
* View and discuss videos
To discover more about Directing the Actor 3 Day Workshop,
or to find out how you can bring this workshop to your city, Click Here.
Character Personality Traits
This subject is discussed further in the Directing the Actor Workshop
The first time a director works with an actor is usually during the casting session, and the thing I do to prepare for this session, is to make a note of each character's personality traits - the inner patterns and workings of their psyche.
Because all individuals have personality traits, knowing what type of person you are dealing with is an important first step to understanding the inner world of a character - and the actor!
There are four main functions of the psyche and each approaches reality from a different point of view and with a different question - each holds onto a different part of reality.
The four functions of the psyche are:
1) Intuition
2) Thinking
3) Feeling
4) Sensation
Because all individuals have personality traits, knowing what type of person you are dealing with is an important first step to understanding the inner world of a character - and the actor!
There are four main functions of the psyche and each approaches reality from a different point of view and with a different question - each holds onto a different part of reality.
The four functions of the psyche are:
1) Intuition
2) Thinking
3) Feeling
4) Sensation
How to Determine a Good Peformance in Casting
This subject is discussed further in the Directing the Actor Workshop
A good performance means you believe the actor. But how do you determine that in 10 minutes in a casting session?
Start with this statement "A good actor..." and then go through the following list.
"A good actor..."
- adapts quickly
- incorporates changes
- can concentrate and focus easily
- listens and sees
- gives and takes with other performers
- has a clear sense of character
- knows how to visualize
- acts on impulse, not on cues
- reacts well to problems
- is a good ensemble actor
Start with this statement "A good actor..." and then go through the following list.
"A good actor..."
- adapts quickly
- incorporates changes
- can concentrate and focus easily
- listens and sees
- gives and takes with other performers
- has a clear sense of character
- knows how to visualize
- acts on impulse, not on cues
- reacts well to problems
- is a good ensemble actor
How to Rehearse with Actors on the Set
This subject is discussed further in the Directing the Actor Workshop
During your first full rehearsal, watch the camera movement and the placement of the actors in the frame. Are you getting what you had imagined? Should you tighten up the lens? Should you delay the dolly in? Should you change the actor's positions slightly?
Once you are happy with this rehearsal and the crew have made their adjustments, begin another rehearsal - and watch the performances. If this is a TV Series, this will probably be your last rehearsal, so concentrate on the actors and make your notes.
Unless there is a technical problem, I like to shoot after the second rehearsal. I usually don't give notes to actors during the rehearsal stage unless it is about movement because cast and crew will only give 100% once the camera starts rolling - and that is the only time you will see if the shot really works.
Once you are happy with this rehearsal and the crew have made their adjustments, begin another rehearsal - and watch the performances. If this is a TV Series, this will probably be your last rehearsal, so concentrate on the actors and make your notes.
Unless there is a technical problem, I like to shoot after the second rehearsal. I usually don't give notes to actors during the rehearsal stage unless it is about movement because cast and crew will only give 100% once the camera starts rolling - and that is the only time you will see if the shot really works.
Are you actor? Would you like another acting tool?
Buffoonery Acting Workshops with Trilby Jeeves
ACTORS! Discover Your Inner Truth!
Buffoonery Acting Workshops
Through "Le Bouffon" the film or theatre actor will find a route to authentic, believable, and committed performances. And, have FUN!
What is "Le Bouffon?"
Buffoonery Acting Workshops
Based on the teachings of Jacques Lecoq of Paris, "Le Bouffon" is an exploration of the ironies, and absurdities of human existence. The Buffoon comes from another world, perhaps the inner world of the planet. Its grotesque appearance liberates its character to mock, imitate, and laugh at the rituals of the human being, and get away with it. His opinion is made clear through his large, exaggerated gestures. Mimicry is his ultimate pleasure.
To find out more, visit Trilby's Squidoo page:
Buffoonery Acting Workshops
Buffoonery Acting Workshops
Through "Le Bouffon" the film or theatre actor will find a route to authentic, believable, and committed performances. And, have FUN!
What is "Le Bouffon?"
Buffoonery Acting Workshops
Based on the teachings of Jacques Lecoq of Paris, "Le Bouffon" is an exploration of the ironies, and absurdities of human existence. The Buffoon comes from another world, perhaps the inner world of the planet. Its grotesque appearance liberates its character to mock, imitate, and laugh at the rituals of the human being, and get away with it. His opinion is made clear through his large, exaggerated gestures. Mimicry is his ultimate pleasure.
To find out more, visit Trilby's Squidoo page:
Buffoonery Acting Workshops
Books - Directing the Actor
Directing Actors: Creating Memorable Performances for Film & Television
Amazon Price: $17.79 (as of 12/22/2009) 
The Director's Journey: The Creative Collaboration between Directors, Writers and Actors
Amazon Price: $20.48 (as of 12/22/2009)
Creating Life on Stage: A Director's Approach to Working with Actors
Amazon Price: $16.09 (as of 12/22/2009)
I'll Be in My Trailer: The Creative Wars Between Directors and Actors
Amazon Price: $17.79 (as of 12/22/2009)
Changing Direction: A Practical Approach to Directing Actors in Film and Theatre: Foreword by Ang Lee
Amazon Price: $13.95 (as of 12/22/2009)
Uta Hagen Talks About Acting
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by bcfilmmaker
Peter D. Marshall - I'm a filmmaker in Vancouver, Canada.
I
have worked (and survived!) in the Film and Television Industry for
over 33 years - a...
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