There is a vast difference when it comes to rehearsing for Film vs. Theatre. Actually, most times your “blocking” is your rehearsal time in film, unless you’re playing a lead. It’s an interesting conundrum for the Director on how to prepare his actors, if at all. Check out these two masters of their craft and what they have to say.
Cheers!
PART 1
PART 2
You know, it’s interesting teaching acting or any other subject in life…yes, there’s judgment from fellow actors, people and even the young thespians…because of that old saying “those who can, do. And those who can’t, teach…” But when you’ve been around long enough in this dance, you quickly realize that is nowhere near true.
Besides, It really doesn’t matter what they say or think because it’s not them in the room that witnesses a raw burst of emotion for the first time in someone’s life. It’s not them that watches someone discover how to unleash the creative forces from within and apply that positive force to every aspect of their life. It’s not them that watches a student courageously strive for a dream, even when you know everyone in their life thinks that “they’re crazy for doing it, you’ll never make it”…and then get to a place where their confidence is high enough that they become their own best cheerleader and discover that it’s always best to hang with those who dare to dream. And it’s not them that has that “one-on-one experience” with someone, young or old, who comes up to you after class and says “thanks for being hard on me, I really need that to do this. I don’t care about the fame and fortune stuff, I just need to be true to me for once in my life.”
So yeah, the world is full of judgement about teachers, acting or otherwise. But as teacher myself, I know that making a difference in one persons life alone, is making a difference in the world around them…and us. And what’s so bad about that?
I like to hang with the saying…”Those who can teach, do.”
These thoughts came to mind as I watched this video…while not about acting, it is about life.
Enjoy.
I’ve been fortunate enough to work with some truly talented Directors over the years. Whether it was Paul Schrader (Affliction), Denys Arcand (Stardom), Robert LePage (Possible Worlds) or even a first time director like George Clooney (Confessions of a Dangerous Mind), one thing that’s always stuck out is that they LOVE actors!
I’ve also had the privilege of facilitating a number of Directors Working with Actors Workshops over the years. It’s always a pleasure to watch Directors discover (or rediscover) their ability to work with Actors. The reality is that many Directors come from a variety of diciplines before they actually get to direct. And so, sometimes, the importance of the actor is either foreign to them, or they’ve been ill advised that “…most actors are a pain in the neck. Stay away.” It’s a shame…
But sometimes it’s the editor looking to break out, or the writer who wants to tell their story and they haven’t had the chance to work with Actors in a safe environment. It’s all run n’ gun style. Which is hard at the best of times.
Let’s start with the audition…
I’m big on the Director being present in the Audition room. How some choose that over “looking at tape,” is beyond me. But also, there is reality. There’s a production time crunch, they’re in another city or they got held up because they also wear the producer hat and have many a fires to put out on set or at the office.
Still though, there is nothing like being in the room with the actor.
It’s such a great opporutunity to work with actors who have studied their particular scenes in their own way – with no direction. Remember, the actor will get their scene/s the night before, have no direction, lucky if there is a whole script to read, be off-book and deliever something close to a final performance. When in reality, it’s still work in progress. In theatre, the actor has four weeks to prepare for performance. Maybe that in film if it’s a nice role, certainly not in TV…but the audition? Usually overnight.
What a perfect oppourutinty to work with the actor AND hone your directing skills. Because, you know, when you get to set, there’s about ZERO time to work with them. Actors will walk on coals for Directors who are interested in their work and take the time to offer direction. It’s nothing for the Director to say in the audition room “…okay, lets see what you’ve prepared and then we’ll go from there.” And then give a take under your direction.
Two things will happen; firslty, you’ll know if they have the sensibility or understanding of your vision and secondly, you’ll know if they’re directable. In TV we all know things change at the last minute and you’re going to want to work with the actor who can take direction, not the one who “what you see, is what you get.” Not that they’re “bad actors”…but given the choice, go with the one who is able to take your direction and bring something new to the table.
So the next time you’ve got the choice between attending your audition or have to “take another meeting,” choose the audition. Push the meeting. Nothing will make you look better than an talented actor who will do everything in their power to help you realize your vision…and then some.
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To get involved or not?
As you may have read in one of my many Bio’s out there…I was once the president of ACTRA B.C. That was when British Columbia had two actor unions representing the same group of actors. Yeah, I know, crazy huh? In the end, UBCP tucked nicely under the umbrella of the national union of ACTRA and everyone is living happily ever after;)
The point is, if I never had that union experience, there is no way I would have had the understanding of our business like I do now. You can sit in the annual membership meetings and fire spit balls at your councillors all you want, but until you sit in the hot seat and make all the real decisions that affects thousands of your members and your film community – you haven’t really tasted what it is to be a well informed actor. To make big decisions that set precedents and writes your union history means that you have to be informed in ALL aspects and ramifications of those decisions. And that means really getting to know the business of acting.
Let me be clear…
NOT EVERYONE IS MEANT TO BE A BOARD MEMBER OF AN ACTORS UNION.
Most actors want to just act, and that’s fine. Nothing wrong with that at all!!!
But even if you want to do just that…at least vote! To be overly dramatic…there are wars started every day, all over the world, fighting for the right to vote. So, to sit at home and toss the ballot in the garbage when it comes in the mail is a total disrespect to your fellow members and the privilege that we get to vote in this country. It’s a disrespect to those members who are on your union board, working tirelessly for your betterment and more than likely not getting paid…or getting paid very little. It’s just wrong.
No one is perfect when it comes to voting, including me, but at least try.
What if you just want to dip your feet into the union waters? Join a committee. Any committee? Um, why not join one that you feel might keep you interested long enough to get you hooked. Your commitment is something that will make a difference to all of your fellow actors. Perhaps more importantly, to you. Commitment has a way of making you grow…and grow up.
And finally, when you decide to run for council and get elected. Be careful not to lose yourself in “the cause.” It can happen and usually does in the beginning. Hard to resist because you will see where there can be improvements and believe that you are the one that can make the difference. And chances are, you are. But remember – you’re an actor first!
Lose yourself in the role of a character, not in a role of a union council member.
We all do it. But it’s worth remembering, there will ALWAYS be something to improve with your union. It’s just the way it is. So pace yourself.
Finally, finally…a little clarification from someone who has learned the hard way…your union is not your enemy.
You may not agree with them and that’s fine. And actually, quite healthy. But like any family or union of like minded folks, it’s your union to make the difference. Get involved.
Even if it’s just to vote…
I still say I prefer this Super Bowl commercial from a year or two ago. Mind you, I’m partial. I had the privledge of working with Alec on Nuremberg. Fun times.
One thing that has hit all across this nation and others is the economic roller coaster. The money is just not there in the way we’re use to seeing it and the entertainment biz is well on it’s way to changing from the way we’re use to seeing it, to a unknown entity that seems to be lacking a silver lining.
If there’s ever a time where no one knows nothing…
Now one can panic and predict a gloomy future or…they could band together as a community and figure this thing out utilizing our uniques talents in a positive and constructive manner.
This business isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s when we hit the tough part of the cycle that the wannabes get weeded out. And those who came on for the ride when it was good, want no part of the bad and out just as quick as they came in. This is where your resolve gets tested to be in this game. It’s not for everyone and there is no shame in walking away. In fact, I always say that’s the healthiest approach because if you’re meant to be in it, you’ll be back. Life has a way of leading you back to your calling, even when you’re deaf. Eventually, you’ll hear the bell again if it’s your destiny to be back in the ring. If it’s not your calling…then really, how bad off are you?
For the rest of us…well, athletes keep training no matter what and actors and artists should be no different. Always working on the craft is key, especially in down time. Because that up time approaches real fast and you can maybe get away with being rusty for one or two auditions…but then it’s game on. And you know “Buddy” has been honing their craft in the down time because it’s their calling and they need to work.
“Oh but it costs money to train!” Yeah, sometimes. There is a group of actors in Toronto who get together every Monday night and do colds reads, scene work, monologues or scenes for an upcoming audition to present to the class. There is no teacher. There is one fella who organizes it all and the only charge is four bucks from everyone to cover the cost of the space. It’s been going on for over fifteen years. There are new actors and seasoned actors bringing words to light every week. Ironically enough, in these slow times, they’re getting over forty actors every Monday night. The good one’s know…ya gotta stay sharp!
So yes, it can look dark, gloomy and unpredictable at times, but that’s all part of the biz. It goes in cycles. Sometimes it’s technology that turns the industry on its head, sometimes it’s the economy or sometimes it’s the unions fighting for the rights of their members. This biz is cyclical. But there is little mercy and you always have to be ready to hit the road running.
Keep fit and your skills sharp. Not a lot of second takes in an audition room.
An actor is always prepared.
Here’s something…while not really anything to do with acting per say, but it is an impassioned speech with an intent to achieve a certain objective. All under the pressure of a certain time limit. I wonder if a trained actor had a transcript of this, they could do as well? It certainly would be a challenge.