Directing Actors: Creating Memorable Performances for Film and Television

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There is a certain poetic quality to improv acting. And if you were to adopt this method of directing, you’d be in good company. No one likes to be compared to anyone, so don't tell your actors to "act like" or "be like" a certain actor, or give a performance similar to one of theirs, because you're not inspiring them, you're actually just insulting them.

Directing actors is really about telling them what to do and helping them take their performance to the next level. By being gentle but firm, encouraging but not condescending, you’ll find that your actors are eager to work with you—both on camera and off. Actors are people too! They have feelings and emotions just like everyone else. If they feel as though they’re being disrespected on set, they may have a tendency to act out or even become uncooperative. This is never good for a film’s outcome or its potential box office earnings.

Session 2: On the set with actors

My biggest mistake at the beginning of directing actors was giving non-usable, result-orientated pieces of direction. For example, “ Can you bring it down or take it up a notch? Can you be happier or angrier?” Directing is Speaking two different languages simultaneously. A few years ago, I directed a diversity commercial for Adidas. The project was essentially about discriminating against minority groups. To arrive at these potential choices, an actor will ask questions. This is where a director comes in. Let’s say an actor’s character in a scene omits the truth to their boyfriend about their day at work. The actor may ask the director, “Why would my character lie to their partner?” Many moons ago Lee Cohn decided to write a book with a few of our NYU classmates entitled A Practical Handbook for the Actor. Over the years I have either gifted or recommended said book to actors young and old.　Lee’s teachings have always been one of the sharpest and most necessary blades I carry as an actor. Mr. Cohn now gifts us with his solo effort. Read it and watch your talent grow before your eyes! Buy this book! If you can’t afford it, steal it!"

By Doing This The DOP Will Be Able To See How To Set Up The Lights, The Art Director Will Know How The Location Needs To Be Dressed, The 1st AD Will Be Able To Direct Any Extras Efficiently Etc. 5. Stay focused In a sense, people take the idea of “direction” too literally. You shouldn’t direct actors by telling them what to do. In essence, you’re their tour guide into your world. You as the director are there to guide the actors along the right path. Rehearsal is one of the most misunderstood and controversial steps in the acting/directing process. Some directors prefer not to rehearse at all. Steven Spielberg famously believes it kills spontaneity. Other directors, however, believe rehearsal is the lifeblood of a performance. So which is it? Treat them like you understand that their time is valuable–because you do, even if it’s only a small amount of time. Treat them like they’re kings and queens, and they’ll repay that respect by giving you their best work. Imprecise directing is a tell-tale sign of the inexperienced filmmaker. Imprecise filmmakers are usually the same directors who get enraged at actors who fail to hit their marks.

VOLUME 9-10: CASTING

It can be easy to get lost in thought while they are talking to you, but make sure you are paying attention and not just half listening. The best way is actually just turn off all distractions. I don’t care if you’ve never directed anything before in your life. You need to learn this rule, because it will save you from making actors hate you and making them not want to work with you. Treat actors like they’re the most important people in the room–because they are.