Acting : Kissing role by Janay Nyesha Jackson

The film group I'm in it's obvious some of the female actors have an aversion to intimacy within a romantic scene. I guess the best advice I can give is experiment in an actors workshop before experimenting in front of a camera.

Thanks for the advice!

Get in character is my advice.. It's not just kissing and love scenes but any scene that's out of your comfort zone.. If you are you it's uncomfortable but if you are your character your reaction and action should be dead on but role playing helps a lot. :)

In my film acting class, we had to dance with the other actor before even reading the scene. My advice would be to first decide ahead of time whether you want to kiss another actor. Once you have decided that you do, then talk with that actor, in character is better, then hug, dance, or talk intimately in character to become comfortable. The more you have shared before having your characters kiss or become more intimate on stage or camera, the more natural it should feel when you come to that point in the script.

I find the uncomfortable feeling and nervousness stems from how comfortable you are with yourself. Some actors are really wigged out by kissing another especially if they have a significant other or worry to much about doing it "right". I have always approached my kissing scenes as it being part of the job. I don't over-think who i have to kiss i just look for the motivation in the scene and the character's reason for kissing the other person. While it has to be believable I don't get uptight over it. Remember while it is a kiss it's not a REAL kiss... it's acting. The first time is often the hardest but talking with the other actor and finding out how they feel about the scene usually helps. They are likely thinking very much the same as you. You may want to speak with the director about working through the scene while off camera or stage. This may help when the time for your performance comes. I have had a couple of theatrical productions where the kiss between characters was the key focus of the scene.. after the 3rd or fourth rehearsal we were generally quite comfortable and planning ways to make the KISS more passionate and believable without sticking our tongues down each others throats... as well remember body language plays a huge part in a believable kissing scene. come prepared, look for the motivation and reasons for the Kiss and THAT will guide you through the process, as well work on your confidence as a performer/actor and take extra workshops or classes where you are placed into uncomfortable scenes and situations to help work through your anxiety.

Good advice Audrey-Rose... I teach/coach a lot of new actors and I always want to encourage them to ask questions and not be afraid to speak up or ask for guidance when they need to. We were all there once in our careers.

As a director who has had to direct numerous kissing scenes as well as a few intimate/uncomfortable scene (including a rape scene), what I'd say is don't be afraid to ask the director prior to shooting how they intend on shooting the scene. It will help you get in the right mindframe for the film and make it less daunting (i.e.: small peck vs big open mouth kiss, close up vs long shot where it doesn't have to be as intense, etc). Also, there's nothing worse than an actor 'freezing' on set because they're uncomforable, so most filmmaker will be open to taking a few minute to talk to you about this, especially if it means things will go smoother when the actual scene is shot. Just my two cents. ;)

Well... too long. A 30 and 60 second version would work for me. All you really need to show is the first scene (whats important), the they killed my family scene, and something that makes a potential audience NEED to see how it ends. So some scenes are not needed to get bums in seats (and might do the opposite) and are not the actors best work (although they all look like they can do good work)

Hey Mike I think you posted this response on the wrong thread.. i'm pretty sure you meant it to be on Harley's Trailer one LOL

There are numerous ways to stage and shoot a scene involving mere kisses, or further intimacy, up to nudity and simulated sex scenes, or fights, assaults etc. The only thing that matters is an understanding of cooperation and limits between the performers, as well as safety. It is the job of the director to foster an environment to allow performers to deliver in their own way and comfort and safety, and rehearsal can help obviously. If an actor is not ready to do kissing scenes or anything else, they should have no problem with saying so confidently... but of course hopefully before the role is accepted if the kiss is in the script. If a kiss or further intimacy is added on the set and was not discussed prior, and the talent is uncomfortable, a simple "no" should end it.

Yup - bad aim on mi ipad

LOL

That's an interesting question. As a "Big Beautiful Woman," I had never even considered that I might be asked to do kissing scenes--I mean, those are for the young, firm and lovely, right? Well, that was a misconception! First, in acting class, I was asked to perform a romantic scene. "Uh... okay," I thought, and just delved into it. Everybody in the class was hot and bothered by the time it was over, and it mostly consisted of teasing and the "eye contact of lovers." The next kissing scene was when I was portraying a HEINOUS criminal and she and her husband were known to be quite .... amorous. And so... my tv husband and I just went with it. It, too, was a sexy scene (despite the overall content). So my suggestion is this: when anticipating a love scene, AVOID GARLIC. Don't over-think it, just go with the feel of the scene. And remember when the direction says "cut," it all stays on the set. best to you!

Misconception is right Peggy... I have had far more kissing scenes in my over age 35 career then i ever did before that..

You're an actress. Then do just that.

Some people have brought up comfort zone. Although not kissing, my first professional acting job was abducting, raping and killing a young girl. Be sure, we filmed NO explicit scenes, but I had to abduct her. I had to show real aggression, she had to show real fear, and I had to pick her up and drag her out. What made it all comfortable was getting to know the young actress (12 yo) before the shoot, and being "friends" between takes. She was a real pro. I assume the same would be true in any uncomfortable zone - get to know your partner, and act like you're paid to act.

Thanks everyone for the feedback! very helpful.

I mean you could always rehearse with me... LOL but on a serious note. I agree doing it in class is a great idea. but when I had a kissing scene in a film. (i've only had one) I noticed that the first few takes were awful and incredibly awkward and then we started to get more comfortable and not worry as much about the crew and everyone around us and we were able to look more authentic. So on the day of filming talk to that other actor and make sure you rehearse a lot so that you are familiar with each others kissing styles and comfortable kissing them because if you're even a tiny bit awkward the camera will pick it up.

Dedication & Determination, very important keys for success!!!