First impressions matter. Make sure that you are coming into your scenes already connected.
The average human attention span is now officially shorter than a goldfish after falling from 12 seconds in 2000 to now just 8 seconds! So, don't assume a casting director is going to watch your entire tape.
Have a clear moment before. What has just happened in the scene? Don’t simply meander.
Can you find a physical action? (Walking into frame, or finding a physical action to begin the scene.)
Try some improv with your scene partner before kicking off the scene. This is especially helpful for a high-intensity, or emotional scene. It gets you fired up and in the zone and means you can come into the scene with great energy and commitment.
#actor #tv #film #video #script #writer
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Great post here. I agree - "talking" your way into the scene before it starts can make everything more authentic.
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The average attention span may only be 8 seconds, but this post kept my attention the whole time! It reminds me of the "enter late, leave early" concept of writing. An audience shouldn't have to wait for the interesting part of a scene.
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Great advice, Tammy Hunt! Even if the sides are minimal and you don't have a lot of information going in, it's so helpful to make decisions about where the character is at physically and emotionally at the top of the scene. It creates a true character performance that people can glean personality and even exposition from.
It doesn't matter where your direction for a slate is, always d it at the end of the take or as a sepearate take. If someone only has 30 seconds to see you, make sure they see you acting.
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Thank you for sharing! Great insight!