So how many of you have ever been allowed to go "off script" when filming? Did you have a flexible director that said "Hey, I liked that. Let's go with it." or was it "What the hell you doing?! That's not the line!" I have found in my years as an actor that the best films are the one that lets you d...
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I had the privilege of working on a short film where the director had decided to just do long takes while myself and the other actress just did our scene and she allowed us to continue talking, laughi...
Expand commentI had the privilege of working on a short film where the director had decided to just do long takes while myself and the other actress just did our scene and she allowed us to continue talking, laughing and whatever was appropriate for our characters. We did these long takes several times and then it was a wrap for that scene. We had so much fun and it was a lovely relaxed scene about 2 best friends just having a chat in a café. For stage work, I do feel I have to stay on script...however we always have a bit of fun on the last night.
some of the best stuff happens off script... I alway want my actors to have fun and go with it. The "rules" I set down for my actors are: 1. The script is the starting point, not the end point. 2. Go...
Expand commentsome of the best stuff happens off script... I alway want my actors to have fun and go with it. The "rules" I set down for my actors are: 1. The script is the starting point, not the end point. 2. Go to town and have fun with it. 3. I WILL ask you to do a take or two "on script" as a safety. 4. If you do go off and down a rat hole...please just do it like you mean it and do it quickly. ( IE: don't take too much time to find your way back to the story line. )
I find that allowing actors the freedom means you are going to get better quality acting from them, especially if they lack experience. As an actor, I love it when a director allows me to go off scrip...
Expand commentI find that allowing actors the freedom means you are going to get better quality acting from them, especially if they lack experience. As an actor, I love it when a director allows me to go off script because it begins to feel more natural, it brings the character to life that much more. Though I see why some directors want you to stay on script, I do prefer ones that allow you to feel free to go off of it.
that's true i'ts like stage theatre
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Hi Roy. I am a director who has an 80/20 policy. if you get 80% of the dialogue correct. small changes I go with. I guarantee you get the best more times than not, as its usually more natural to the s...
Expand commentHi Roy. I am a director who has an 80/20 policy. if you get 80% of the dialogue correct. small changes I go with. I guarantee you get the best more times than not, as its usually more natural to the scene and to the actor. Just so far as no big bullet holes. Like foul language that maybe inappropriate, and cause a headache during edit, as this will be related to certification The truth is the reason some directors are anal is fear. The studio options the rights to a screenplay, big money involved. They want to ensure that it all works. No one in the chain is willing to stick their neck out to change something, on fear of taking the blame on a failure. This is just wrong. Actors can bring a wonderful natural vibe to something. Always be ready to listen, but have the determination to keep on track A writer during writing tries to be an actor to get into the mind of the character. The real actor is doing the same only more so. So far as they have been briefed on the story arc , character journey arc and history and world of the character they are playing they should contribute well. Only a director should be wary of actors that limit the vision just to the scene and don't delve in deeper in to the world of the screenplay. You will have problems. But to be truthful that is rare. Actors are usually more critical of themselves than anyone else, and want to give it their best. They are delicate creatures, just learn how to communicate with them, and you'll get the best they can give. My best advice to directors is to pull not push