Acting : On directing actors by Django Van Den Busken

PLEASE NOTE: Some of the experiences I am referring to happened at film school, so not necessarily reflective of professional filmmakers.

Best directions? Sometimes self-directed, where myself and my scene partner are allowed to be away from set and talk in character in order to feel comfortable with each other in character. It's kind of a neat, low-risk improv warm-up. If you're there as the director, you could prompt questions for them to discuss in character.

Similarly, having a director that talks to me and the other actors in the scene before we start, and then when the camera rolls, will chime in as the action is going to "allow" things that I may otherwise hesitate to do. This is particularly powerful in emotional scenes, possibly with crying, where you need permission to go further. In that moment, all she would have to say is, "Let go" and I could start crying - recognizing the choices an actor is making and giving them permission to do something else (or more) is incredibly freeing. It's a bit like conscious hypnosis.

Things that could use some improvement? When acting as your own stand-in and the tech around you are doing stupid stuff, it both distracts you and makes you feel like you cannot trust that what you're making will be done so with care. I literally had a DP stand behind me with a flashlight trying to create a rim light and ask someone else to run camera/ watch the monitor, and I had to ask him, "Are you really going to let a grip do your job?" It pulled me so far out of character. So, either have someone else stand in so the actor doesn't witness it OR make sure all those decisions are made behind the camera so the actor isn't privy to the troubleshooting.

Also, take acting classes. Some have the opportunity to direct as well, but nothing teaches you how to talk to actors like being one.

Thank you, Karen "Kay" Ross, for the advice. I was actually planning on taking acting classes, but then Covid happened. So I'll be on that as soon as the vaccine train has stopped at my station.

I think I'll try to use some of these tips, especially motivating actors to get into character before handling a difficult scene. I always try to give the actors complete freedom and then if it doesn't seem to work, I try to start giving directions, usually as emotions.

I'll also keep the stand-up tip in mind, I can imagine people walking through your scene can be quite distracting. Especially if you're a young and fairly unexperienced actor.

So far your response gave me some more useful insights in the mind of actors, so thank you and have a great day!

I've worked with 7 directors in both short and feature length projects and I am in collaboration with a few at the moment too. I can only tell ya what I know from my experience. :D

"What are the best types of directions you've received?"

The generous kind. Acting already gets your heart rate up. That can irritate some people. I'm pretty sure you understand that already! So be a very kind version of you!

"What are the traps directors can fall into that make your performance worse?"

If you prefer artistic freedom for the actors, please send us the vibes that what we're doing is good. Otherwise, be specific with your vision and what you are trying to accomplish. The important scenes are the ones that matter, so give the notes!

Oh, and tell us how badass we are...often, lol! ;)

Kay! I'm very curious how that played out saying that to a DP? I'm not sure I would say that. They're the ones trying to make us look good!

A couple of "Don'ts" and "Dos" in my book:

Don'ts

Please don't ask your actor to do what they did in the audition. Our understanding of the character has evolved since then and a regular working actor auditions so much, it may be hard to get back to exactly what we did a few weeks or a few months ago.

Don't show your disappointment or stress out when a scene isn't going the way you'd like, be civil and diplomatic. Your expression of negative emotions will just stress the actor out and disconnect us more from ourselves, our bodies, and our emotions. Try being constructive.

Don't create tension on set with infantile attitudes. If you've thrown something or yelled at someone who's just trying to do their job (even if it is poorly) you've already crossed the line. You set the mood and tone for the set for the cast and crew and usually your behavior will be reflected by actors, crew members, and even producers.

Don't ignore the little people. Even the bit players are important to your story (if not they wouldn't be written in) and any information or explanation about your vision for the scene and/or project will go an extremely long way; usually iwe have just the casting director's (biased) explanation of what is required and our own (biased) take to go on. This will save you tons of headaches both on set and in the editing room.

Don't ignore anyone, even the extras. Also saves you headaches in the editing room and they're part of your shot.

Please don't act it out for me, it instantly makes it nearly impossible to replicate what you did. We're not meat puppets. Suggest and imply.

Don't berate actors on set in front of everyone, we're self-conscious enough as it is! Taking us aside and whispering a few words in our ear will do much more for you than any amount of frowns, exasperations, or eye rolls.

Dos

Please tell us what we're doing right as well as what you need improved. This way we can stop worrying about our whole performance and just tweak the parts that need work, freeing up important energy and focus.

Look at every member of the cast and crew as essential (they are) and include everyone in the storytelling experience. We are your collaborators, not your employees (our boss would actually be the producer/s, let them be the bad guys, it's their job to say "No" anyways) so treat all of us accordingly. We usually want to do the best job we can do. You are the captain of the ship, not the absolutist dictator.

I can't say this enough: be constructive! Negativity will just lead to doubt and distrust from the actor. If something's not going the way you planned, look for solutions, not blame. Also be careful not to infect the actor with your tension, we work hard to manage it and you only make our job that much harder.

Be conscious of the emotions you express and how you do that. We can pick up on minute things very easily and a positive attitude will make the job more enjoyable for everyone and means you can move on to the next scene that much faster.

If haven't already, read Stanislavsky's "My life in Art" and "System"...a must reading from wannabe to pro directors/actors...

Remember that we and you are partners and us actors are trying to carry out your vision. Just talk to us that way.

So much good advice in this thread! Thank you all for taking the time and energy to come forward with your advice. I'm sure not only me but a lot of other young directors will take a lot away from this.

So glad we could be of assistance, Django Van Den Busken! Definitely keep a copy of the link to this thread and drop us an update with anything you learn and we'll keep the conversation going! Just in case, here ya go: https://www.stage32.com/lounge/acting/On-directing-actors