"If dancing is to become the stream and singing is to become the waterfall, then acting is to become the pond When the pond is still, it is only then it will be sensitive to the stimuli, that in turn creates the ripples on its surface. The ripples are truthful internal reaction being expressed through the actor outward physical expression"
The Master at work
Relationship with the camera
"The camera is an actors best friend" - Michael Caine
Michael Caine would agree he is not the greatest actor of all time. He is however one of the greatest and most respected film actors. He has a unique personality and a lot of charisma. He is very friendly and extremely professional. He is very expressive particularly with his eyes and face. He is able to draw on memories and emotions. However, what he is excels is his relationship with the camera. He understands how to talk to the camera and work with it. What it means to work on screen, how to transfer himself to the situation of his character. He is a sensitive person and emotional person. He is not afraid to reveal his vulnerability to the world. This is why he is one of the most loved actors and a national treasure.
Subtlety is also a technique he has mastered. On stage, it often requires a greater deal of physical expression. However, with film, the actor will often be required to be as still as possible. This is particularly true in close up shots. Actors need to be aware of themselves, how they appear on camera, how they move. Do I move too fast or waive my arms around? Am I able to avoid looking directly into the camera when being filmed? Do features, such as my hair colour change during different lighting effects? Am I blinking too much?
When around the camera, the actor needs to relax and act as if they are with a friend. Block out the world around them and put themselves in a place where only they, the other actors in the scene and the camera(s) exist.
The Mark: The mark is the position the actor needs to hit. There is a specific point the actor needs to be positioned at in order to be aligned with the camera. This actor needs to be in time with the filming. They will need to hit the mark without making it obvious. Hitting the mark differs between film and live performance as in live performance an actor can correct themselves if they are slightly off. With film the mark is more specific as the actor needs to be caught in the required position for the camera angle. If the actor is performing a long shot, they will often need to enter the scene and then hit a point in line with the centre of the camera. They will need to be aware of the direction they need to face in accordance to the camera.
Fixed Eye: When an actor is in conversation with an actor off camera, they need to look beyond the camera. They must also decide which eye is the focus eye. If they switch I the switch is caught of camera and is highly noticeable. It also looks less realistic or as if the actor is talking to the camera. Direct contact should only be used during the breaking of the 4th wall, where the character talks to the audience. What makes film different to theatre is that often the actor may be talking to an empty space. It is therefore important to decide on where to fix the eyes if there is not another actor to work with. This is particular important during conversation.
Close ups: During close-ups and particularly extreme close-ups, the actor needs to to maintain a fixed position and keep their movement as still as possible. This is because during close-up the movement is much more noticeable.
Long shots: During long shots its best to avoid the use of micro movements and other actions that are difficult to repeat in medium shots and close ups. Smoking is a classic example, as when the cigarette burns, it gets shorter. This would require the cigarette to be constantly replaced, the actor would need to smoke many cigarettes and they would need to exactly repeat their actions in sync in each shot. Therefore in this instance, the action would only be performed in the close up.
Blinking: During filming, the actor needs to avoid blinking as much as possible. Blinking can be distracting, but when a person holds there gaze, it is more powerful. It makes the actor more interesting and as if they have something important to say.
Listening: The actor needs to be able to follow instructions of the director, camera or crew. Their ability to listen is integral for taking on instructions and working effectively with the camera. Listening is also important for rehearsals and working with the other actors. An actor must be alert and listen out for their queues, either to enter scenes or to the script.
Non fluidity:. During a film, the actor may be asked to film a scene multiple times, from multiple angles. The actor needs to be consistent during each filming. The breaks alter the fluidity and the moment can be lost. The actor needs to be able to enter the moment. The Meisner technique is particularly useful, as it is used to bring the actor into the moment via referencing what they are seeing. Breathing techniques and yoga could also be used. Rehearsals are also important. The more the actor(s) rehearses the more natural the role becomes. They are more freely able to enter character. This is useful for the stop/start nature of filming.
Talking to the camera: Due to the use of technology, the actor need to talk to the camera. They do not need to project unless their is a requirement. Unless required for a particular reason, the actor would generally not project during filming. This is because microphones and boons are placed around and used to capture the actors voice from close proximity. The actor needs to talk as if they are having a normal conversation in regards to the situation. This is an advantage of film over stage as actors are able to be more subtle or increase their range of vocal expression. The actor can whisper and it becomes audible. This may not be possible in live performance.
Self invention: Being in film requires the actor to be more than an actor. They need to invent themselves not as a just an actor, but a personality. Of course, an actor can be successful and achieve on their ability as an actor. What makes a film actor stand out is that they have something unique about them and they bring that with them into the film. There maybe 1000 actors with the ability to perform in the role, but there may only be one person that has a unique characteristic that enhances that role. What assets do I have as an actor that enhances my profile? What abilities do I posses that are more useful for film? The actor share their unique attributes with the world. This is what I have. This is who I am. Films are an art form, and an actor is just a pawn in that world. If an actor has unique characteristics, they bring an edge to the performance. Many of the most successful film actors have achieved because they have been able to use their assets, not just their acting skills. Clint Eastwood is renowned for his characteristic eye expression and masculine persona. Other actors just for their aesthetic qualities, physical size or combat skills. A person may not even be an actor, just an interesting life character, suited to certain roles. A unique, real life person can be perfect for an in film character, without them needing to study the role or story. This technique can create natural performances when working with the right direction. Self invention could therefore seen as almost the most important element of becoming a film actor.
Flexibility. In stage, their are different theatres that specialise in a particular style. Some styles and play writes such as Shakespeare or Pantomime have consistent performances. This allows the actor to be more specialised. In film, it may not be possible to get work in the particular genre. The actor needs to be open to taking on board roles that may not be their preference. For example, they could go from working on a sci-fi, to working in a romcom, to a period drama. Each of these worlds are unique and require an understanding of each situation. The actor be both highly imaginative and knowledgeable. Actors also need to be open to changes in direction or script.
Locations: Films can be filmed in several locations and edited together afterwards. Therefore, and actor must be acclimatised to working in different conditions. Like stage has its own unique challenges, such as intense lighting, working on location can effect an actors work style. Variables can change at any time which disrupts the flow of filming.
Camera Awareness: Being aware of the camera is integral to the actor. The actor may need some understanding of how cameras operate. Obviously there are marks that allow the actor to position themselves, but also how movement is picked up. The primary need of being aware of the camera is to avoid direct eye contact. Even if you are not looking at the camera, does it look like eye contact has been made?
Working with crew: During stage acting, the crew are generally not on stage during the performance. The crew are off stage except during blackouts. They will make changes to the set during blackout. They may be called to act on queues if they have a role that is live such as a fly boy or SFX. This also includes the director, whose work would have been performed during rehearsals. Only actors will be on stage during the performance. Film is different. You will be surrounded by crew and will only work with actors needed during the scene. For example, Michael Biehn, who is a protagonist in 'The Terminator' film, did not act in any scene with the antagonist, played by Arnold 'I swear I am a person, it's my name' Schwarzenegger. The only scene where he directly interacts with the antagonist is at the end by which time the endoskeleton was used. During filming, the director is often present and the actor needs to be open to the directors changes. As with camera, the actor needs to be aware of crew without ever expressing that awareness.
Self Motivation: It is important in any field of acting to be self motivated. However, actors working in film to do not get direct feed back from the audience. The director may be highly critical of their performance. The actor may be isolated and working away from friends and family. The roles may also be emotionally challenging. That's if they get a job. How many rejections will an actor face before getting one audition? The actor needs to be able to stay positive. Useful techniques are CBT and positive self talk. Engaging with colleagues would also help integration and prevent isolation. It may be challenging for any person, regardless of talent or understanding of film, to form a career in acting, without having self-belief and developing a thick skin.
Self Awareness: During recording, the actor needs to be aware of themselves at all times. This is not just an awareness of their positioning in regards to hitting marks and towards at which point they are focusing their The awareness also needs to be of the body. Filming requires the actors to be still and only move within their characters actions and direction. The actor should be moving as little as possible, especially in the background or long shots. The movement needs to be within a slower tempo. The actor should be aware of their movements. Do they fidget? Do they walk too fast? Do they wave their arms about? Is the actor able to maintain a constant focus?
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