Acting for the Camera: Techniques for Getting the Best Performance from Your Actors

[Maura N.]

Acting for the camera is a specialized craft that requires a unique set of skills. Unlike theatre, which allows actors to perform for a live audience, film and television actors must perform for the camera. The camera is an unforgiving tool that captures every nuance of an actor's performance, and therefore requires careful consideration of every movement, gesture, and expression.

Let's explore some techniques for getting the best performance from your actors on camera.

Understanding the Script and Characters​

The first step in getting a great performance from your actors is to ensure that they have a thorough understanding of the script and characters they're playing. Actors should be encouraged to read the script multiple times, highlighting key moments and character arcs. They should also be given a detailed breakdown of their character's backstory, motivations, and personality traits. By understanding the script and characters, actors are better equipped to bring them to life on screen.

Using the Actor's Imagination​

Acting is a collaborative art, and directors should work with their actors to encourage them to use their imagination. Encourage actors to create a backstory for their characters, imagining their past experiences, relationships, and desires. This can help them to bring a sense of truth and authenticity to their performance, making it more believable and engaging.

Creating a Safe and Supportive Environment​

Acting can be an emotionally vulnerable process, and it's important for directors to create a safe and supportive environment for their actors. This means establishing trust and rapport with actors, encouraging them to take risks and make bold choices. It also means providing feedback and constructive criticism in a respectful and supportive manner.

Using Rehearsals Effectively​

Rehearsals are a crucial part of the filmmaking process and can help actors to refine their performances and build chemistry with their co-stars. During rehearsals, directors should encourage actors to experiment with different approaches to their scenes, trying out different emotional beats and line deliveries. They should also provide guidance and feedback, helping actors to refine their performances and make necessary adjustments.

Using Camera Blocking and Movement​

Unlike theatre, which allows actors to move freely around a stage, film and television require precise camera blocking and movement. Directors should work with their actors to plan out each shot, deciding on the appropriate camera angle, framing, and movement. This can help actors to deliver their performances more effectively, by understanding the visual language of the scene and the camera's perspective.

Using Eye Contact and Focus​

One of the key challenges of acting for the camera is maintaining eye contact and focus. Actors must be able to deliver their lines while also focusing their attention on the other actors in the scene. Directors should work with their actors to establish eye lines, helping them to maintain eye contact and focus in a natural and believable way.

Using Props and Wardrobe​

Props and wardrobes can be powerful tools for actors, helping them to inhabit their characters more fully. Directors should work with their actors to choose appropriate props and wardrobes that help to tell the story and convey character. For example, a character who is a doctor might wear a lab coat and carry a stethoscope, while a character who is a musician might carry a guitar case.

Using Improvisation and Ad-Libbing​

While film and television scripts are carefully crafted, there is always room for improvisation and ad-libbing. Encourage actors to experiment with their lines, trying out different variations and improvisations. This can help to bring a sense of spontaneity and authenticity to their performances, making them feel more natural and organic.

In the world of film and television, the camera captures every detail of an actor's performance, making it a challenging and specialized craft. However, with the right approach, directors can bring out the best in their actors on camera. By understanding the script and characters, using imagination, creating a safe and supportive environment, using rehearsals effectively, working with camera blocking and movement, maintaining eye contact and focus, using props and wardrobe, and embracing improvisation and ad-libbing, directors can help their actors to deliver performances that are authentic, engaging, and memorable.

With dedication and hard work, actors and directors can create magic on screen, bringing stories and characters to life in ways that inspire and captivate audiences around the world!