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| Forums > Film-making > advice in inspiring actors |
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haverfilms
at 10:41, 28 Apr 2006
Posts: 7
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advice in inspiring actors
Dear Sally,
I wrote a post on this site several months ago starting my early pre-production on my next feature film and you so graciously shared with me some of your thoughts and methods. I cannot express enough to you how helpful and inspiring that was to me.
I have run into a major concern and have no one with experience I can ask so I am turning to you. I have an oscar winning actress who is seriously considering playing the lead. Obviously her credentials and experience level far exceed mine and I am thrilled she wants this role considering it is a tiny budget and I am unknown. In our first meeting I am afraid I wanted to convey my vision for the film to her to assure her of my competency... instead she percieved I may not be collaborative enough. I have never gotten feedback from other actors about being uncollaborative but I have never worked with someone of her level either.
She wants another meeting and I would love to get your thoughts on the delicate dance of when an actor wants script changes or other fundamental changes and you are receptive and willing to bend but also need to remain true to the personal storytelling that is making people respond to the screenplay in the first place. Also how best to convey your vision without overwhelming theirs. I am very concerned and any wise words you have for me would serve as a compass in this fog.
Mary
email at haverfilms@aol.com
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sally potter
at 13:10, 28 Apr 2006
Posts: 193
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ADVICE
You are the director. No-one else can hold the vision of the film as you do and must do for it to work. But actors intuitively sense when something is playable or not and there is always much to learn from their instincts. However actors also need to feel confidence in the director who must protect them in many ways, and create a space in which they can let go or become vulnerable in the ways necessary to play the role, to really 'be' on screen. So sometimes a 'testing' of boundaries seems to happen and you need to know when to stand your ground. if you concede everything then what else might you let go?
But in all communications, especially at the beginning of a relationship with an actor, it is vital not to become defensive. You have to be 'big' enough to be open, to listen and learn, and to show the actor with your facial expression what kind of attention they will be getting from you later on . Listening attentively with an open face, a respectful and warm expression, even if you are feeling nervous, goes a long way. Plus, if you stop concentrating on your own fears and instead concentrate on them and what is really going on , you will be able to decipher the subtexts, the coded messages more adroitly and respond appropriately.
Having said all that, 'oscar-winning' may be useful for financiers but is not necessarily useful for you. What really counts is that you must adore your actors, have real respect for their work and not be over-impressed by their awards or you wont be able to do your best work - and ,incidentally, neither will they.
I hope this helps.
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haverfilms
at 15:45, 28 Apr 2006
Posts: 7
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advice
Your insights have spoken volumes. I cannot thank you enough.
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