Completely Crazy

Z

zuckerpunch

Member
Hoping to get some suggestions on the following:

I have an actor who is having difficulty getting psyched up for a scene where he has to get all Jack Nicholson crazy on somebody. The actor has been great so far but I just can't seem to get him hyped up to the level I need for the scene.

I tried working the scene with him, trying to get him riled up, giving him motivation, etc. but nothing seems to be doing it.

Any suggestions on how to give my actor the motivation he needs to get his energy up?

Thanks!
 
What happens in the scene (or elsewhere in the script) that is supposed to get him so riled up? Is it actually there in the story, or are you asking him to do it in a less organically logical way? If what genuinely *makes* him "riled up" isn't clearly there in the text or the subtext it is understandably hard for the actor to get there.

On the other hand, if it is, and he still can't get there, then you may be dealing with the limitations of his acting ability, which will be harder to fix...
 
I think the motivation is there in the script. But then again, I wrote the script so...you know. But the scene has him totally ticked off because of a bizarre sequence of events that should come out tonally as dark humor. I'm guessing he doesn't want to go over the top because he's worried he'll look silly.

On the paycheck note: sadly, I do pay my actors. Not on every production. But on this one. The actors I worked with when I was just doing short films in grad school will still work with me for nothing cuz we have a bond (yeah!) but I like to give my actors a little something. They deserve it. I mean, they're working with me afterall.
 
zuckerpunch said:
I think the motivation is there in the script. But then again, I wrote the script so...you know. But the scene has him totally ticked off because of a bizarre sequence of events that should come out tonally as dark humor.
Click to expand...

Just curious, if you don't mind - what are some of the events that tick him off?

On the paycheck note: sadly, I do pay my actors.
Click to expand...

IMO (as an actor and in every other production capacity I've been involved with, which is just about all of 'em), there is *nothing* "sad" about paying your actors. On the contrary - I think you are to be commended for doing so. It shows respect for the actors, and that you're serious about getting good work out of them. Even if it's not very much, actors are so accustomed to being, well...frankly...exploited, that even just a little is *greatly* appreciated. I plan to pay actors about $100 a day for my upcoming short, which is, of course, peanuts, but I know from experience on both sides of the table that it will make a big difference in the quality of who I can cast, and in their willingness to give of themselves once they're in.

So...good on ya...
 
Thanks! We try to pay our actors well whenever we can. It's only sad when I can't get results! But really I shouldn't complain. All the actors on this production are doing a great job (and I think I got the performance I needed on this particular scene after all...we'll see what it looks like in the edit). I agree 100% that actors deserve respect and a paycheck.
 
give him some booze, or crack. that should do the trick. Adam Brody used to get just wasted off his ass when we were filming In the Land of Women while John Kasdan was doing coke in the bathroom...i'm just sayin
 
The only crack I have comes out when my pants hang low and I bend over on set. Come to think of it, that may be just the thing my actor needs to get him to completely freak out! I think you solved my problem!

In fact, maybe I can get it on video and project it onto the wall big screen style. On second thought, I want the guy to freak out, not die of a heart attack...
 
No, really - I totally agree that unlimited hard drugs and booze on set at all times is a super-excellent idea...

Hookers and porn stars too, while we're at it...

Just ask our biggest (ex)TV star!

:shocked:
 
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Ted Spencer said:
No, really - I totally agree that unlimited hard drugs and booze on set at all times is a super-excellent idea...

Hookers and porn stars too, while we're at it...

Just ask our biggest (ex)TV star!

:shocked:
Click to expand...
Hey, it seemed to work for 8 years... Quite a streak if you ask me.
 
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