what to call actors??

[aalleexx]

I am keep on reading books and asking directors the following and its very mixed, I would like to know what people here on the forum think about what to call actors:

when you are on set and directing actors both in public and directing in private do you call your actors by their real name or the character's name? what are the pros and cons, I am sure directors and actors on here have some stories and some input on what works and doesnt and why

 

[Zak Forsman]

while working on a scene, and between takes, i tend to address them by their character name. any other time, by their actual name.

oh, and i never use the term "talent". it's like calling a PA "a gopher".

 

[aalleexx]

interesting..... zak can you tell us a bit more about what you mean by "any other time" what does that mean? again thanks for the input zak

 

[Zak Forsman]

"any other time" = when we are not actively shooting a scene together. like when we are saying our hellos and goodbyes at the beginning or end of the day, eating lunch/dinner, passing each other on set, etc.

 

[Davdo]

I just ask the actors what they prefer. It doesn't matter to me either way. When I'm not sure, my default is to call them the character's name. I've found that the actors who are cool with being called their real names don't mind and will respond if you suddenly call them their characters name. Conversely, actors who wish to be called by their character's names will ALWAYS have a problem if you lapse.

Most often, whether by choice or by accident, I find myself working with actors that somewhat follow the Mamet/Macey school of acting - the idea of playing the characters and not becoming the characters. With them, I use their real names. When I've got people in my cast that are method actors and whatnot, I'm more than happy to talk to them as their characters. As long as I get what I want from them on camera, I'll call them whatever the heck will make them happy. It doesn't affect me one bit.

~~Dave

 

[aalleexx]

that is one of the concerns that I have, method actors I would guess that its best to call them by character name, how do you guys feel about talking to the actors in a third person point of view something like " superman has just lost his father on this scene" that way you are not calling the actor by name or character, you are just explaining the character

 

[Zak Forsman]

that is one of the concerns that I have, method actors I would guess that its best to call them by character name, how do you guys feel about talking to the actors in a third person point of view something like " superman has just lost his father on this scene" that way you are not calling the actor by name or character, you are just explaining the character

that's basically, the way it comes out of my mouth now that i think about it. honestly, this is the most thought i've given it.

 

[Yeddi]

I'm with Zak on this one, and call my actors by their characters name when shooting. I learned the hard way that this was easier for the actors themselves to make sure that call each other by their characters name while shooting, I've had a few times where the scene was spot on but they had slipped and addressed each other by their real names which of course required a reshoot.

 

[aalleexx]

wow that is intresting, its nice to see what works and what does not

I'm with Zak on this one, and call my actors by their characters name when shooting. I learned the hard way that this was easier for the actors themselves to make sure that call each other by their characters name while shooting, I've had a few times where the scene was spot on but they had slipped and addressed each other by their real names which of course required a reshoot.

 

[Yeddi]

Yes it can be hell if you are the editor. One of my friends was doing editing for a film where no one had picked it up during the shoot, so they went from scene 1 where the actors are calling each other Frank and Mary and scene 5 the same people were suddenly June and Oliver. It was even worse again when the only good takes for all the other aspects (lighting/movement etc) were the ones with the wrong name. He tried his best to use the sound where the right name was said and overlay it on the good footage but the mouth movements were so different it was really obvious and it really needed to be reshoot. Of course being a micro-budget film it never got done and the actors are left looking like they are trying to do an old Samurai movie rip off.

 

[Michele Seidman]

heck..just don't call me late for supper...lol..sorry had to get one in!

The directors I have worked with a lot call me by my own name but often refer to the character name when discussing the scene.

Directors who bring me in for a day player normally call me by the character name. Not sure if it is because they can't or don't want to remember the name of the person who is only there a day or two!

Back in the day when I was on the soap every day...they almost always called me by my characters name and not my own.

I do know some method actors...who like another poster mentioned, prefer to be called by the character name.

I think the only time I ever got miffed was when a director kept pointing and say 'you' or 'her' and did not bother to use either name. I found that one a bit rude and cold and the film flopped...so...lol...I was secretly happy it flopped. Not a secret anymore! lol

 

[Michele Seidman]

that is one of the concerns that I have, method actors I would guess that its best to call them by character name, how do you guys feel about talking to the actors in a third person point of view something like " superman has just lost his father on this scene" that way you are not calling the actor by name or character, you are just explaining the character

aalleexx

I almost missed this one. i can't speak for all actors but i don't mind it at all. it also makes it easier for those of us who are not method and want to 'shed' the character when the camera is not rolling.

i am not method so i don't know if this would bother that type of actor.

michele

 

[filmman]

Well, it depends; you wouldn't say to Marlon Brando, "Hey, Zapata, would you hurry up and do your line after I say action; we've run out of film twice and we're shooting 1000 foot rolls!"

Or, you wouldn't say to Anthony Quinn, "Hey, Zorba, lay off whore No. 1 and come over here, I wanna talk to you." LOL

That's another reason why you should give your bit parts names also, instead of calling them Officer 1 and Officer 2. Actors are people; we should treat them with respect

But what you guys are saying is very valid. I personally prefer to call actors by their character names because it's easier for them to stay in character. Also, to add to what's been said, as directors we need to keep their character's straight too.

But it does get embarrassing when you meet actors you worked with briefly many years ago or have seen them on TV and you can't remember their real names.

I saw Newman from the Jerry Seinfeld show a few days ago shopping at a grocery store and I said to my wife, "That's Newman."

She looked at him and said, "No, he looks like him, but he was overweight."

I went around and looked for something that I normally don't buy and turned and looked. It was Newman. I went and told my wife. She didn't believe me.

Normally I don't go up to actors and introduce myself, but I was irritated at her. So I went up to him and said, "Didn't you play Newman?"

He smiled and nodded. So I extended my hand and we shook hands. We stood there for a few seconds. He seemed like a really nice guy. I said to him, "I really enjoyed your acting."

I wish I knew what his name was. I should look it up in imdb, but I got so many things to do. LOL

 

[Michele Seidman]

Normally I don't go up to actors and introduce myself, but I was irritated at her. So I went up to him and said, "Didn't you play Newman?"

filmman

i love that you phrased it that way "didn't you play...". because THAT is the truth...he was not the character but he did play it and asking that way is just so cool. too many call actors by their character names in the street. honestly...it is part of why i walked away from the biz for many years. i played a bad girl and people treated me like i was the character instead of the good two shoes i was!

i cannot imagine how it must have felt for people like Bob Denver who spent most of his life being called Giligan!

i just love you phrased your question that way...

michele

 

[filmman]

I'm very sensitive with actors. I checked out your imdb; you have a lot of credits -- very impressive. Hope you score big in Slamdance.

 

[Michele Seidman]

I'm very sensitive with actors. I checked out your imdb; you have a lot of credits -- very impressive. Hope you score big in Slamdance.

don't know about a lot but i love what i do! fingers and toes crossed on slamdance....and someone needs to make me stop getting all worked up an excited about it...lol..i feel like a kid being told you get to go to the candy store and have anything....ha ha ha...but not for a few more weeks....ACK....i want candy now! lol

 

[Martay]

Interesting question that I never thought of in terms of whether it was proper set ettiquette or not.

Personally, I always talk to actors and call out their actual names if addressing them.

When discussing character with them, we talk about the character as a third person. I haven't worked with too many true Method Actors (at least who were at the time I worked with them) in the sense that they wanted or requested anyone treat them as their character other than the other actors while filming.

I have been on sets where directors call out character names and even sometimes aren't sure the names of small supporting characters and must be prompted by someone (often, me) to address them by name (I know, I shouldn't be messing with the director as an AD or Producer, etc. but often they look to me lost at what to say to an actor, so I volunteer their name to facilitate communication).

I just think that you show respect to your actors by appreciating your relationship with them enough to recognize them as individual artists. If you do not take time to actually do so, whether intentionally or unintentionally, it seems to give a signal that you think of them as merely a tool in the factory.

After all, I don't call the AD..."A.D." or the Dolley Grip "D.G." (actually we do often refer to Dolley Grips as "The Dolley Lama" on my sets just out of a term of endearment an affection that's been a tradition since my first short...don't know if many others use that expression (I'm sure they do, much like I bet my sets aren't the only sets to serenade the sound unit with a Sade-like ode to the "Boom Operator" as they arrive on the scene).

But instead of rambling, just wanted to give my personal take. I am intrigued though to see more opinions to determine if I just missed something in terms of set ettiquette.

-M

 

[filmman]

I shy away from talking about characters in the third person, because it can open up a can of worms for interpretation by the actor or the actor's alter ego. LOL I don't mean to complicate this thread, but it becomes a literary exercise. Now everybody can jump in and express what they think the character should be thinking and saying, etc.

Heaven forbid, even the script writer (unless it's you can jump in and say, "Well, that was not my intention when I wrote that line."

See my point? LOL Stick to the character names and simplify your life.

"Hello, Newman!"

"Hello, Jerry!"

 

[Martay]

I shy away from talking about characters in the third person, because it can open up a can of worms for interpretation by the actor or the actor's alter ego. LOL I don't mean to complicate this thread, but it becomes a literary exercise. Now everybody can jump in and express what they think the character should be thinking and saying, etc.

Heaven forbid, even the script writer (unless it's you can jump in and say, "Well, that was not my intention when I wrote that line."

See my point? LOL Stick to the character names and simplify your life.

"Hello, Newman!"

"Hello, Jerry!"

I understand where you're coming from but usually the conversations that I'm talking about are between me (as director) and the actors only. If others are present, I expect they let us discuss uninterupted. I've never had others throwing in opinions etc. when I discuss with the actors.

But, hey, I've not directed hundreds of projects though. So perhaps I need to refine my way of working as it becomes more frequent.

-M

 

[j1clark@ucsd.edu]

Or, you wouldn't say to Anthony Quinn, "Hey, Zorba, lay off whore No. 1 and come over here, I wanna talk to you." LOL

So, when are those scene going to be included on the special features...

I saw Newman from the Jerry Seinfeld show a few days ago shopping at a grocery store and I said to my wife, "That's Newman."

Having lived in So. Cal all my life, oddly I've only had a couple of 'celeb' sightings...

One memorable one was when The Wife and I were returning from Hawai`i and we arrived at LAX about 5 AM... we walked out to the sidewalk, looking for a cart to carry our 'carry ons'... and she spied a cart next to a limo... she rush up to the limo and ask if she could have the cart... I was a bit embarrased about her even asking and had continued on... then she screemed "Hey, John, it's Robert Redford'... turns to Mr Redford... 'Can I steal your cart'... he noded... and we moved on...

I don't know what it is... and perhaps this is why I've not had too many sightings, is I don't go looking for celebs... I think I could have looked Mr. Redford in the eye... perhaps noted a similarity, but moved on with out any form of recognition...