Capt Quirk
Veteran
Just call them all "Fred", regardless of what their name is, or their sex. If you keep calling them Fred, it will tweak them out
what to call actors??
- Thread starter aalleexx
- Start date
The Noble Robot
Active member
I tend to discuss the characters in the third person, and refer to actors with their real name. I agree that it's a sign of respect, and speaking as someone who is epically bad at remembering names (I'll often meet someone who tells me their name as I'm shaking their hand and I've completely forgotten it by the time I let go), I think we're all intelligent and mindful enough to separate actor from character. Of course, as a matter of convenience for blocking and quick direction, it's fine (especially if actors don't mind).
When I talk to my actors, we discuss the character as a third entity, which lets them in on the process, and in my experience, yields some great ideas that I wouldn't have had on my own. Besides, these characters don't know who I am, so why am I talking to them? It makes no sense to stay so technically in-character between takes. I understand and encourage staying in an emotional space, but I'm an intellectual (rather than visceral) director, and so I find that engaging in a little Socratic dialogue with my actors is really useful for me. I want the actor to work with me, not the character.
It's certainly shows why the casting process is so important. ;-)
We only see out from our own eyes, so the proof is in the pudding, I guess. If your actors like you, you're all having fun, and the work is good, just keep going whatever you're doing.
When I talk to my actors, we discuss the character as a third entity, which lets them in on the process, and in my experience, yields some great ideas that I wouldn't have had on my own. Besides, these characters don't know who I am, so why am I talking to them? It makes no sense to stay so technically in-character between takes. I understand and encourage staying in an emotional space, but I'm an intellectual (rather than visceral) director, and so I find that engaging in a little Socratic dialogue with my actors is really useful for me. I want the actor to work with me, not the character.
It's certainly shows why the casting process is so important. ;-)
We only see out from our own eyes, so the proof is in the pudding, I guess. If your actors like you, you're all having fun, and the work is good, just keep going whatever you're doing.
Michele Seidman
Well-known member
martay
the scenario you describe is what i have seen the most, and also having the AD on hand reminding the director who i am if i am only day playing. but i am just one actor.
michele
a lot of good info here guys, thank you specially to Michele, its nice to see the actor's view on things and what you have learned from working with different directors and different sets, I am still preparing for my first short and I am gonna be working with some experienced actors and I want to connect with them, I find the actor's-director's relationship to be very very special