Working with Actors

filmman said:
I'm always looking for ways to direct efficiently and with as little effort as is possible.
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I'm not trying to pick on anyone, but herein lies the challenge that every low-budget indie filmmaker faces:

You cannot do it all and do it well.

I think as indies we should learn all aspects of the craft from concept to distribution. Being able to communicate with a writer, a soundman, an attorney, or an actor in a language they understand is essential. It also gives you a taste of each part, so you can decide where you want to put your maximum energy.

But if you eventually want to create films of marketable quality, you need to pick a discipline and find other people to do the rest. Even on a low/no budget film you can find people who have a passion for each individual discipline that will help you out.

For example, if you love being a DP and focus on that craft, you will find yourself lacking as a director. If you ever find yourself approaching a discipline with "as little effort as possible", you should (IMHO) think about what you are really trying to get out of the process. Otherwise you are giving short shrift to both the project and the other people who are putting their effort in to it.

You do not have to do it alone, and the fact is that learning to work with and lead a team of people effectively is arguably the best skill you can learn as a "filmmaker".

I'm no trying to offend. Just point out a situation that rears its head more often than I can count. The result of people who have anything less that a passion for what they are doing is often mediocrity. There is a razor thin line that separates the wannabees from the pros. The ones that cross it do no part of their job with "as little effort as possible"

And to be clear, I'm not talking to the folks getting their feet wet, or learning the craft. Nor am I speaking to those whose goal is specifically to do it all. Just those that want to make films that people will pay money to see.
 
i was basically focusing on the line readings given by the actor. a lot of the way i feel about acting comes from a theater background where it's spontaneous. i feel acting and directing are a lot like being in a band..... meaning, when you play live it's more forgiving because the performance is not under a microscope.... in most modern recording situations the song is recorded in pieces anyway and cut together later to make a coherent song..... such as.... in a movie! so without changing the subject too far and rambling anymore... a record producer and a director have a similar job they are there to keep the performers on track.... let them be creative, but keeping it within the context of the performance of the whole.... when it comes to film their are more boundries... the drummer can't do wipe out the whole time! know what i mean??
 
@Jim: You're right; a good film requires the involvement of so many good people. But to get them involved means either (1) compromising one's goals or (2) having lots of money to spare. Some people might not want to do either, I guess.
 
I disagree. Money helps a lot, but if you plan it out, treat people with respect and have a good script I have found that you can get quite a few enthusiastic and skilled people to help. The mistake that I have made , (and seen others make) is that they would rather shoot than plan, so as soon as they have enough warm bodies they go for it. That's fine the first time around. But if you want to keep getting better, you should choose projects carefully, plan them well and take the time you need to find eough good people to help. It's not an easy thing to do, and shooting is way more fun than planning. Of course eventually you have to shoot, and no project has alll the pieces in place. But you have to balance it all out.

I work for free for the right people/project and I know others who do the same.
 
i don't agree with that either. we're making Heart of Now with an ultra low budget without compromising because we hired the right people -- most of which are working for no, deferred or guild minimum pay. we were able to do this because we had nearly three months of pre-production to plan, plan, plan and to find young, hungry filmmakers who wanted to be a part of something unique. we screened some dailies for the crew yesterday and I can't tell you how much it meant to hear one of them say they were genuinely proud to be a part of making this picture.
 
Great beginning

Great beginning

I clicked on the banner for Heart of Now. This is excellent web design. I could review the project quickly and thoroughly. You've done a great job casting also.

Wishing you a great shoot :kali:
 
Excellent approach Zak. That type of attitude gets you a long way towards where you are going. I am looking forward to the opportunity to see the final film
 
It sounds lovely, but I really don't understand how one can get excellent people for no money!
 
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seunosewa said:
It sounds lovely, but I really don't understand how one can get excellent people for no money!
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Not to say its easy but its plenty possible. There are people like "you" (the general indie filmmaker) out there that want to make films or be a part of the process, but like you they have other lives and jobs. I have found a group of people that are just as dedicated if not more to filmmaking than their careers. They bring everything they got to the table for the love of the process. Actors - go to your local theater company - go to acting schools. No, you're not going to get Ed Norton or Cate Blanchette but there are fine actors out there that want to work. Its a process for them too. So do your research, meet people, make connections, be nice and respectful and keep a roladex (thats old school for Blackberry for you kids at home).
 
Yes the acting world (like all the arts to a greater or lesser extent) is full of talented people willing to work for the experience, credit and exposure in the hope of eventually bulding a career they can live off of. It's really startling (and sometimes tragic) to see how many there are, especially in a cultural hub like here in NYC. You will have to sort through the many aspirants who *don't* have much talent and ability to find them, but they're there...
 
You really need to network. That means going to things you don't feel like going to. Go to festivals, theatre groups, indie screenings, whatever. You can start right here. Your profile doesn't mention where you live, but there are bound to be some folks from this site that may be close to you. I hate networking/schmoozing, but it's part of the deal unless you have a rather large bank account.

Many areas have acting/screenwriting/filmmaking goups. Do a google search for your area. Go to local college drama departments. ANywhere you think you may be able to find someone to help.

The trick is that you have to be willing to help them out as well. If you are gracious and have an interesting project, people will fall over themselves to be involved, as long as they know you are there.. That part is up to you.
 
Oh, and don't focus on the 'no money' aspect of the deal. Be creative about how you approach it. Don't try to bullsh*t people, but try and offer them something if you can. Maybe gas money, definitely food and credit.
 
PaPa said:
im pretty much mutual in my thoughts. Having acted for more years that directing, i understand how key it is to be on the same page as the director. This is the directors job of being able to communicate his ideas without explaining how he wants the lines delivered word by word. There is nothing wrong with guiding the actor on how the director imagines the lines are going to sound, but it is up to the actor to perform those lines, and not imitate.
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So so true. Well said.
 
there are plenty of actors/actresses out there who will work for no money. i believe someone said go to a local college's theater department. that's a great idea, most of them are or have been doing plays for free for a long time. i'm sure they'd jump at a chance to do a short or feature or whatever.
 
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